Integrating business and liberal arts within a Cambodian higher education institution: Insights from action research

Authors

  • Nathan Polley LSi Business School
  • Gina Polley Hope International School

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.62037/cjer.2023.03.02.02

Keywords:

Higher education institution, enquiry-based learning, online learning, liberal arts, business education, Cambodia

Abstract

This study applied a framework previously established in a Cambodian secondary education institution using an action research methodology to develop and deliver an online and face-to-face course in a Cambodian public university during and after COVID-19 lockdowns in 2020 and 2021. The course sought to integrate business and liberal arts through enquiry-based learning to help learners explore the history and development of business through various art movements and social lenses. Findings from focus groups in this action research study suggest that integrated business-liberal arts education can be effective in creating holistic learning but requires Cambodian educators to consider the teaching context and scaffold the learning, particularly for critical thinking and research. Recommendations are made to strengthen the future delivery of this course and other courses delivered in Cambodian higher education.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

Author Biographies

Nathan Polley , LSi Business School

Nathan Polley is a professional educator with experience across consulting, education leadership and management, research, corporate training, project management, and administration in various senior education management roles in Australia, Aotearoa-New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Egypt, and Cambodia. Nathan currently lives and works in Cambodia where he works as Deputy Dean of Graduate Programs with LSi Business School.

Gina Polley, Hope International School

Gina Polley is a professional educator with extensive experience in secondary and tertiary education in Australia, Aotearoa-New Zealand, Egypt, and Cambodia. She currently holds the role of High School Deputy Principal at Hope International School in Phnom Penh where she works with students and staff to improve educational quality and performance.

References

Allen, R., & Rooney, P. (1998). Designing a problem-based learning environment for ESL students in business communication. Business Communication Quarterly, 61(2), 48–56. https://doi.org/10.1177/108056999806100207

American University of Phnom Penh. (2019). General education. https://www.aupp.edu.kh/general-education/

ASEAN Post. (2020, January 4). Cambodia’s failing education system. The ASEAN Post. https://theaseanpost.com/article/cambodias-failing-education-system

Bamidele, A. (2021). Student-centered interactions within an ESL classroom using online breakout rooms (Social Science Research Network Scholarly Paper 3878774). https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.3878774

Banchi, H., & Bell, R. (2008). The many levels of inquiry. Science and Children, 46(2), 26–29.

Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2006). Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qualitative Research in Psychology, 3(2), 77-101. https://doi.org/10.1191/1478088706qp063oa

Biggs, J. (2014). Constructive alignment in university teaching. HERDSA Review of Higher Education, 1, 5–22.

CamEd Business School. (2023). Curriculum, Credits: Courses required for the Bachelor of Accounting and Finance. https://cam-ed.com/curriculum-credits-electives/

Carr, W., & Kemmis, S. (2006). Becoming critical: Education, knowledge and action research. Routledge.

Chaturvedi, K., Vishwakarma, D. K., & Singh, N. (2021). COVID-19 and its impact on education, social life and mental health of students: A survey. Children and Youth Services Review, 121, 105866. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.childyouth.2020.105866

Chea, P., Chankoulika, B., & Ryuto, M. (2022). Cambodian secondary school teachers’ readiness for online teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic (Working Paper No. 134). Cambodia Development Research Institute. https://cdri.org.kh/publication/cambodian-secondary-school-teachers-readiness-for-online-teaching-during-the-covid-19-pandemic

Chen, C. (2022). A study of middle school English grammar teaching in the CLT framework. Frontiers in Educational Research, 5(3), 97-101. https://doi.org/10.25236/FER.2022.050316

Chet, C., Ford, D., & Ahrens, L. (2022a). Reforming Cambodian universities: Building best practice at the Royal University of Phnom Penh. In V. McNamara & M. Hayden (Eds.), Education in Cambodia: From Year Zero towards international standards (pp. 241–257). Springer Nature. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-16-8213-1_13

Chet, C., Sok, S., & Sou, V. (2022b). The antecedents and consequences of study commitment to online learning at higher education institutions (HEIs) in Cambodia. Sustainability, 14(6), Article 6. https://doi.org/10.3390/su14063184

Chhaing, S. (2022). Insights into life of academics at private higher education institutions in Cambodia in light of neoliberalism. Cogent Education, 9(1), 2062891. https://doi.org/10.1080/2331186X.2022.2062891

Chhaing, S., & Phon, S. (2022). Motivation of academics in the Global South: A case from Cambodia higher education. Journal of Applied Research in Higher Education, ahead-of-print. https://doi.org/10.1108/JARHE-08-2022-0241

