This study found that there are three significant factors or dimensions that are attributed to efficient and effective pedagogical practices in higher education, as perceived by the students themselves. Figure 1 briefly outlines the latent factors derived from the empirical data, providing a visual representation of what affects the students’ perception of what effective teaching is all about.
Factors and Factor Loadings
Table 1 presents the factors extracted from the data. The first factor, 'Innovative Pedagogy and Critical Engagement,' accounted for 36.6% of the total variance, while the second, 'Resource Optimization and Learning Support', and the third, 'Ethical Conduct and Emotional Intelligence', factors accounted for 28.1% and 22.1%, respectively.
Table 1. Extracted factors of student evaluation of teachers
Factors
|
Cumulative Variance
|
Items
|
Loadings
|
Innovative Pedagogy and Critical Engagement
|
36.6%
|
Promotes critical-thinking, problem-solving skills, independent thought, and exploration
Is efficient and watchful in conducting examinations
Maintains definite standards of student performance
Sets clear expectations for assignments and assessments
Is efficient and creative conducting assessments
Displays fairness and transparency in grading
Uses teaching aids in the presentation and conduct of the lesson
|
0.772
0.765
0.737
0.691
0.691
0.672
0.604
|
Resource Optimization and Learning Support
|
64.7%
|
Provides adequate resources and supplementary materials to support learning
Is organized in the use of classroom materials during lecture
Demonstrates organization and planning with creativity
Utilizes innovative engagement strategies
Creates an enriching learning environment
|
0.773
0.736
0.682
0.655
0.627
|
Ethical Conduct and Emotional Intelligence
|
86.8%
|
Provides freedom to express opinions in the class
Is poised, tempered, and with good emotional disposition
Consistently displays professional conduct and ethical behavior
|
0.768
0.759
0.619
|
The first component, Innovative Pedagogy and Critical Engagement, consists of elements like critical thinking, problem-solving, and fairness in assessment processes. This factor suggests that students gives weight on creative, engaging, and equitable evaluation and teaching methods in their evaluation of teaching effectiveness.
Secondly, Resource Optimization and Learning Support underscores providing adequate resources and being organized in teaching. This indicates that students consider how teachers use instructional materials and the level of support that the resources they provide as they assess their competence in their role as facilitators of learning.
Lastly, the third component, Ethical Conduct and Emotional Intelligence, comprises factors related to the ethical and affective behaviors of the teacher, such as their openness to expression of opinions and maintenance of a professional demeanor. This reflects that students place importance on these aspects of the teaching practice, apart from the teacher’s skills and knowledge.
Inter-Factor Correlations
Table 2 shows the inter-factor correlation among the three identified factors or components. The factor Innovative Pedagogy and Critical Engagement is strongly correlated with both Resource Optimization and Learning Support with a coefficient of 0.823, and Ethical Conduct and Emotional Intelligence with a coefficient of 0.814. Moreover, the last two factors also has high correlation with a coefficient of 0.793. Table 2. Correlations among the identified factors
|
Innovative Pedagogy and Critical Engagement
|
Resource Optimization and Learning Support
|
Ethical Conduct and Emotional Intelligence
|
Innovative Pedagogy and Critical Engagement
|
-
|
0.823
|
0.814
|
Resource Optimization and Learning Support
|
|
-
|
0.793
|
Ethical Conduct and Emotional Intelligence
|
|
|
-
|
This data indicates a strong relationship among factors, which implies that the areas influencing students’ perceptions of teaching effectiveness are not isolated but are perceived as interrelated dimensions of teaching effectiveness.
Innovative Pedagogy and Critical Engagement
This factor is highly appreciated by students who value teaching methods that actively involve them. Critical engagement encourages them to question, analyze, and evaluate information from different points of view, which builds intellectual independence and resilience. Basically, students prefer learning environments that make them think critically and solve problems independently. With this, it is important to set and share clear learning outcomes and assessment processes so that students know what to expect and what is expected of them. This leads to a more focused engagement with the course materials and a more efficient way to achieve these outcomes. Apart from this, clear-cut performance standards and innovative assessment methods provide benchmarks for students to measure their own progress and a student-centered learning environment for them, as these make them more accountable of their learning and promotes fairness (Ye, 2024).
Resource Optimization and Learning Support
This factor highlights the importance of effectively using and maximizing educational resources. It, essentially, involves the efficient allocation of physical resources and strategic use of human resources. Specifically, it emphasizes the utilization of technology in and for education through online learning platforms, digital resources, and tools that enhance the learning experience. These also include textbooks, visual aids, and practical applications that offer diverse ways of presenting information and engaging students. Apart from this, it also points to the kind of learning support that is given to students, such as academic counseling, tutoring programs, mentorship, and accessibility services for differentiated and personalized learning (Li, 2024). Basically, comprehensive and well-organized materials warrant effective teaching and seamless transition between and amongst concepts, topics, skills, and level of proficiency. Thus, the effective resource utilization of teachers makes a dent in their overall effectiveness as facilitators of learning and managers of their class.
Ethical Conduct and Emotional Intelligence
This factor points to the interpersonal aspects of teaching. In terms of ethical conduct, this refers to the principles guiding the ways that a teacher interacts with others, which include honesty, fairness, and integrity. Teachers who display higher ethical standards are more effective in becoming role models and in inculcating the values of responsibility and respect to their students. Because of this, understanding and promoting academic honesty and integrity in Education 5.0 calls for a deeper analysis of ethical concerns in digitalized learning environments (Ekeh et al., 2024). Moreover, professional conduct, should also be considered. Taking account of the preparedness, communication skills, and ethical behavior of a teacher, it is important to note that these have an effect on students’ perceptions of their teacher’s competence and credibility. Equally, emotional intelligence involves understanding and managing emotions while tuning in to the how the students are, simultaneously. This helps in creating a more supportive and safer learning environment, and can lead to stronger connections between teachers and students. This connection can then help in making positive impact in the students’ well-being and academic success. Research also shows that students who feel free to express their ideas are more likely to participate in learning activities. This implies that openness in expression can support inclusivity in classrooms, critical thinking, and embracing diverse perspectives well. So, focusing on ethical conduct and emotional intelligence cultivates empathy, understanding, and acceptance of oneself and others in the classroom. This, then, extends beyond the four walls of the classroom contributing to compassionate, just, empathetic, and more humane society.
Implications
The factors underscore the importance of a more holistic approach to teaching, even in higher education. This approach should integrate pedagogical skills, resourcefulness, and socio-emotional competence. Effective teaching, then, does not just involve the delivery of content but also creating a positive and responsive learning environment for the learners, while modeling values through teaching practices. Teacher development programs, then, should not just focus on knowledge transfer, but should also encompass pedagogical innovation, resource management, and cultivation of emotional intelligence. These programs should include mentorship, peer and professional learning communities, and continuous professional development resources that are available to their teachers consistently. Moreover, higher education institutions should emphasize on these competencies in teacher education programs, regardless of the field of specialization, by including courses on diverse assessment strategies, educational technologies, and promotion of an empathetic, responsive, and inclusive education. Apart from these, teacher evaluation systems that recognize these interconnected competencies and educational policies promoting a more comprehensive understanding of teaching effectiveness are essential. In summary, these factors point to an evolving perception of teaching quality, where it is not just seen in pragmatic and practical means, such as success rates in terms of proficiency, but also through the personalized aspects of the teaching-learning process, which includes student engagement, well-being, and preparedness for future challenges.