Professor Dr. Moha: Yamin Hossain
Department of Fisheries, University of Rajshahi.
The primary goal of any university or institution of higher education is the creation of new knowledge and its effective application. Research activities play an immensely important role in achieving this goal. “Teaching without research” refers to a form of education in which the teacher merely delivers previously acquired knowledge, but does not attempt to create anything new. This acts as a major barrier to the quality of education and the overall progress of society.
The Relationship Between Research and Academic Excellence:
1. Creation of New Knowledge:
Research is a process through which new theories, methods, technologies, or knowledge are created.
– Example: Isaac Newton’s “theory of gravity” was the result of research. It enriched multiple branches of science.
2. Enhancement of Education Quality:
When a teacher is actively involved in research, their teaching methods also improve. This is because research teaches them to think about new ideas and innovations.
– Example: Finland’s education system is research-based. Here, teachers are engaged in their own research, which improves the learning experience of students.
“Teaching Without Research” and Its Harmful Effects:
1. Stagnation of Delivered Knowledge:
If a teacher is not involved in research, they merely repeat old knowledge or theories. This deprives students of contemporary, necessary knowledge.
– Example: In technology, if a teacher instructs students using programming languages from 10 years ago, students will not be prepared to work in the current market.
2. Lack of Student Motivation:
Teachers actively involved in research share their experiences and inspire students to engage in research. A teacher without research lacks this ability to inspire.
– Example: At the University of Tokyo in Japan, teachers encourage students through research activities, which has helped boost the country’s innovative capacity.
3. Decline in Institutional Ranking:
The quality of a university is measured by the quantity and quality of its research. If teachers do not participate in research, the institution’s ranking and reputation decrease.
– Example: In rankings such as Times Higher Education or QS, the number of research publications is a key criterion.
4. Hindrance to Societal Progress:
New problems can be solved and innovations made through research. Teaching without research deprives a generation of such skills.
– Example: In the medical sector, if a country cannot develop new treatments for diseases due to lack of research, it is detrimental to the entire society.
Why does “teaching without research” exist?
1. Inadequate Funding:
Research requires laboratories, equipment, and materials. In many cases, teachers cannot be involved in research due to insufficient funds.
– Example: Many universities in developing countries lack sufficient funding for research.
2. Lack of Training:
Proper training and skills are required to conduct research. Many teachers lack these skills.
3. Administrative Burden:
Teachers are often assigned administrative responsibilities, which reduce their time and opportunities for research.
4. Lack of Motivation:
The absence of proper evaluation of research outcomes creates a lack of motivation among teachers.
How Can Excellence in Teaching Be Achieved Through Research?
1. Ensuring Funding:
Funds for research must be ensured from government or private sources.
– Example: The Chinese government has sparked a revolution in the country’s research and development sector by increasing investment in research.
2. Research Training:
Regular research training should be organized for teachers.
3. Encouragement:
Teachers who achieve success in research should be rewarded and their accomplishments recognized.
4. Creating an Integrated Environment:
A research-friendly environment should be created where teachers and students can work together.
Conclusion
“Teaching without research” is the main obstacle to the advancement of education. It is detrimental not only to a specific institution or students, but to the entire progress of society. Research should be regarded as a primary responsibility of teachers. Therefore, by maintaining a balance between research and teaching, it is possible to move toward academic excellence.
Note: Collected from Facebook:——–https://www.facebook.com/share/p/17QNP3oPKN/
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