An Online Survey of the Problems Being Faced by Students and Teachers in Higher Education with Special Reference to Jammu Region

Abstract

In the present paper results from an online survey have been reported. The study was conducted to identify the problems being faced by the teachers and students working/enrolled in institutions of higher education in Jammu region. The survey involved a sample of 350 students and 50 teachers (total 400), selected randomly from a population of 4000 community members both students and teachers who were enrolled as members of a social media platform Educational Community. For the purpose of conducting survey, two questionnaires, one meant for students and the other for teachers were constructed and uploaded on Survey Monkey website for administration. The participants were free to respond through the use of desktop computers, laptops, tablet/iPads, smart phones etc. The responses were later analysed. Students and teachers were able to identify different problems they were facing while receiving/imparting education in higher education institutions. These were ranked in order of magnitude. The main problems in case of students were lengthy courses/curriculum for studying, long distance between institution and residence, inability to express ideas, less or no financial-aid/scholarships, lack of communication skills, financial problems in the family, etc. Problems reported by teachers were regarding the salary, workload, job insecurity etc. The results highlight the need to conduct such surveys periodically so that the problems faced by the major stakeholders in higher education can be identified and solutions provided to raise the quality of higher education in different regions.