The choice of a higher education institution: A preliminary investigation of the considerations of Jewish and Arab teachers studying for a master degree in education

Abstract

This paper aimed to explore the factors influencing Jewish and Arab teachers in Israel when choosing a higher education institution (HEI) for their master’s degree studies. Participating teachers (n=138), all students in master’s degree programmes in education, were asked about their considerations when choosing their HEI, according to two groups of factors: the HEI’s reputation and the convenience of the HEI. They were also asked to evaluate their programme’s academic standard and level of support. The results indicated that these students chose their HEI primarily for convenience factors and less for the HEI’s reputation. They positively evaluated the courses’ academic standard but did not feel that the HEIs were very supportive. Both Jewish and Arab students felt that the HEI’s reputation was less important than convenience considerations; yet, for Arab students, the elite of their society, the reputation and quality are considered to be almost equally important as convenience considerations. We conclude that despite the significant trend of 'massification' of the HEIs, HEIs should do their best to maintain their reputation as well their convenience to attract students from minority groups. Further research on the issue is recommended to confirm this study’s conclusions.