Challenges, effectiveness and sustainability of educational programs in Chinese universities: Basis for continuous improvement plan

The study intended to comprehensively assess the current state of education programs and identify areas for development and enhancement.By doing so, it aimed to provide evidence-based recommendations and strategies that promote the holistic growth, effectiveness, and sustainability of education programs in Guizhou Minzu University and Guizhou Normal University.It employed a descriptive quantitative analysis method.Researcher's made questionnaire was utilized.The sample size was 385.Findings showed that majority of Teachers at Guizhou Minzu University are female, in 31 years old age bracket, with units in master's degree, teaching for 6 to 10 years, and attended 6 to 1o trainings or seminars related to sustainability and effectiveness of education programs.Moreover, it is found out that challenges on education as to access and equity, quality assurance, financial sustainability, faculty and staffing, curriculum and pedagogy, assessment and evaluation, and student engagement and retention were of moderate extent.In addition, education programs in terms of academic performance, student engagement, and satisfaction was effective.Sustainability of education programs as to availability and allocation of financial resources, infrastructure development, faculty recruitment and retention, and community engagement was generally agreed by the respondents.Difference on challenges, effectiveness and sustainability was generally not significant when categorized as to profile variables.There was no significant association between challenges and effectiveness on education programs.A generally weak correlation between the challenges and sustainability of education programs was noted.Lastly, the observed significant relationship between students' engagement and the availability and allocation of financial resources implies that as student engagement decreases, there is an increased need for sufficient availability and effective allocation of financial resources.The study concluded that challenges on education programs existed, effectiveness of education programs needed to be improved and its sustainability was generally agreed or positive but must be improved as well.