Higher education

Purpose: The objective of this study was to identify and delineate the competency model dimensions essential for faculty members at Farhangian Universities in Tehran. This research aimed to explore the specific competencies necessary to enhance the effectiveness and professional development of faculty in an educational setting. Methodology: This qualitative study employed semi-structured interviews to gather data from 29 faculty members across various departments at Farhangian Universities in Tehran. Participants were selected using purposive sampling to ensure a diverse representation of experiences and perspectives. Theoretical saturation was achieved to ensure the comprehensiveness of the data collected. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the interview transcripts and identify key themes and categories representing faculty competencies. Findings: Five main themes representing essential faculty competencies were identified: ethical competencies, scientific competencies, research competencies, communication competencies, and information technology competencies. Each theme comprised several categories detailing specific competencies, such as individual integrity, pedagogical expertise, research skills, interpersonal communication, and technological proficiency. Conclusion: The study highlighted a comprehensive set of competencies required by faculty members at Farhangian Universities in Tehran to effectively fulfill their educational roles. These competencies span across ethical considerations, scientific knowledge, research capabilities, communication skills, and technological adeptness. Addressing these competencies through targeted development programs could significantly enhance faculty performance and, consequently, student learning outcomes.

In today's competitive world, universities and organizations are successful that are able to make the most of information and knowledge. For this reason, many universities have started knowledge orientation through entrepreneurship education. The aim of the present study was to investigate scientific articles and researches in relation to entrepreneurship education model. To identify the elements of the native model of entrepreneurship education, a qualitative approach and content analysis method was used. Therefore, for this purpose, 50 articles developed by local and international authors were reviewed. Findings showed that entrepreneurship education model can be classified in three dimensions of capability-oriented, personality-oriented and lesson-oriented themes, which can be used to design a native model of entrepreneurship education in higher education.

The e-learning integration has emerged as an alternative strategy, significantly improving teaching and learning experiences in higher education worldwide. However, it has also presented different challenges and opportunities for teachers and students. This comparative, cross-cultural study explored the perspectives of German vs. Iranian EFL teachers on e-learning integration in higher education. The data were collected utilising a mixed-methods design and based on convenient sampling through two questionnaires on challenges and opportunities, semi-structured interviews, and observations from 26 German EFL teachers and 92 Iranian EFL teachers. The study focused on the Technology Acceptance Model and the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology. The questionnaire findings revealed that both groups recognised significant challenges and opportunities in e-learning. German teachers appreciated organisational improvements and evaluative innovations, whereas Iranians valued stress reduction and access to materials. Both groups faced technological and administrative challenges, with Iranians reporting more severe difficulties, highlighting the need for tailored support and resources to enhance online education. Interviews indicated a preference for face-to-face instruction among Germans, with greater resistance to online formats compared to Iranians. Younger teachers in both contexts showed more positive attitudes towards e-learning, with a consensus on the future of blended learning. The observations also supported the findings. Results indicated significant differences and similarities between the two contexts, highlighting technological, academic, pedagogical, and cultural factors influencing e-learning integration. The study findings could offer practical implications for policymakers and material developers, emphasising the need for custom-made e-learning strategies for different educational contexts. This cross-cultural comparison could suggest insights for teachers interested in integrating e-learning into their teaching.

Although email correspondence is a common means of communication between scholars from different cultures, little attention is paid to writing academic emails in tertiary education. The present investigation is aimed at studying the influence of genre education on the formation of academic writing skills and understanding the principles of academic correspondence. The main methods used in the study were experiment and survey. The research was carried out on the basis of National Research Nuclear University MEPhI. The participants of the study were postgraduate (PhD) students (n = 100) with a major in Physics, Electronics, Computer Science, and other technical areas. The results of the study show that the students made considerable progress in their academic email writing skills even after a short period of explicit instruction applying the genre-based approach. Most of the students changed their way of thinking about writing emails for academic purposes in English and became aware of the norms of formal writing. Moreover, the results of the experiment and survey justify the necessity of including academic email writing in the curriculum of teaching Academic English and demonstrate strong potential of genre-based learning in other genres involving academic writing.