Cifuentes-Faura, J., Obor, D. O., To, L., & Al-Naabi, I. (2021). Cross-cultural impacts of COVID-19 on higher education learning and teaching practices in Spain, Oman, Nigeria and Cambodia: A cross-cultural study. Journal of University Teaching & Learning Practice, 18(5), 1-20. https://doi.org/10.53761/1.18.5.8

Creswell, J., & Poth, C. N. (2017). Qualitative inquiry and research design: Choosing among five approaches (4th ed.). Sage Publications. https://revistapsicologia.org/public/formato/cuali2.pdf

Croft, N., Dalton, A., & Grant, M. (2015). Overcoming isolation in distance learning: Building a learning community through time and space. Journal for Education in the Built Environment, 5(1), 27–64. https://doi.org/10.11120/jebe.2010.05010027

Doeur, B. (2021). The role of digital technology in English major programs in Cambodia. In K. Heng, S. Kaing, D. Kao, M. Muong, B. Doeur, & T. Lor (Eds.), Online learning during COVID-19 and key issues in education (pp. 62–72). Cambodian Education Forum. https://cefcambodia.com/2021/12/15/the-role-of-digital-technology-in-english-major-programs-in-cambodia/

Doeur, B. (2022). Promoting teachers’ continuous professional development in Cambodian higher education: Issues and recommendations. Cambodian Journal of Educational Research, 2(1), 119-134. https://doi.org/10.62037/cjer.2022.02.01.07

Doeur, B., & Heng, K. (2023). Continuing professional development for university teachers in Cambodia: Impediments and solutions. Cambodia Development Center. https://www.cd-center.org/continuing-professional-development-for-university-teachers-in-cambodia-impediments-and-solutions/

Dostál, J. (2015). Inquiry-based instruction. Palacký University.

Farjon, D., Smits, A., & Voogt, J. (2019). Technology integration of pre-service teachers explained by attitudes and beliefs, competency, access, and experience. Computers & Education, 130, 81–93. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2018.11.010

Ford, D. (2013). Cambodia: Subprime degrees? International Higher Education, 70, Article 70. https://doi.org/10.6017/ihe.2013.70.8708

Goold, A., Augar, N., & Farmer, J. (2006). Learning in virtual teams: Exploring the student experience. Journal of Information Technology Education: Research, 5, 477–490. https://doi.org/10.28945/260

Hannafin, M., & Hannafin, K. (2010). Cognition and student-centered, web-based learning: Issues and implications for research and theory. In J. M. Spector, D. Ifenthaler, P. I. Kinshuk, D. Sampson (Eds.), Learning and instruction in the digital age (pp. 11–23). https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-1551-1_2

Hattie, J. (2012). Visible learning for teachers: Maximizing impact on learning. Routledge.

Heng, K. (2014). The relationships between student engagement and the academic achievement of first-year university students in Cambodia. The Asia-Pacific Education Researcher, 23(2), 179–189. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40299-013-0095-8

Heng, K., & Doeur, B. (2022). Digital transformation in higher education: Key to enhancing Cambodia’s higher education sector. Cambodian Journal of Educational Research, 2(1), 146–156. https://doi.org/10.62037/cjer.2022.02.01.09

Heng, K., Doeur, B., & Din, L. (2023a). Promoting higher education quality in Cambodia: Challenges and recommendations. Cambodian Journal of Educational Research, 3(1), 92–109. https://doi.org/10.62037/cjer.2023.03.01.05

Heng, K., Sol, K., & Em, S. (2023b). COVID-19 and digital transformation of Cambodian higher education: Opportunities, challenges, and the way forward. In P. O. d. Pablos, X. Zhang, & M. N. Almunawar (Eds.), Handbook of research on education institutions, skills, and jobs in the digital era (pp. 307-327). IGI Global. https://doi.org/10.4018/978-1-6684-5914-0.ch018

Heng, K., & Sol, K. (2021). COVID-19 and Cambodian higher education: Challenges and opportunities. In K. Heng, S. Kaing, D. Kao, M. Muong, B. Doeur, & T. Lor (Eds.), Online learning during COVID-19 and key issues in education (pp. 31-48). Cambodian Education Forum. https://cefcambodia.com/2021/12/15/covid-19-and-cambodian-higher-education-challenges-and-opportunities/

Heng, K., & Sol, K. (2023). Challenges facing higher education in Cambodia and ideas for reform. Cambodian Journal of Educational Research, 3(1), 1-19. https://doi.org/10.62037/cjer.2023.03.01.01

inquirED. (2020). Inquiry-based learning: A student-centered learning process? https://www.inquired.org/what-is-inquiry

Jung, I., Nishimura, M., & Sasao, T. (Eds.) (2016). Liberal arts education and colleges in East Asia: Possibilities and challenges in the global age. Springer.

