Comment – Wonkhe https://wonkhe.com Home of the higher education debate Fri, 14 Jun 2024 14:17:08 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=5.7.11 Institutional research can be a path to league table success https://wonkhe.com/blogs/institutional-research-can-be-a-path-to-league-table-success/ https://wonkhe.com/blogs/institutional-research-can-be-a-path-to-league-table-success/#respond Fri, 14 Jun 2024 23:12:33 +0000 https://wonkhe.com/?post_type=blogs&p=161831

People always ask Guardian league table compiler Matt Hiely-Rayner how their university can do better in rankings. For him, the answer lies in institutional research

The post Institutional research can be a path to league table success appeared first on Wonkhe.

]]>
https://wonkhe.com/blogs/institutional-research-can-be-a-path-to-league-table-success/feed/ 0
Mentoring to widen access https://wonkhe.com/blogs/mentoring-to-widen-access/ https://wonkhe.com/blogs/mentoring-to-widen-access/#respond Fri, 14 Jun 2024 06:04:23 +0000 https://wonkhe.com/?post_type=blogs&p=161799

Adam Runacres explains how listening to students can improve programmes where mentoring is designed to help them reach higher education

The post Mentoring to widen access appeared first on Wonkhe.

]]>
https://wonkhe.com/blogs/mentoring-to-widen-access/feed/ 0
Higher education postcard: University College London https://wonkhe.com/blogs/higher-education-postcard-university-college-london/ https://wonkhe.com/blogs/higher-education-postcard-university-college-london/#respond Thu, 13 Jun 2024 23:30:01 +0000 https://wonkhe.com/?post_type=blogs&p=161708

This week’s card from Hugh Jones’s postbag takes us to “that godless institution in Gower Street”

The post Higher education postcard: University College London appeared first on Wonkhe.

]]>
https://wonkhe.com/blogs/higher-education-postcard-university-college-london/feed/ 0
There are too many students at university. But not for the reasons some say https://wonkhe.com/blogs/maybe-there-are-too-many-students-at-university-but-not-for-the-reasons-some-say/ https://wonkhe.com/blogs/maybe-there-are-too-many-students-at-university-but-not-for-the-reasons-some-say/#comments Thu, 13 Jun 2024 02:30:35 +0000 https://wonkhe.com/?post_type=blogs&p=161733

The HEPI/Advance HE Student Academic Experience Survey paints a bleak picture of students increasingly unable to realise the benefits of higher education. Jim Dickinson does the splits

The post There are too many students at university. But not for the reasons some say appeared first on Wonkhe.

]]>
https://wonkhe.com/blogs/maybe-there-are-too-many-students-at-university-but-not-for-the-reasons-some-say/feed/ 1
How will Labour define opportunity? https://wonkhe.com/blogs/how-will-labour-define-opportunity/ https://wonkhe.com/blogs/how-will-labour-define-opportunity/#respond Wed, 12 Jun 2024 23:31:12 +0000 https://wonkhe.com/?post_type=blogs&p=161704

The next government’s approach to widening access will be key to the future of higher education itself, says Graeme Atherton

The post How will Labour define opportunity? appeared first on Wonkhe.

]]>
https://wonkhe.com/blogs/how-will-labour-define-opportunity/feed/ 0
Higher education in General Election manifestos – the 1980s https://wonkhe.com/blogs/higher-education-in-general-election-manifestos-the-1980s/ https://wonkhe.com/blogs/higher-education-in-general-election-manifestos-the-1980s/#respond Wed, 12 Jun 2024 00:20:03 +0000 https://wonkhe.com/?post_type=blogs&p=161697

Adam Matthews looks beyond the iconography and politics of the Thatcher era to find a surprising degree of political consensus over higher education

The post Higher education in General Election manifestos – the 1980s appeared first on Wonkhe.

]]>
https://wonkhe.com/blogs/higher-education-in-general-election-manifestos-the-1980s/feed/ 0
Everyone can play a role in changing the perception of international students https://wonkhe.com/blogs/everyone-can-play-a-role-in-changing-the-perception-of-international-students/ https://wonkhe.com/blogs/everyone-can-play-a-role-in-changing-the-perception-of-international-students/#comments Tue, 11 Jun 2024 23:05:02 +0000 https://wonkhe.com/?post_type=blogs&p=161679

How can universities turn around the perception of students who come to the UK to study? Carsyn Wiley has ideas.

The post Everyone can play a role in changing the perception of international students appeared first on Wonkhe.

]]>
https://wonkhe.com/blogs/everyone-can-play-a-role-in-changing-the-perception-of-international-students/feed/ 1
Traditional HE role classifications create structural inequalities for third space professionals https://wonkhe.com/blogs/traditional-he-role-classifications-create-structural-inequalities-for-third-space-professionals/ https://wonkhe.com/blogs/traditional-he-role-classifications-create-structural-inequalities-for-third-space-professionals/#comments Mon, 10 Jun 2024 23:27:04 +0000 https://wonkhe.com/?post_type=blogs&p=161668

Steve Briggs, Sally Everett, and Debbie Holley assess the evidence from Advance HE national teaching awards

The post Traditional HE role classifications create structural inequalities for third space professionals appeared first on Wonkhe.

