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Structure of Presentation
1. Introduction2. Why a ‘commission’ to look at the future?3. Diversification at three levels4. Associate Degree5. Lifelong Learning6. Conclusions
Growth in student numbers…
Student numbers will increase to almost 700.000 in 2020:
Increase in first year enrolments:
Universities: + 40%
Hogescholen: +20% Projections growth of student numbers
(Commission report, p 63)
…but is it enough?
The growth in student numbers is more than welcome, as
the 50 % participation target will not be reached. Benchmark on reaching the 50 % target
(Commission report, p 64)
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Take a step back…
Student backgrounds and preferences are increasingly diverse;
These students will need to be increasingly prepared for a European labor market in a knowledge economy;
Financial means for higher education have not been adequate for at least 20 years: there is a problem of quality.
… and envisage a vision
The role of higher education leaders, students and professionals in realizing reforms should be strengthened;
Ownership of a ‘vision’ for higher education for the next decade is central for its success;
Vision should not ‘revolutionize’ but strengthen and incentivize positive developments.
Rec 1: Diversification at three levels
Rec 2: Associate Degree
Tension between two aims Qualification in higher education; Qualification that has direct relevance for the labour
market.
Two recommendations:1.Only associate degrees that have an exit point
in the labour market;2.Allowing vocational schools and universities of
applied science more autonomy in designing their governance.
Rec 3: Lifelong Learning
Relative number of bachelor and master graduates (Commission report, p 91)
The Netherlands has a relatively small amount of master graduates when compared to other countries.
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Rec 3: Lifelong Learning
1. Expand the offer of professional master programs, particularly at the universities of applied science.
2. ‘Demand-led’ lifelong learning: give the student lifelong learning rights to follow courses at an institution of choice;
Conclusions
Students are changing, their backgrounds and preferences need a more responsive higher education system;
Success of a vision relies on how leadership, students and staff are involved and feel ownership over the agenda;
Moving lifelong learning forward will require public means but first steps should be taken by the higher education sector itself.
