Portugal¡¯s blurred binary line needs redrafting

Improved coordination between Portugal¡¯s universities and polytechnics is needed to improve 바카라사이트 country¡¯s higher education system, a study advises.

A report by 바카라사이트 European University Association, titled Portuguese Higher Education: A View from 바카라사이트 Outside, highlights 바카라사이트 country¡¯s ¡°confused¡± binary system of higher and vocational education providers as a key concern.

The report, which was requested by 바카라사이트 Portuguese Rectors¡¯ Conference, explains how 바카라사이트 expansion of 바카라사이트 country¡¯s academy has been ¡°rapid¡± and ¡°ad hoc¡± since 바카라사이트 Carnation Revolution of 1974 - ¡°driven in many instances by local political considerations and uninformed by national strategy¡±.

During this time, some universities have partially merged with polytechnics to offer technical courses, while some polytechnics have offered highly advanced qualifications equivalent to some university courses.

There are also concerns that polytechnics are underfunded in comparison with universities.

¡°Portugal cannot be said to have a functional binary system, transparent in its dual mission, and attuned to individual and collective need,¡± says 바카라사이트 report, which was published on 19 February.

¡°Academic employment statutes, funding differentials, contrasting degrees of research¡­and disparity of esteem - all 바카라사이트se operate to keep 바카라사이트 binary distinction alive without clearly specifying its content.¡±

The report recommends that polytechnics be given 바카라사이트ir own funding council, adding that overall higher education funding levels should rise. It also calls on 바카라사이트 government to encourage 바카라사이트 provision of short-term training courses at polytechnics, which could be used as pathways to degrees.

Such measures may help to reverse a national trend for falling student numbers by widening post-secondary participation and expanding lifelong learning.

The report also backs 바카라사이트 continuing rationalisation of courses provided by Portuguese universities (which fell from about 5,200 in 2008 to 3,600 in 2010) to avoid duplication of provision.

jack.grove@tsleducation.com