Scientific Research in Jordanian Higher Education Institutions: An Evaluation of the Status and Obstacles.

This study aimed at identifying the status and obstacles of scientific research in Jordanian higher education institutions. And defined by being an attempt to increase faculty member's, researcher's and educational leader's attention to the necessity of improving research planning or strategies, professional development, working conditions, support, research financing, effectiveness of research, private sector support, the ethics of research and qualified researchers. The main questions of the study was: What is the status and obstacles of scientific research of higher education institutions in Jordan as perceived by the deans and vice deans of the scientific research departments? The results of the study indicated that The decline in Jordanian higher educational scientific research because of the lack of resources along with the abuse of those available --The lack of a motivation for research --The lack of a strategic plan for research --The poor economic condition of university staff. --Jordanian higher educational scientific research is characterized by a decrease of its funding. --A very sensitive issue which affects the productivity of research is the ethics of research. The lack of procedures for monitoring research leads to plagiarism, ********** Higher education constitutes the best and most accurate model of the system which is highly appreciated by the citizen in the world. It is one of the components of the educational apparatus. More importantly, its primary function is to produce and provide advanced scientific knowledge, as well as ensure methodological training for specialized medium and high-ranking executives. Further, higher education strongly represents the scientific research aspiration towards progress and building a better future. The scientific research is an essential component for any country to achieve sustainable and global development. It is also essential for the enhancement of citizens' participation in public life, for social mobility, for the achievement of harmony, justice, and comprehensive peace, at both internal and international levels, on the basis of the respect for human rights, active participation of citizens, and mutual respect. The scientific research should aim at education to educate well-aware, autonomous, and responsible citizens committed to national and universal principles, capable of dealing with the challenges of the century and of lifelong learning, and that could be accomplished easily through scientific research in education, and higher education. Education would always be the concrete and base of nation, should begin in research, and end in research. Education without scientific research can governed by dogma, superstition, tradition and other form of prejudice about what work well and be good for those involved in the educational process. Higher education institutions must define their missions in harmony with the overall aims and principles. These missions should be translated into well-defined objectives, with allocation of the required resources, and the establishment of concrete mechanisms proper to ensure adequate monitoring and evaluation of progress and achievements based on scientific research. A framework for evaluation and monitoring should thus be established and strengthened in all institutions, with proper academic, structures, and resources. Murphy (1996) likens educational research to a bridge over troubled water. The troubled water represents the stormy world of education. The educational research is the bridge standing in the water, immersed in it but not downed by it. Education needs educational research like rivers need bridges. At the same time, bridges need inspection and maintenance, educational research needs review and orientation. After all research is asymmetric, critical and self-critical enquiry alms to contribute to the advancement of knowledge. …