Is younger better?
I have recently forwarded a submission discussing the Draft Tertiary Education Strategy to the Minister of Education. This is EXMSS providing a voice to the Government on your behalf, you can read the submission here and the Draft TES here.
The Draft TES has no mention of life long learning, it appears singularly focused on full-time youth enrolments. The TES also indicates that funding for institutions will be related to completion statistics. This comes at a time when enrolments have been capped. So what will be the result of these changes?
Less places for part-time mature students. Late enrolment or late fee payment will likely result in exclusion. You may have to enroll (and pay) in January for summer school just to be sure of a place. The Draft TES puts pressure on Massey’s extramural numbers due to that mode’s completion statistics. For Massey one reaction would be to cut extramural numbers favor of internal places at Albany. This is not something Massey wants to consider but if the pressure keeps up then the funding criteria will govern Massey’s behavior: maximizing Government funding is a key component of Massey’s vision.
Maori will experience reducing access. Most Maori students at Massey are adults (over 25), If entry focuses on internal full-time youth, then Maori will suffer more than the average. The TES describes an education system that fails to consider the manner in which Maori achieve their educational goals yet is suggesting that the strategy will increase Maori participation in higher tertiary education. Who did the Ministry talk to before writing the Draft TES?
The Ministry has failed to write a coherent document; the Draft TES appears disjoint, misguided and visionless.
Massey has also submitted on the Draft TES and mirrored many of my concerns, but will the Government listen? If you reply to this strand then I will group up the comments and write to the Minster reflecting your views.
Hi Ralph,
Just read the Draft and also your submission. Agree with your submission, and also with your summary of the draft – it really does come across that unless you are under 25 and studying full time as an internal student, you don’t exist as far as their “vision” goes. The first statement in the draft is:
“The Government’s vision is for a world-leading education system that equips all New Zealanders with the knowledge, skills and values to be successful citizens in the 21st century.” – and then the rest of the document makes it clear that they aren’t interested in “all New Zealanders”, only a couple of specific target groups. Massey’s extramural programme does not fit neatly into any of their boxes, and neither do most of Massey’s extramural students.
Is there anywhere that we can read Massey’s submission as well? I would be very interested to hear directly from them how they think the draft will effect us extramurals, there are so many questions to be asked (such as what does “less places” mean in real terms? Would this mean that they start prioritizing some courses over others, students doing a first degree over those re-training/doing a second, or those enrolling with a clear “purpose” – i.e If I do this course, I will get X job – over those studying just for the sheer joy of learning etc…) and I think we deserve some answers.
I understand this daft tertiary education strategy – and it is a little daft, states that polytechnics might be limited to providing certificate and diploma qualifications only – meaning that more people will be lining up to study at Universities. It looks like the Government wants to contain the numbers of students to limit the cost of student loans – yet extramural students studying part time have smaller loans each year, due to the fact they are studying part time( and most are also working) . Furthermore older people should be able to retrain and upskill without having to “complete” degrees. if it helps them in their employment prospects.
I like your submission, mine kinda went straight for the jugular. I will upload my submission on my blog, thanks again my friend!
EXMSS just fascinates me, your website is awesome!
keep up the good work el capitan!
I am a student and i found your information on the site very useful for my study, Please keep it up.