Keuk, N. C., & Tith, M. (2013). The enactment of English-Medium Instruction (EMI) undergraduate program in Cambodia: Students’ voices. International Journal of Innovation in English Language Teaching and Research, 2(2), 159–175.

Knowles, M. S., Holton III, E. F., & Swanson, R. A. (2015). The adult learner (7th ed.). Routledge.

Koba, M. (2013, April 15). Why businesses prefer a liberal arts education. CNBC. https://www.cnbc.com/id/100642178

Lanvin, B., & Evans, P. (2018). Global talent competitive index 2018: Diversity for competitiveness [Annual Report]. INSEAD. https://www.insead.edu/sites/default/files/assets/dept/globalindices/docs/GTCI-2018-report.pdf

Leng, P., Khieng, S., Chhem, R., & Smith, G. (2021). De-framing STEM discourses in Cambodia. Cambodia Development Resource Institute. https://www.cdri.org.kh/storage/pdf/WP%20127E_De-framing%20STEM_1622794628.pdf

Long, S., Duang-Ek-Anong, S., & Vongurai, R. (2021). Determinants of business education on student satisfaction in higher education: A case study in Cambodia. The Journal of Asian Finance, Economics and Business, 8(3), 1405–1416. https://doi.org/10.13106/jafeb.2021.vol8.no3.1405

Magro, A., Gring-Pemble, L. M., & Bishop, C. R. (2022). Integrating liberal education, business, and high-impact practices – the case of George Mason University’s School of Business. Journal of International Education in Business, 15(1), 32–51. https://doi.org/10.1108/JIEB-03-2021-0041

McCurdy, D. (2015). Success for life: Towards a logical design framework for the Bachelor of Applied Arts and Bachelor of Applied Management degree programmes for EDENZ colleges [Internal Report]. EDENZ Colleges.

McInnerney, J. M., & Roberts, T. S. (2004). Online learning: Social interaction and the creation of a sense of community. Journal of Educational Technology & Society, 7(3), 73–81. https://www.jstor.org/stable/jeductechsoci.7.3.73

Mertler, C. A. (2014). Action research: Improving schools and empowering educators. Sage Publications.

Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport. (2018). Education in Cambodia: Findings from Cambodia’s experience in PISA for Development. https://www.oecd.org/pisa/pisa-for-development/PISA-D%20national%20report%20for%20Cambodia.pdf

Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation. (2022). Research ethics. Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation. https://misti.gov.kh/public/file/202206141655189999.pdf

Ngin, C. (2018). To what extent does the Cambodian education curriculum prepare students for a knowledge-based economy? Policy Brief of the Cambodian Education Review, 1, 1-6. https://dopomoeys.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/policy-brief_Issue-1-2018En.pdf

O’Connor, J., Jeanes, R., & Alfrey, L. (2016). Authentic inquiry-based learning in health and physical education: A case study of ‘r/evolutionary’ practice. Physical Education and Sport Pedagogy, 21(2), 201–216. https://doi.org/10.1080/17408989.2014.990368

Paris, D. C. (2007). Business and the liberal arts: Integrating professional and liberal education. The Council of Independent Colleges. https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED499104.pdf

Pasquerella, L. (2019, September 19). Yes, employers do value liberal arts degrees. Harvard Business Review. https://hbr.org/2019/09/yes-employers-do-value-liberal-arts-degrees

Peou, C. (2017). On Cambodian higher education and skills mismatch: young people choosing university majors in a context of risk and uncertainty. Journal of Education and Work, 30(1), 26-38. https://doi:10.1080/13639080.2015.1119258

Phillips, G. C., & Hall, D. E. (2016, July 21). Liberal arts or business education? Both, deans say. Washington Post. https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/grade-point/wp/2016/07/21/liberal-arts-or-business-education-both-deans-say/

Polley, N. (2021). From the training room to the classroom: Applying concepts of corporate training and tertiary education in secondary education. Proceedings of the International Conference on Teaching, Education and Online Learning, 1(1), 63-73. http://dx.doi.org/10.32789/tel.2021.1005

Savignon, S. J. (1997). Communicative competence: Theory and classroom practice (2nd ed.). McGraw-Hill Humanities/Social Sciences/Languages.

Savignon, S. J. (2008). Interpreting communicative language teaching: Contexts and concerns in teacher education. Yale University Press.

