Archives: September 2009

29 Sep 2009, Comments (0)

Possible Changes to Jordan Secondary Leaving Exam

Author: transcriptresearch

This article in the Jordan Times discusses proposed changes to the Tawjihi (General Secondary Certificate Examination) and the challenges that its proponents face.  One possible change suggests funneling students into scientific, administrative, and other secondary school programs – with specific requirements by field -  so that they can focus on academic futures while in secondary school.  The programs would culminate with exams spread out over four semesters rather than the two that are currently in play.  The article addresses pros and cons of the suggested reforms and opinions from government officials, parents, and students.  In addition, the government has created a website that provides more information and allows for comments about the proposed changes: www.newtawjihi.jo

http://www.jordantimes.com/?news=20194

27 Sep 2009, Comments (0)

Quick Intro to New Saudi University

Author: transcriptresearch

This article, which briefly discusses the newly launched King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), focuses on the stark contrast between this modern, high-tech, independently run co-edu university and the religiously-dominated public higher education sector.  While the article doesn’t go in to the many changes that Saudi Arabia is trying to make to further its standing in world quality education, it’s still a very interesting read.

http://www.reuters.com/article/latestCrisis/idUSLC319484

23 Sep 2009, Comments (0)

New Ethiopian University Entrance Exam

Author: transcriptresearch

Students who complete Ethiopian vocational secondary education programs now have the opportunity to further their education by taking the first national entrance exam for 10+3 TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) graduates.  TVET programs are geared towards students who were unsuccessful on their 10th year national exam and were thus funneled into occupational programs rather than college-prep programs.  However, some of them may be successful at higher education and now have the opportunity to sit the new exam as long as they meet the entrance requirements (completing level 3 and 4 occupational certifications and 2 years of work experience).

http://addisfortune.com/University%20Entrance%20Exams%20for%20Vocational%20Graduates.htm

22 Sep 2009, Comments (0)

Poland Funding Private Universities

Author: transcriptresearch

Increasing numbers of European universities are moving towards a fee-based model and away from an all-free, all-the-time system.  In some cases, however, institutions are finding that the best structures are those that are supported by both the state and the students since both are served by the higher education sector.

Private universities in Poland have formally requested financial assistance from the Ministry of Science and Higher Education, a move that has the support of the Polish students’ parliamentary association.  Not only has the idea not yet been rejected, but some claim that the government has reacted in a positive manner, seeing the need for a common goal amongst all universities, both public and private, to work towards educating its citizenry.  The government has gone so far as to create a work group – which includes the Finance Minister/adviser to the Prime Minister – that is specifically tasked to examine the financial aspects of higher education in order to identify the legal and financial ramifications for financially assisting private universities.

http://polskieradio.pl/thenews/business/artykul116384_state_to_fund_private_universities.html

21 Sep 2009, Comments (0)

Weekly Update on Indian

Author: transcriptresearch

India’s got so much going with their education administration, that we’re going to try to do a weekly update.  Today, we have two articles from to share.

First of all, approximately 50 universities from the US, the UK, Australia, and others, are knocking on the Ministry of Human Resource Development’s doors to get their shot at setting up foreign campuses in the country.  At a time when Indian’s own higher education sector is bursting at the seems and falling short of its own quality needs, the Foreign Education Providers Bill is poised to combat a government panel’s recommendation that only the top 200 foreign universities be allowed to set up shop in India.

To follow up on a report posted here, the University Grants Commission (UGC) is opposed to the direction of the newly created National Commission for Higher Education and Research (NCHER).  Naturally, UGC employees are concerned about displacement by the new regulating body but also the fact that the UGC should have been able to interact with the committee but were left out of discussions.  In addition, the UGC points out that the entire NCHER has met only twice – and decided against an empirical study of India’s higher ed system in favor of meeting with selected stakeholders – but feels ready to make long-reaching changes to the country’s education structure.

http://www.livemint.com/2009/09/16230253/Education–50-foreign-varsiti.html?h=B

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/news/india/UGC-finds-fault-with-proposed-higher-edu-commission/articleshow/5010911.cms

20 Sep 2009, Comments (0)

Australia's Higher Education Strikes

Author: transcriptresearch

Australia joins a growing list of countries whose educators and administrative staff (and sometimes students) have used strikes this year to make their voices heard, particularly when it comes to promises (often pay-related) left unmet by the government; Nigeria, Kenya, France, Benin, Germany, Iran, Venezuela, the US, and the Bulgaria have all felt the pull.

Last week, sixteen universities across all states in Australia went on strike to improve conditions in higher education to bring attention to issues such as salaries, workload, job security, and other issues.  Additional strikes may occur in the coming weeks at the behest of the National Tertiary Education Union.

More information can be found at http://www.edu1world.org/Global/19087

14 Sep 2009, Comments (0)

Australian University Demand

Author: transcriptresearch

Australia’s universities are set for record-breaking enrollments this year while 18,500 eligible students are unable to enroll at universities.  Applications rose 5.6% compared to last year, and the number of admitted students also rose, but only by 1.7%.  Part of the increase in applications is the global economic climate; more people hope to strengthen their future marketability by increasing their academic credentials while simultaneously taking themselves out of a presently risky job market.  However, the government has set a target to increase the number of 25-34 year olds who hold Bachelor degrees, and this disparity in eligible students and available seats highlights the need for significant growth in Australia’s higher education market to meet their short- and long-term enrollment and graduation goals.

http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,24897,26049481-601,00.html

9 Sep 2009, Comments (0)

Iraq's Educational Struggles

Author: transcriptresearch

Iraq stands as another country whose educational system has been ravaged by war. Formerly a model of education throughout the Middle East, Iraq now suffers from having a population where nearly 1/4 of  its adults are unable to read.   The article highlights the need for increased school attendance and outreach to displaced Iraqis, especially those in rural areas and refugees in neighboring countries.  The article culminates by summarizing Iraq’s current teacher education standards and training.

http://www.rferl.org/content/Once_Seen_As_A_Model_Iraq_Struggles_To_Rebuild_Its_Education_System/1817721.html

7 Sep 2009, Comments (0)

Gaza Education Difficulties

Author: transcriptresearch

It’s too easy for those of us not in the thick of things to forget that wars and “social unrest” can spell catastrophe for everything from damage to personal property to a complete half of formal education.  The Institute for Middle East Understanding shares an article on the status of university destruction, cleanup, and reconstruction in the wake of invasion earlier this year.

http://imeu.net/news/article0017135.shtml

6 Sep 2009, Comments (0)

Finland's Higher Education Update

Author: transcriptresearch

Finnish higher education is about to experience a major update, which is detailed in the Higher Education Management and Policy article, “Brave New World: Higher Education Reform in Finland” available online for free via University World News.  The article discusses the Finnish university reforms recently passed by the government, which includes university mergers, the creation of a new (world class) university, independent legal status for universities to increase autonomy but also will lead to tuition for students for some programs, a history and overview of higher education in Finland, and more.

http://www.universityworldnews.com/filemgmt_data/files/Brave_New_World_Dobson_%26_Elander.pdf

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