1 / 5

Convergence and Diversity in European Higher Education

Exploring the importance of diversity in higher education, examining its various dimensions and the impact of macro-level trends on diversity. Evaluating governmental strategies and policies that encourage diversity and discussing the role of rankings in shaping diversity. Reflecting on the potential benefits and challenges of developing a European typology of HEIs.

Download Presentation

Convergence and Diversity in European Higher Education

An Image/Link below is provided (as is) to download presentation Download Policy: Content on the Website is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use and may not be sold / licensed / shared on other websites without getting consent from its author. Content is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use only. Download presentation by click this link. While downloading, if for some reason you are not able to download a presentation, the publisher may have deleted the file from their server. During download, if you can't get a presentation, the file might be deleted by the publisher.

E N D

Presentation Transcript


  1. Convergence and Diversity in European Higher Education Bjørn Stensaker

  2. Diversity in higher education: the point of departure • Is diversity a ”public good”? - Both normative (democratic) and functional arguments in favour of diversity • Many notions of diversity: The three most common are: - Institutional diversity - Student diversity - Study Programme diversity • In Europe, institutional diversity at centre stage, but perhaps student and programme diversity needs greater attention?

  3. Is diversity under pressure? • What impact does processes such as Bologna, Lisbon, NPM, Globalisation have on diversity? - Macro level convergence in structures, policies and strategies - Micro level diversity is still not under pressure due to: a) Poor understandings of macro-level initiatives and trends b) Creative interpretations/translations of policies and reform initiatives c) The path-dependency of systems and institutions

  4. What policies and governmental strategies facilitate diversity? • Jury still out with respect to the respective advantages concerning ”state-led” or ”market-based” solutions • Maybe that is a sign that this dichotomy take attention away from the important issues: - It is the State that allows the market to play - What are the key mechanisms for stimulating diversity? - What is the role of the State vs that of HEIs in institutional development/profiles, etc?

  5. Some brief reflections on current trends • What is the impact of rankings? - Rankings narrow down what is measured and have today a negative impact on diversity - One could argue that the best response is ”more” rankings – not fewer… • Towards a European typology of HEIs? - advantage: new ”ideals” will be visible - danger: typologies may also put pressure on diversity • However, it is when you imitate that you innovate, and it is when you try to change that you discover who you are…

More Related