Seifert, T. A., Goodman, K. M., Lindsay, N., Jorgensen, J. D., Wolniak, G. C., Pascarella, E. T., & Blaich, C. (2008). The effects of liberal arts experiences on liberal arts outcomes. Research in Higher Education, 49(2), 107–125. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11162-007-9070-7

Selvarajah, C., Meyer, D., & Donovan, J. (2013). Cultural context and its influence on managerial leadership in Thailand. Asia Pacific Business Review, 19(3), 356–380. https://doi.org/10.1080/13602381.2012.714630

Seng, S. (2015). Exploring English language needs according to undergraduate students and employers in Cambodia. International Journal of Linguistics and Communication, 3(1), 87-96. https://doi.org/10.15640/ijlc.v3n1a11

SICA Network. (2018). Benchmarking quality assurance in Cambodian higher education. http://www.sica-project.eu/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/SICA_Benchmarking-quality-Assurance-in-Cambodian-HIgher-Education_comp.pdf

Smegen, I., & Ben-Horin, O. (2020). Inquiry-based learning. Brill. https://doi.org/10.1163/9789004436510_005

Smith, C. (2008). Design‐focused evaluation. Assessment & Evaluation in Higher Education, 33(6), 631–645. https://doi.org/10.1080/02602930701772762

Sok, C. (2021). Critical thinking: An essential-yet-missing skill among Cambodian students. In K. Heng, S. Kaing, D. Kao, M. Muong, B. Doeur, & T. Lor (Eds.), Online learning during COVID-19 and key issues in education (pp. 85-94). Cambodian Education Forum. https://cefcambodia.com/2021/12/15/critical-thinking-an-essential-yet-missing-skill-among-cambodian-students/

Sok, S., & Bunry, R. (2021). Higher education in Cambodia. In L. P. Symaco & M. Hayden (Eds.), International handbook on education in South East Asia (pp. 1–24). Springer Nature. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-16-8136-3_47-1

Spronken-Smith, R. (2008). Experiencing the process of knowledge creation: The nature and use of Inquiry-Based Learning in higher education. Proceedings of the International Colloquium on Practices for Academic Inquiry, 1(1), 1–17. https://ako.ac.nz/assets/Knowledge-centre/inquiry-based-learning/SUMMARY-REPORT-Inquiry-based-Learning.pdf

Swan, M. (1985). A critical look at the Communicative Approach (1). ELT Journal, 39(1), 2–12. https://doi.org/10.1093/elt/39.2.76

Umar, M., & Ko, I. (2022). E-Learning: Direct effect of student learning effectiveness and engagement through project-based learning, team cohesion, and flipped learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. Sustainability, 14(3), Article 3. https://doi.org/10.3390/su14031724

Un, L., & Sok, S. (2018). Higher education systems and institutions, Cambodia. In P. N. Teixeira & J.-C. Shin (Eds.), The international encyclopedia of higher education systems and institutions (pp. 1–10). Springer Netherlands. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-017-9553-1_500-1

Vojvoda, R., & Meas, B. (2022, April 5). New research confirms Cambodian children experienced extensive “learning loss” during COVID-19, requiring increased investment in education. UNICEF. https://www.unicef.org/cambodia/press-releases/new-research-confirms-cambodian-children-experienced-extensive-learning-loss-during

Williams, J. H., Kitamura, Y., & Keng, C. S. (2016). Higher education in Cambodia: Expansion and quality improvement. In Y. Kitamura, D. B. Edwards, C. Sitha, & J. H. Williams (Eds.), The political economy of schooling in Cambodia (pp. 167–186). Palgrave Macmillan. https://doi.org/10.1057/9781137456007_9

World Bank. (2018a). School enrollment, tertiary (% gross)—Cambodia. The World Bank. https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SE.TER.ENRR?contextual=region&locations=KH

World Bank. (2018b). Urban population (% of total population)—Cambodia. The World Bank. https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SP.URB.TOTL.IN.ZS?locations=KH

Yang, L. (2014). Examining the mediational means in collaborative writing: Case studies of undergraduate ESL students in business courses. Journal of Second Language Writing, 23, 74–89. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jslw.2014.01.003

Yann, S. (2018). Hard skills and soft skills for employment. United Nations Development Program - Cambodia. https://www.kh.undp.org/content/cambodia/en/home/presscenter/articles/2018/hard-skills-and-soft-skills-for-employment.html

Yu, H., & Li, H. (2014). Group-based formative assessment: A successful way to make summative assessment effective. Theory and Practice in Language Studies, 4(4), 839–844. https://doi.org/10.4304/tpls.4.4.839-844

Downloads

Published

13-05-2025

How to Cite

Polley , N., & Polley, G. (2025). Integrating business and liberal arts within a Cambodian higher education institution: Insights from action research. Cambodian Journal of Educational Research, 3(2), 7–34. https://doi.org/10.62037/cjer.2023.03.02.02