EU high level group: train the professors to teach

The EU high-level group on modernisation of higher education publishes its first report today on improving the quality of teaching and learning in universities. The group, chaired by former President of Ireland Mary McAleese, makes 16 recommendations (see Annex 1) which include a call for mandatory certified training for professors and other higher education teaching staff, more focus on helping students to develop entrepreneurial and innovative skills, and the creation of a European Academy of Teaching and Learning.
Androulla Vassiliou, Commissioner for Education, Culture, Multilingualism and Youth, said: "My goal in setting up the group was to encourage new thinking and ideas. Its recommendations are timely, practical and do not necessarily require large amounts of additional expenditure. Quality teaching in our higher education and training systems is crucial for ensuring that students are equipped with the right blend of skills for their future personal and professional development. The Commission will do all it can to support the implementation of these recommendations."
Mary McAleese, chair of the group, added: "Quality teaching and learning depends on dedicated individuals and dedicated institutions, supported by policies that put teaching and learning at the centre. Higher education teaching staff have to be given the training and support they need to do an excellent job. Our report shows how this can be done."
The group, which was set up by Commission Vassiliou last September, has consulted widely with stakeholders as part of its work. It found that many higher education institutes place insufficient emphasis on teaching in comparison with research, even though both are core missions of higher education. "This needs rebalancing. The role of teaching in defining academic merit needs a stronger emphasis and recognition, especially in career terms," said the Commissioner. "I very much welcome the proposal that all teachers in higher education should be taught how to teach."
Next steps
The high level group will now begin work on the second part of its mission, focused on how to maximise the impact of new methods of delivering quality higher education, such as massive open online courses ('MOOCs'), which enable people to access higher education from their homes. Partners in 11 countries recently launched the first pan-European MOOCs with the support of the European Commission (IP/13/349). The high-level group's next report is due to be published in June 2014.
Background
The work of the high level group is part of the Commission's strategy to support the modernisation of higher education in the Member States. A lot of progress has already been made in this area. The Bologna Process, for instance, has made it easier for students to study aboard and have their qualifications recognised throughout Europe. A new multidimensional university ranking system, initiated by the Commission and due to publish its first findings early next year, will facilitate comparisons between universities so that students are able to make a more informed choice about where to study.
The European Agenda for the modernisation of higher education, endorsed by Education Ministers on 28-29 November 2011, identifies areas where EU countries need to do more to achieve their shared objectives and sets out how the European Union can support their modernisation policies. Priorities include improving the quality and relevance of higher education, so curricula meet the needs of students, employers and the careers of the future, as well as increasing the number of graduates. It promotes stronger cooperation between universities, businesses and research. The Agenda is a part of the Commission's wider Europe 2020 strategy to promote growth and jobs, in which education plays a key role.
Erasmus for All, the new programme for education, training, youth and sport, due for launch in January, will support policy reform in Member States, with a focus on strengthening the evidence base for policy making and exchange of good practices. The programme is expected to have a budget of around €14.5 billion for 2014-2020 - 40% more than the current programmes – and will provide grants for 4 million people to gain international experience and skills through study, training or volunteering abroad.
For more information
The agenda for modernisation of higher education
The report is available:
http://ec.europa.eu/education/higher-education/doc/modernisation_en.pdf
MEMO/13/581
Commissioner Vassiliou's website
European Commission: Education and Training website
Follow Androulla Vassiliou on Twitter @VassiliouEU.