sallycinnamon78
New Yorker
Back in 1992, the UK government recognised that higher education needed to be made more accessible (as it still does today). The supposed solution was to turn the polytechnics into new universities. Before I go any further, I'd like to say that in my opinion, everyone should have the opportunity to enter higher education, if they wish to do so, and are capable. I believe, however, that the polytechnic/university system worked better than our current practice.
Polys provided the more practical, 'hands on' education, while universities concentrated on more 'academic' teaching methods. Ideally, it makes sense to balance the two, with the style of learning biased towards the individual. As opposed to streamlining all courses unrealistically spewing out a million identikit graduates, which is what happens now.
I feel that vocational training is extremely valuable, as are academic courses, and both are needed. I went to a 'traditional' university, while my brother (who is12 years older than me, and much more practical) went to an old-style polytechnic. My brother - even in the midst of the national recession - finished his course and got a job which has served him well. He had the education suited to him, and is now at the top of his field. Here I am 20 years later, and although I am now a retail manager, I intend to make use of my degree later on and become a higher ed teacher. Our personally tailored studies served my brother and I well... in many ways, he is better off!
There were major research funding issues that limited polytechnic research, I do understand that. I also realise that polytechnics were stigmatised in public perception. I don't see that turning all HE institutions into universities has patricularly helped students enter the job market successfully, though. I feel we've turned UK higher education into a debt-ridden mess that is failing us all, in the longrun.
Random but somehow relevant: I remember a friend graduating with a first class degree in engineering... and ending up back at McDonalds as a Crew Member within 6 months. Meanwhile, my alma mater has developed the 'Way Ahead Scheme'. The University admnissions team visit schools in the local area. They offer places to 14 year olds who hail from the university home town, regardless of their academic achievement, or lack theroef. Pardon me, but that's not what I slaved my arse off to get to uni for. It's a kick in the teeth for anyone who actually earned their place at the university, and I find it extremely insulting to local kids too. Would you want anything to do with an institution that assumed you were too dense to get in on your own merit?
Ever get the impression you've been sold down the river?
Polys provided the more practical, 'hands on' education, while universities concentrated on more 'academic' teaching methods. Ideally, it makes sense to balance the two, with the style of learning biased towards the individual. As opposed to streamlining all courses unrealistically spewing out a million identikit graduates, which is what happens now.
I feel that vocational training is extremely valuable, as are academic courses, and both are needed. I went to a 'traditional' university, while my brother (who is12 years older than me, and much more practical) went to an old-style polytechnic. My brother - even in the midst of the national recession - finished his course and got a job which has served him well. He had the education suited to him, and is now at the top of his field. Here I am 20 years later, and although I am now a retail manager, I intend to make use of my degree later on and become a higher ed teacher. Our personally tailored studies served my brother and I well... in many ways, he is better off!
There were major research funding issues that limited polytechnic research, I do understand that. I also realise that polytechnics were stigmatised in public perception. I don't see that turning all HE institutions into universities has patricularly helped students enter the job market successfully, though. I feel we've turned UK higher education into a debt-ridden mess that is failing us all, in the longrun.
Random but somehow relevant: I remember a friend graduating with a first class degree in engineering... and ending up back at McDonalds as a Crew Member within 6 months. Meanwhile, my alma mater has developed the 'Way Ahead Scheme'. The University admnissions team visit schools in the local area. They offer places to 14 year olds who hail from the university home town, regardless of their academic achievement, or lack theroef. Pardon me, but that's not what I slaved my arse off to get to uni for. It's a kick in the teeth for anyone who actually earned their place at the university, and I find it extremely insulting to local kids too. Would you want anything to do with an institution that assumed you were too dense to get in on your own merit?
Ever get the impression you've been sold down the river?
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