Malaysian nurses’ views: Local versus Transnational Higher Education

Nirmala Devi Arunasalam

doi:10.33182/bc.v7i1.485

Authors

Nirmala Devi Arunasalam Regents University London Regents Centre for Transnational Studies, Regents University London, Inner Circle, Regent's Park, London, NW1 4NS

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.33182/bc.v7i1.485

Keywords:

Top-up, local, Malaysia, Nurses, Transnational Higher Education, TNHE

Abstract

This paper reports the findings of a study undertaken with Malaysian nurses who studied for a locally provided part-time post-registration top-up Nursing Degree versus those who studied on a Transnational Higher Education (TNHE) programme. Both types of programmes are bridging courses that allow registered nurses to upgrade their Diploma qualifications to Degree level. What is not sufficiently explored in available literature is nurses’ rationales for choosing a local programme over TNHE programme. Using hermeneutic phenomenology, six Malaysian nurses (chosen by snowball sampling method) were interviewed, in English and Bahasa Malaysia (Malaysian language). Thematic analysis was used to analyse data. The structure of the course and taught theory influenced the nurses’ choice to study on a local programme: the deciding factor was the practice component that ensured a theory-practice connection. The findings principally provide insights to TNHE providers and may guide them to enhance their teaching delivery, support and courses.

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Author Biography

Nirmala Devi Arunasalam, Regents University London Regents Centre for Transnational Studies, Regents University London, Inner Circle, Regent's Park, London, NW1 4NS

Dr Nirmala (Mala) Devi Arunasalam, is a Vising Research Fellow, a nurse academic and has worked in a range of adult clinical settings. Her research interests focus on Internationalisation and Transnational Higher Education, qualitative methodology, culture and pedagogy. The theory-practice link grounded on evidence based teaching and the realities and needs of practice is at the heart of Mala’s teaching philosophy and informs her teaching. She pursues pedagogical research by focusing on inclusive, innovative and on-line teaching and learning methods to enhance the student nurses, nurses and mentors’ intercultural classroom and practice communication, engagement and experiences.