Identifying future development strategies for research in the Iranian higher education system with a qualitative approach

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Educational Sciences, Faculty of Mohaghegh and Payam Noor University, Ardabil, Iran.

2 Post-doctoral student of educational management, Faculty of Educational Sciences and Psychology, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran.

Abstract

Background and Objective: Today, future research in higher education has become necessary as one of the main prerequisites for long-term policy and planning of the university system. Therefore, the aim of the current research was to identify the solutions for the development of the field of future research from the experts' point of view.
Research Methodology: The current research was conducted with a qualitative approach in terms of practical purpose. The target group of the current research was experts and specialists in the field of future research in the country, using the purposeful and snowball sampling method, 12 of the experts in this field were selected as the sample of the research, and a semi-structured interview was conducted. and theoretical saturation was obtained. Thematic analysis method was also used to analyze the data.
Findings: After analyzing the data from the interviews, the total of free codes extracted from the content of the interviews was 76 codes, which were classified into 12 similar concepts and finally 12 solutions based on the opinions of the experts. It was identified for the development of the field of future research in the country's universities, which are: creating a discourse on the necessity of future research in the country; preparation of educational packages for future studies; supporting theoretical research in the field of future research; Strengthening interdisciplinary activities in universities; policy-making at the ministry level; operationalizing future research in universities; Understanding the necessity of future research in governing institutions; Modifying and revising the course headings of the field; Establishing the position of future research in organizations and projects; Taking advantage of the successful experiences of the world's top universities; providing employment opportunities; Institutionalization of future-research culture and thinking in the university.
Conclusion: The findings of this research can be used in the macro-policies of higher education in line with the development of the field of future studies.

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Main Subjects

References

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History

  • Receive Date: 29 June 2022
  • Revise Date: 11 July 2022
  • Accept Date: 11 October 2023

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