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Title
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Normalising The Abnormal: Examining The Enduring Aftermaths Of Widening And Deepening Of Access To Zimbabwean Higher Education System
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Creator
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Benard Chisiri
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Perfect Sianzvovu
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Noah Mutongoreni
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George Shava
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Itai Zvawanda
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Krammer Chatiza
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Allen Mutumwa
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Abstract
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This study sought to identify the abnormal practices that have become the order of the day and endured in higher education institutions. These practices have been instigated by strides to widen and deepen access to education under the banner of ‘education for all’ as well proffer a way forward for achievement of best practices in higher education system. The study adopted a qualitative approach. A multiple case study design and phenomenological design (dual design) were used with a focus on one public and one private university all conveniently selected from Manicaland Province of Zimbabwe. Twenty Universities in Zimbabwe constituted the study population. In-depth interviews were conducted with the University Quality assurance officers who were purposively sampled. Fourteen students from each university were conveniently selected to participate in focus group discussions. The study found that “normalized” practices, which among others are: unchecked population explosions, staff shortage and high turnover, poor infrastructure and equip mentation challenges, compromised calibre of students enrolled, commoditization and commodification of education and declining government funding were rife. In view of this, it is recommended that in order to return to normalcy in the Higher Education system of Zimbabwe the “abnormal” practices should be expeditiously dealt with through: strict adherence to enrolment regulations, offering of attractive staff retention packages to curb qualified lecturer flight, higher education funding be prioritised and teaching and learning infrastructure should match global Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) standards and best practices. This would guarantee the production of high quality graduates. Key Terms: Quality in higher education, Normalising, Abnormal, Widening and Deepening, Higher Education
Institutions (HEIs)
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Date
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2023
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Source
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IOSR Journal Of Humanities And Social Science (IOSR-JHSS)
