Student leaders call for changes to education strategy

Student leaders call for changes to the Government’s education strategy

For immediate release 10 May 2011

Student leaders representing Massey University’s 16,000 distance students are calling on the Government to review its five-year Tertiary Education Strategy to make tertiary education more accessible, particularly for adult students who study extramurally ( by distance).

The Government has stated that efficiency is required in the tertiary sector and that efficiency relates to completing a qualification, with more Maori, Pasifika, and youth enrolled and completing degrees in three to four years. One in three Maori students study by distance with many being over 25. Distance study suits these people because they are able to work, attend to family matters, and up skill.

Ralph Springett, president of Massey’s Extramural Students’ Society, says that around 80 percent of distance students are over 25. Many study part time, and therefore take longer to complete a degree; those who don’t often undertake employment-related study.

“The problem is that the Tertiary Education Strategy fails to account for those taking a few papers to up-skill for a specific work role or those who only do a few papers a year and therefore don’t complete a degree within the anticipated timeframe,” Mr. Springett says.

“As those who complete qualifications take longer than fulltime students, they may be categorised as a non-completion statistic by the Tertiary Education Commission.”

As a direct result of the government’s strategy, Massey’s distance student numbers will reduce by 15 percent over the next three years. The Government has stated that Massey University should choose the best mix of enrolments to fulfill its goals. However, funding can be cut if completion rates are not improved.

Given the current focus of completing a degree, distance study is not a priority for institutions as they strive to avoid the appearance of being inefficient by appearing at the bottom of the new league tables.

“The strategy is flawed and must be changed. Completion is not an accurate measure of efficiency,” Mr. Springett says. “Reducing access to higher education may not lead to the efficiencies the government seeks. While the focus of the Government’s strategy is on youth, it is notable that with part time study, older students do better than younger students.”

“Tertiary Education Minister Steven Joyce should listen to stakeholders and review the settings so that capable people do not miss out on the chance to learn.”

ENDS

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