Roles of Higher Diploma Programme in Enhancing Internal Quality of Higher Education: The Case of Ambo University, Ethiopia

Abstract

Quality of education really matters, because it has direct effect on generating productive citizens. The purpose of the study was to assess roles of HDP in professionalization of higher education instructors. It also aimed at enhancing internal quality of higher education. Semi-structured interview and non-participant classroom teaching observations were used to gather data from participants. The qualitative research method through comparative case study design was used to analyze data. The results of the current study show that HDP plays significant roles in professionalization of instructors and in enhancing internal quality of higher education. Instructors who have been certified in HDP implemented contemporary learner-centered pedagogy through constructivist approach whereas instructors who have not been certified in HDP implemented conventional teacher-centered pedagogy through behavioral approach to deliver their course contents. The study implies that HDP training should be compulsory for every instructor in higher education regardless of academic rank and experience. Furthermore, Ambo University should give due emphasis to the implementation of pedagogical skills obtained from HDP by conducting a follow-up assessment.