Terms of Reference – Research Grants for Students in Institutions of Higher Learning to Promote Critical Thinking at Zambia National Education Coalition (ZANEC)

TERMS OF REFERENCE

RESEARCH GRANTS FOR STUDENTS IN INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER LEARNING TO PROMOTE CRITICAL THINKING

BACKGROUND

The Zambia National Education Coalition (ZANEC)’s core mandate is to conduct evidence-based advocacy for quality education for all Zambians. Therefore the mission of ZANEC is to serve as a national Coalition of education organizations promoting quality and inclusive education for all through research, advocacy, social accountability and member capacity building.

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ZANEC has been running a Student Research Mentorship Programme since 2018 with the support of the Norwegian Students’ and Academics’ International Assistance Fund (SAIH). Since then, several students from various Private and Public Institutions of Higher Learning across the country have been provided with technical and financial support to conduct academic-style research on topical issues.

RATIONALE

The ZANEC research mentorship programme is designed to enhance research skills, critical thinking as well as promote effective analytical and communication skills that are globally sought-after and are incredibly beneficial for students pursuing higher education. With the advent of the COVID 19 pandemic, institutions of higher learning have had to close and open irregularly to combat the spread. This has resulted in learning loss among most students. One of the mitigation measures taken by higher learning institutions is the introduction of the blended approach to learning. This approach has reduced individual student contact with lecturers, which is inevitable for research skills related mentorship. In order to address this challenge and mitigate the negative impact of COVID 19 on learning outcomes, ZANEC will support some students to enhance their undergraduate research skills.

1. RESEARCH PURPOSE

To provide ten (10) students who are enrolled at any Zambian private or public university or college with an opportunity to enhance their research skills.

RESEARCH OBJECTIVES

• Support identified students to conduct research on topical issues for the academic year 2022.
• Through the research findings, create evidence to support ZANEC’s advocacy on the promotion of academic freedoms in institutions of higher learning.

2. SCOPE OF WORK

Successful applicants will conduct academic research. Preference will be given to research topics focusing on Access and equity at Higher Learning Institutions, social and psychological well-being of students in institutions of higher learning; assessing the quality of education provided at higher learning institutions and other topics may include, but will not be limited to female participation in student affairs, sexual harassment of students in higher learning institutions and inclusive societies.

 KEY DELIVERABLES

• Submit research proposal expressing interest in undertaking research in any of the above-provided topics, outlining focus, methodology and timelines.
• Must be available to attend an inception orientation meeting on research methodologies.
• Carry out academic research in a period of not more than two months.
• Timely submission of completed research document after two months of research.
• Submit 2 hard copies and a soft copy of the final research report to ZANEC.

3. REQUIRED COMPETENCIES

Must be an enrolled second or third-year student at an institution of higher learning (university or College).

All research proposals must be submitted through email or hand delivered to the address below by Friday, 7th March 2023.

The Executive Director,

Zambia National Education Coalition,

Baptist Fellowship Building,

Plot 3061/2 Corner Makishi Road and Great East Road,

P.O. Box 30774,

Lusaka-Zambia,

Email: admin@zanec.org.zm

Guiding Notes for Student Research Proposals:

Your research proposal should include but not limited to:

1.            Research Topic

2.            Statement of the problem

3.            Purpose (objectives of the study)

4.            Specific objective/s

5.            Methodology

6.            Literature Review

7.            Hypothesis

8.            Definition of terms

9.            Assumptions

Kindly note that the above is a guide designed to ensure that your proposal follows a standard structure.