Universities need to be more flexible

national | miscellaneous | press release Monday January 19, 2004 15:38 by rayo

A more wide reaching and inclusive programme of action is needed to bring more students from disadvantaged areas into our third level education system,” the Labour spokesperson on Education in Seanad Eireann, Senator Joanna Tuffy has said following revelations made in a Higher Education Authority report.

University culture needs to be more flexible in how they are organised and the type of product they offer. The problem is the product they are offering is on a take it or leave it basis. College authorities have to realise that the one-size fits all product does not meet the needs of all aspiring students, or our society.

“Students need to have the choice of being a full time student in the traditional sense, or studying part time during the day, and combining their studies with paid work or family roles. The product, which is offered by universities, is from another era, when third level education was only for a privileged elite. Colleges now need to redesign and deliver their products in a modular form, with certification for all elements successfully completed. This would allow students to pursue their studies at a pace, which suits them. International evidence shows that flexible participation in higher education promotes the participation of those who are currently badly represented in Irish higher education.

“The access strategy, rather than being tacked onto the existing culture in our colleges, has to integrate the disadvantaged schools into the system, like schools in middle-class areas already are. There should be links between colleges and individual schools which go right back to the earlier years in schools. It is commonplace now for students in Blackrock and Donnybrook to go to college, this should be the case for areas like Neilstown and Bawnogue.

“Those students from disadvantaged areas who have been able to avail of third-level education are to be congratulated for their achievements considering the obstacles placed in front of them. These students are becoming role models for other students in their schools and are helping to change the culture in their schools where third level education will become the norm for all students.”