Ok maybe to spark a debate..
'Whats the role of a Foreign Universty in accrediting a 'Native' university'
And 'Why should 'Foreign Academics' seemingly be valued more?'
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About Me
- Alan P France
- Tashkent, Uzbekistan
- Holding the position of 1st Deputy Rector at one of if not the best University in Central Asia, and the only Internationally Accredited University
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ReplyDeleteWell, the quality assurance system of local universities leaves a lot to be desired. The system definitely needs more fresh blood. So, accreditation from a foreign, and perhaps internationally well-known university could come handy in those situations: this is a ready made (although in some cases it might be a tailor made) system, including syllabus, curriculum, (rules and procedures of) quality assurance system and, of course, the (strategy and policy) guidance and best practices consultations.
ReplyDeleteThe foreign academics would probably be given a special treatment for the same reasons that I have just quoted. Although I should disclaim, that this is not necessarily a rule without exceptions: you sometimes can get the locals capable of beating up an average European colleague of his. And they should be given necessary credit for that. So, I think, the emphasis should probably be done on the potentials, rather than credentials of the candidate. Although I should admit, the latter is normally associated with the former.
The former I would agree, coupled with the 'branding' or perceived quality. Perhaps the latter is more important than the systems, policies, procedures...but its not always the case that the perceived quality or branding goes with the rigour and actual quality of the student experience and standards...for example the University of Wales has an alleged high ranking but its paper thin and very vunerable..indeed it is now the subject of a QAA audit that could threaten its existence..
ReplyDeleteForeigners.. I think this is different. It is more about perceptions than about the reality of the quality of their input..systems, curriculum policies can be imported but it doesn't mean that local staff cannot implement to the same standard
Thanks Alan.
ReplyDeleteOf course it is pleasant to hear those things. As long as you are a part of that local staff...
But I was in fact talking with some precise people in mind, when I was talking about the locals. Surprisingly myself being not included. Anyways, as long as there is a consensus that it (i.e. nationality/ethnicity/citizenship or whatever) is not a principal concern, then I think all the potential candidates can be judged by their own merits. Well, in England we would have probably been sued for posing such a question that might potentially cause a discrimination. Against foreigners or against locals, doesn't matter. Would just be classified as "politically incorrect" and that's it. But what's there is there. You need to make some sort of discourses, judgements now and then.
By the way, I heard the some of the local universities who use Wales brand in their business (being a re-franchisee) are also trying to "diversify" their sources to some other universities for some of their courses.
So, what would you say about WIUT trying to get a validated course from some other European University?
I don't think we should protect ourselves by hiding behind correct language..its often more of a barrier. Its about value and performance outputs not input.
ReplyDeleteThe local uni from Singapore? Yes they have multiple partners, in singapore about 10 partners all offering similar degrees, thats what makes WIUT different it is Westminster, its exclusive and offers only Westminster courses, one Quality assurance system, one student record system, no middle men that take a percentage...or get in the way. Its a true partnership that helps staff and students to identify with the university
WIUT has partners with good universities in Europe and will have more, but there is no need to offer their degrees...WIUT is a university and is equal..
Dear Mr. France!
ReplyDeleteThe question you have raised about accrediting native universities is very interesting, but the same as painting a rusted pipe. You are a resident of our country for so many years and you are definitely aware that our country is in the list of 10 most corrupted countries in the world. This is also true about our education system and, especially, the ministry of Education itself.
In my opinion trying to accredit 'Native' universities is the same as selling "Chernobyl apples" on the market - yes, they are big, they are beautiful, they even may have an amazing taste, but the fact that those apples are filled with uranium does not make them "good to go", except may be for the fauna of the Chernobyl itself.
The only way to make our universities be "respected" in the world market is to change the whole education system of Uzbekistan along with changing the whole management, which is almost impossible thing to do - no one will interfere into such things from outside as long as there are good political and financial relationships with a country. Even the UN closes it's eyes on the stuff happening in our coutry being satisfied with the signatures and stamps from our so called democratic government. What can a university do here. Beggin pardon for the absolute sarcasm, but, honestly - if you are to do any reforms of that size, please dig deeper. Otherwise you would just make the same paperwork as those political criminals of ours.
With best regards,
Anonymous
thanks Jim a frank and honest assessment but why stay anonymous to change we need to true to our principles or else we could be seen as the same as that we criticise.
ReplyDeleteIt is hard to change a rotten system, I don't believe that there are so many rotten people as you think. There are good teachers and good administrators, some beaten into a mold by the system. To change it as a whole is impossible could end in a worse sceniro.
But to criticise from behind the curtain is not appropriate either. WIUT has similar staff but a different culture driven by a professionalism and integrity that I am sure others in other universities would love to demonstrate. Systems that ensure that my colleagues can act in good faith and stick to their principles
I do think that the education system will change slowly but change it will.
Thanks for your frank and interesting comment. I wonder if others have similar contributions
Hi,
ReplyDeleteI see everybody here posting comments and complaining on how bad Uzbek educational system."We are poor victims" I cannot agree here. Mostly it depends from the students. Example There can be the same Teacher who teaching the same subject. But the results are very. Western universities are well promoted "BRANDs" as a G. Armani, Hugo Boss or Harvard. Although they are charging double fees to foreign Students we still going there. Harvard and Oxford which choosing The Elite students. It is not surprising and not escapable to have the Best graduates at all. Dear Jim & Мурад you are a XENIST and hopeless Pessimists. "Chernobyl apples" impropriate example our Graduates CAN manage the same jobs as a graduates of the BRANDED universities. Moreover in some of the aspects we are exceeding them like in, Math and Foreign languages. You are one of people who affecting positive on Brain Drain, it will make west even better leave other people in shit. I have graduates from the Average Uzbek University I can speak in Chinese, Japanese, Arabic, Russian and English. I am a Manager right now and My salary 87k. I have seen jobless Harvard and Yale graduates. Like any education system our system has strong as well as weakness sides. This will be improved step by step.
that is interesting...
ReplyDeletebut I bet this is more interesting:
ReplyDeletehttp://truewiut.blogspot.com/
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ReplyDelete>> And 'Why should 'Foreign Academics' seemingly be valued more?'
ReplyDeleteJust recalling, during Khrushchev's time, to graduate, all you needed to do was to answer questions on "Малая Земля". Consequently, experts on "Малая Земля" are educating us.
All about supply and demand, it seems that there are more demand for foreign teachers, and big supply of local teachers.
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