Role of Teaching Quality Enhancement (TQE) on Student Satisfaction and Academic Performance in Higher Education: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Teaching quality is a significant aspect of higher education as it affects the way students learn, their classroom experiences and academic performance. This research examined students' views on the improvement of teaching quality and the impacts on student satisfaction and academic performance in universities. A case study qualitative approach was used. A purposeful sample of ten university students who were enrolled in Education courses in public and private universities was chosen. Semi-structured interviews were used to gather data using a set of 15 adopted open-ended questions. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the interviews, and three main themes emerged to address the study's research questions: (1) students' perceptions of teaching quality enhancement; (2) teaching quality and student satisfaction; and (3) teaching quality and academic performance. Results indicated that students perceived clarity, examples, discussion, frequent feedback and polite teaching to be important aspects of teaching quality. Students were more satisfied when the teacher communicated politely, engaged students in classroom discussion and provided timely feedback and support. They also reported that good teaching enhanced their learning, helped them with their assignments and exam scores and boosted their motivation and self-esteem. The research finds that improving the quality of teaching is not just about teaching and technology; it also involves teacher communication, feedback and encouragement of student learning. Universities need to prioritise teacher development, and effectively use students' feedback to enhance teaching.

Keywords: Teaching quality enhancement, student satisfaction, academic performance, higher education, qualitative case study, thematic analysis