The effect of open access journals on academic performance of undergraduate students in University of Lagos, Lagos State
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Background of the Study:
Open access journals have revolutionized academic research and learning by providing free and immediate access to peer-reviewed research articles and scholarly papers. At the University of Lagos, undergraduates increasingly rely on these journals to complement their coursework and foster a deeper understanding of contemporary subjects (Williams, 2023). The removal of paywalls has not only democratized knowledge but has also contributed to a more inclusive educational landscape that promotes academic excellence. Open access journals play a critical role in enabling students to access cutting-edge research, fostering critical thinking and enhanced academic performance. As higher education institutions continue to incorporate digital learning materials, students' engagement with these journals has become pivotal in developing research acumen, stimulating intellectual curiosity, and bridging theoretical knowledge with practical insights. Issues such as the credibility and peer-review processes of open access journals still spark debates about their efficacy (Johnson, 2024). However, empirical evidence suggests that when used effectively, these journals can drive improvements in students’ academic achievements by offering diverse perspectives and updated knowledge that are not readily available through conventional texts (Smith, 2023). This study aims to evaluate the direct impact of open access journals on undergraduates' academic performance, exploring both benefits and potential challenges to gauge their overall contribution to higher education quality.
Statement of the Problem:
Undergraduate students at the University of Lagos face challenges when integrating open access journals into their academic work. While these journals offer extensive and timely research articles, students often struggle with issues related to academic credibility and appropriate referencing. Additionally, the lack of training in digital resource management, combined with concerns about the quality assurance of some open access publications, has led to inconsistent academic performance improvements. This study seeks to understand the extent to which these challenges affect the students’ learning outcomes and overall academic performance. By identifying the obstacles in fully leveraging open access journals, the study will provide insights into bridging these gaps, ensuring that open access continues to serve as a robust tool for academic advancement (Taylor, 2023).
Objectives of the Study:
To assess the contribution of open access journals to undergraduates' academic performance.
To identify challenges related to the use of open access journals.
To recommend strategies that improve the integration of these journals into academic curricula.
Research Questions:
What is the relationship between open access journal usage and academic performance among undergraduate students?
What challenges do students face when using open access journals?
How can the effective utilization of open access journals be enhanced within the academic framework?
Significance of the Study:
The study is significant for academic policymakers and educators, as it provides crucial insights into optimizing open access journal usage to enhance academic performance. The findings will inform curriculum development and digital literacy programs, ensuring improved research skills and academic success for undergraduates (Martinez, 2024).
Scope and limitations of the study:
This study is limited to examining the impact of open access journals on the academic performance of undergraduate students at the University of Lagos. It does not extend to postgraduate or other educational institutions or examine factors beyond educational resource utilization.
Definitions of Terms:
Open Access Journals: Peer-reviewed periodicals that provide free public access to scholarly articles.
Academic Performance: The measurable outcomes of students’ academic work, including grades and comprehension.
Digital Resource Management: The effective handling, access, and utilization of digital information resources.
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