Noticias Profesores: Information gaps holding back higher education in many EU countries

viernes, 23 de mayo de 2014

Information gaps holding back higher education in many EU countries

Not enough countries are using the information they collect in higher education to improve the quality of their institutions and the opportunities for students. This is shown in a Eurydice report entitled Modernisation of Higher Education in Europe: Access, Retention and Employability published today. The report is produced to support the EU Commission's modernisation agenda for higher education. It investigates government policy and institutional practice for widening access to higher education, increasing the numbers of students that stay in and complete higher education, and giving guidance to students for entering the labour market. Among many other findings, it shows that:

· Very few countries have set targets for improving access to higher education for people from underrepresented groups, such as students from low income backgrounds.

· Although many countries collect information about students, data analysis is often not linked to concrete policy purposes (such as for example ensuring access of disadvantaged students to higher education).

· A significant number of countries do not systematically calculate completion and/or drop-out rates.

· Governments and institutions increasingly encourage students to finish their studies during a 'regular' period of time by use of financial incentives.

The report covers 36 European countries and education systems and consolidates information from three different sources: Eurydice national units, national quality assurance agencies and site visits to higher education institutions.

More information

European Press Release: Information gaps holding back higher education in many EU countries

Full publication: Modernisation of Higher Education in Europe: Access, Retention and Employability

All publications: Eurydice website

Commission information: EU activities in the field of higher education

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