The Practice of Research Innovation in Higher Learning Institutions: Implication for Quality Education Mwanza-Tanzania

Abstract

This study explored practice of research innovation in higher learning institutions; implication for quality Education. Higher learning with high provision of research activities would attract finance from different agencies. Globally, research exploration contributes significant benefits to society. The study posed three objectives: to identify roles of research in higher learning institutions in Mwanza, determine areas for research innovation in higher learning, to examine possible strategies to curb challenges facing research innovation. Three higher learning institutions in Mwanza city were involved. The research adopted mixed paradigms. A number of 140 respondents were involved in the study. The study adopted cross-sectional survey design, which allows the researcher to visit the field in a single point of time, collect both narrative and quantitative information concurrently, analyze separately and merge it at the end of the study. Data gathering were questionnaires, descriptive guide, and observation. Instruments were validated, piloted; the result indicated 0.81 Cronbach Alpha demonstrating that tools were acceptable. Information was coded using descriptive statistics with the assistance of the package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 21. Narrative data was subjected to word clouds program. Various themes emerged and used in report writing. The findings displayed that; research enables learners to be critical thinkers, problem solvers, empower the youths, gives self-confidence, it gives autonomy and provides monetary funds. However, were varieties of challenges facing research innovation as monetary capital, lack of institutional partnership and low learners registration. Hence, government should set policy that would ensure research is given paramount priority in all learning.