TERMS OF REFERENCE

RESEARCH GRANTS FOR STUDENTS IN INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER LEARNING TO PROMOTE CRITICAL THINKING-2024

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.

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. ZANEC therefore wishes to support 10 students to conduct research on topical issues 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 2024 academic year.
• 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 the following areas:

• Access and Equity: Examining issues related to access to higher education, including enrollment rates, gender parity, and marginalized groups.
• Quality Assurance: Assessing mechanisms for ensuring the quality and relevance of academic programs, teaching methodologies, and learning outcomes.
• Governance and Management: Analyzing governance structures, leadership dynamics, and institutional management practices.
• Funding and Sustainability: Investigating financial challenges, resource allocation, and strategies for enhancing sustainability.
• Research and Innovation: Exploring the role of research in addressing societal needs, fostering innovation, and contributing to national development.
• Student Welfare and Support Services: Assessing the availability and effectiveness of support services for students, including counselling, health care, and career guidance.
• Digital Transformation: Investigating the integration of technology in teaching, learning, and administrative processes.
• 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

1. Submit a research proposal expressing interest in undertaking research in any of the above-provided topics, outlining focus, methodology and timelines.
2. Must be available to attend an inception orientation meeting on research methodologies.
3. Carry out academic research in a period of not more than two months.
4. Timely submission of completed research documents after two months of research.
5. 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,  1^st  March 2024.

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.