Academic achievement and personality traits of faculty members of Indian agricultural universities: their effect on teaching and research performance

ABSTRACT

Purpose: The present study was undertaken to assess academic achievement, teaching aptitude and research attitude of Indian agricultural universities’ faculty, to predict indicators for successful teachers and researchers, and thereby enhancing the quality of higher agricultural education. Methodology: Five hundred faculty members were selected to elicit information on academic, teaching and research achievements. Teaching aptitude and attitude of faculty towards research were measured through standard psychometric tests. Correlation and regression analysis was carried out to establish the relationship among selected variables. Findings: Combination of academic achievement and teaching aptitude was a superior predictor for the teaching achievement compared to either of them alone. Similarly, research achievement of faculty was predicted better by the combination of academic achievement and research attitude. Practical Implications: The study showed the need for training faculty members in interpersonal relationships for effective teaching, and in research methodology and research processes for improving research attitude of faculty. Theoretical Implications: The expectancy-value model provides a useful framework to understand the role of attitude/aptitude in better prediction of research and teaching behavior. Originality/Value: The present study showed that teaching aptitude and research attitude be considered along with academic achievements for promoting quality teaching and research and hence the educational programmes.

KEYWORDS:

• Teaching aptitude
• research attitude
• agricultural education
• academic achievement
• teaching achievement
• research achievement
• quality of teaching
• quality of research

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Notes on contributors

P. Ramesh is a Principal Scientist (Educational Psychology) in the Division of Education Systems Management Division, ICAR-National Academy of Agricultural Research Management, Hyderabad, India.

K. M. Reddy is a retired Principal Scientist for ICAR-National Academy of Agricultural Research Management, Hyderabad, India.

R. V. S. Rao is a Principal Scientist in the Division of Human Resource Management, ICAR-National Academy of Agricultural Research Management, Hyderabad, India.

A. Dhandapani is a Principal Scientist (Agricultural Statistics) in the Division of Information and Communication Management, ICAR-National Academy of Agricultural Research Management, Hyderabad, India.

G. Samba Siva is a Young Professional (Agricultural Statistics) in ICAR-National Academy of Agricultural Research Management, Hyderabad, India.

A. Ramakrishna is a Professor of Education, Department of Education, Osmania University, Hyderabad, India.