TY - JOUR
T1 - Transnational education delivery in Ghana
T2 - examining the benefits, challenges and future prospects
AU - Owusu-Agyeman, Yaw
AU - Amoakohene, Gertrude
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
© 2020 Society for Research into Higher Education.
PY - 2020
Y1 - 2020
N2 - Transnational education (TNE) has developed over the years as a branch of international education that focuses on cross-border teaching and learning through local partners and branch campuses in host countries. While there have been concerns over the quality of TNE delivery in host countries, there is a paucity of empirical research that highlights education delivery, especially in host institutions. This study examines the benefits, challenges and prospects of TNE delivery in a host institution in Ghana. Using a mixed-method approach, we collected and analysed data from management representatives (n = 2), academic staff (n = 5) and students (n = 197). Results show that TNE enhances students’ learning experiences through diversified and reflective curriculum, highly rated pedagogical approach and acquisition of knowledge in global business practices. Lecturers reported enhanced pedagogical skills and knowledge of cutting-edge quality assurance and assessment processes. Challenges such as lack of clear policy guidelines governing TNE partnership, cultural differences among partners, inadequate learning resources for students, high cost of fees and difficulty in designing a bespoke curriculum to meet local needs were highlighted. The study further articulates the importance of developing policies that guide TNE delivery and the relationship between partners by regulatory bodies in the higher education sector.
AB - Transnational education (TNE) has developed over the years as a branch of international education that focuses on cross-border teaching and learning through local partners and branch campuses in host countries. While there have been concerns over the quality of TNE delivery in host countries, there is a paucity of empirical research that highlights education delivery, especially in host institutions. This study examines the benefits, challenges and prospects of TNE delivery in a host institution in Ghana. Using a mixed-method approach, we collected and analysed data from management representatives (n = 2), academic staff (n = 5) and students (n = 197). Results show that TNE enhances students’ learning experiences through diversified and reflective curriculum, highly rated pedagogical approach and acquisition of knowledge in global business practices. Lecturers reported enhanced pedagogical skills and knowledge of cutting-edge quality assurance and assessment processes. Challenges such as lack of clear policy guidelines governing TNE partnership, cultural differences among partners, inadequate learning resources for students, high cost of fees and difficulty in designing a bespoke curriculum to meet local needs were highlighted. The study further articulates the importance of developing policies that guide TNE delivery and the relationship between partners by regulatory bodies in the higher education sector.
KW - Transnational education
KW - franchised education
KW - higher education
KW - institutional theory
KW - students’ experience
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85094939640&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1080/23322969.2020.1774408
DO - 10.1080/23322969.2020.1774408
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:85094939640
SN - 2332-2969
VL - 4
SP - 135
EP - 163
JO - Policy Reviews in Higher Education
JF - Policy Reviews in Higher Education
IS - 2
ER -