While there is a growing interest in poetry writing, it is important to explore students' experiences of writing poetry related to their meaningful lived experiences in an English as a Foreign Language setting. The study aims to investigate students' perceptions, emotions, and desires toward the activity of autobiographical poetry writing. Valid responses were obtained from 143 EFL students through a Qualtrics online survey, which examined their experiences in composing autobiographical poetry and its impact on their perceptions, emotions, and desire to learn poetry. The participants came from ten universities across various regions in Indonesia. Descriptive statistics and thematic analysis revealed that participants perceive writing autobiographical poetry to be a challenging experience due to technical language and poetic style. They also demonstrated a range of emotions, notably fear and anxiety, despite believing that the activity is beneficial. Although most of them experienced many challenges in autobiographical poetry writing, they expressed a desire to continue learning how to write poetry in the future. Participants were able to express their personal experiences in meaningful ways through their poems despite their anxiety about poetry writing. Hence, this study can serve as a stepping stone toward integrating poetry into Indonesian EFL curricula as a form of meaningful literacy

Purpose: The objective of this study is to explore and identify effective strategies for implementing a comprehensive cultural-educational system at Farhangian University. Methods and Materials: This qualitative research utilized semi-structured interviews with experienced faculty and administrative staff at Farhangian University. Participants were selected based on specific criteria, including their educational background, expertise in cultural and educational roles, and extensive professional experience. The data collection involved in-depth interviews, and the analysis was conducted using thematic analysis to identify key themes and strategies essential for the implementation of the cultural-educational system. Findings: The findings revealed several key themes crucial for the successful implementation of the cultural-educational system. These included the need for clear communication of the comprehensive system plan to managers, the importance of employing experienced faculty and non-faculty members in managerial positions, and prioritizing the cultural unit with dedicated cultural experts. The study also highlighted the necessity of structured curriculum design, legal permissions for course credibility, and the creation of supportive infrastructure, including digital platforms and adequate facilities. Additionally, delegating part of the cultural programs to the provinces was found to foster creativity and innovation among students. Conclusion: The study concludes that a comprehensive cultural-educational system requires clear communication, experienced leadership, structured curriculum design, legal credibility, and supportive infrastructure. By addressing these key areas, universities can create an inclusive and effective educational environment that supports the overall development of stu

In today's competitive world, universities and organizations are successful that are able to make the most of information and knowledge. For this reason, many universities have started knowledge orientation through entrepreneurship education. The aim of the present study was to investigate scientific articles and researches in relation to entrepreneurship education model. To identify the elements of the native model of entrepreneurship education, a qualitative approach and content analysis method was used. Therefore, for this purpose, 50 articles developed by local and international authors were reviewed. Findings showed that entrepreneurship education model can be classified in three dimensions of capability-oriented, personality-oriented and lesson-oriented themes, which can be used to design a native model of entrepreneurship education in higher education.

This qualitative phenomenological study explored the culture of virtual education in Iranian higher education, focusing on the lived experiences of 31 professors and students. Employing structured interviews and thematic analysis, the research identified one overarching theme and six primary subcultures: interaction and communication, scientific and academic processes, emotional dynamics, exclusion, acceptance, and neutrality. The findings revealed that virtual education reshapes traditional academic norms by enabling wider scientific communication, reducing knowledge monopolies, and increasing collaboration across institutions. However, challenges such as diminished emotional connections, weakened academic commitment, increased superficial learning, and reduced in-person engagement also emerge. Students' and professors' attitudes toward virtual education varied, ranging from full acceptance to indifference. These orientations are influenced by personal values, learning styles, technological familiarity, and institutional support. While virtual education fosters academic freedom and access, it simultaneously disrupts emotional and spatial dimensions of learning environments. The study concludes that understanding the cultural dimensions of virtual education is crucial for policymakers and educators to enhance its effectiveness. Tailoring educational planning to account for emotional, structural, and communicative factors will be essential in ensuring the long-term sustainability and equity of virtual education in higher education contexts.