]]>
https://wonkhe.com/blogs/traditional-he-role-classifications-create-structural-inequalities-for-third-space-professionals/feed/ 3
Unless universities get on top of defence policy, defence policy is going to get on top of them https://wonkhe.com/blogs/unless-universities-get-on-top-of-defence-policy-defence-policy-is-going-to-get-on-top-of-them/ https://wonkhe.com/blogs/unless-universities-get-on-top-of-defence-policy-defence-policy-is-going-to-get-on-top-of-them/#comments Sun, 09 Jun 2024 23:50:00 +0000 https://wonkhe.com/?post_type=blogs&p=161596

As Labour looks to both talk tough and think strategically on defence, James Coe charts universities’ difficult relationship with international politics

The post Unless universities get on top of defence policy, defence policy is going to get on top of them appeared first on Wonkhe.

]]>
https://wonkhe.com/blogs/unless-universities-get-on-top-of-defence-policy-defence-policy-is-going-to-get-on-top-of-them/feed/ 3
The challenge of pursuing research security when nationality becomes a shorthand for risk https://wonkhe.com/blogs/the-challenge-of-pursuing-research-security-when-nationality-becomes-a-shorthand-for-risk/ https://wonkhe.com/blogs/the-challenge-of-pursuing-research-security-when-nationality-becomes-a-shorthand-for-risk/#respond Sun, 09 Jun 2024 23:13:21 +0000 https://wonkhe.com/?post_type=blogs&p=161536

The direction of travel for research security in the UK is an increasing focus on specific countries. Sapna Marwaha considers the competing government agendas and mixed messages to international staff

The post The challenge of pursuing research security when nationality becomes a shorthand for risk appeared first on Wonkhe.

]]>
https://wonkhe.com/blogs/the-challenge-of-pursuing-research-security-when-nationality-becomes-a-shorthand-for-risk/feed/ 0
The astropolitics of higher education https://wonkhe.com/blogs/the-astropolitics-of-higher-education/ https://wonkhe.com/blogs/the-astropolitics-of-higher-education/#comments Sun, 09 Jun 2024 23:11:08 +0000 https://wonkhe.com/?post_type=blogs&p=161586

Space may be the final frontier – but with a bit more coordinated investment, Bleddyn Bowen and Paul Angrave argue UK universities could be even further ahead

The post The astropolitics of higher education appeared first on Wonkhe.

]]>
https://wonkhe.com/blogs/the-astropolitics-of-higher-education/feed/ 1
A manifesto for higher education from an academic perspective https://wonkhe.com/blogs/a-manifesto-for-higher-education-from-an-academic-perspective/ https://wonkhe.com/blogs/a-manifesto-for-higher-education-from-an-academic-perspective/#comments Sat, 08 Jun 2024 23:49:51 +0000 https://wonkhe.com/?post_type=blogs&p=161575

Steven Jones has four asks for an incoming government from university academic staff

The post A manifesto for higher education from an academic perspective appeared first on Wonkhe.

]]>
https://wonkhe.com/blogs/a-manifesto-for-higher-education-from-an-academic-perspective/feed/ 4
How to get the sector through the next year https://wonkhe.com/blogs/how-to-get-the-sector-through-the-next-year/ https://wonkhe.com/blogs/how-to-get-the-sector-through-the-next-year/#comments Sat, 08 Jun 2024 23:13:05 +0000 https://wonkhe.com/?post_type=blogs&p=161580

How would you use a nominal £750m to stave off provider collapse for the next academic year? David Kernohan weighs up the options

The post How to get the sector through the next year appeared first on Wonkhe.

]]>
https://wonkhe.com/blogs/how-to-get-the-sector-through-the-next-year/feed/ 5
It’s time to dismantle higher education’s stereotypes https://wonkhe.com/blogs/its-time-to-dismantle-higher-educations-stereotypes/ https://wonkhe.com/blogs/its-time-to-dismantle-higher-educations-stereotypes/#comments Fri, 07 Jun 2024 05:16:34 +0000 https://wonkhe.com/?post_type=blogs&p=161567

Katie Stripe identifies some of higher education's most common unfair and untrue beliefs - and calls for effort to dismantle them

The post It’s time to dismantle higher education’s stereotypes appeared first on Wonkhe.

]]>
https://wonkhe.com/blogs/its-time-to-dismantle-higher-educations-stereotypes/feed/ 5
Students are turning to self-employment to fund their studies https://wonkhe.com/blogs/students-are-turning-to-self-employment-to-fund-their-studies/ https://wonkhe.com/blogs/students-are-turning-to-self-employment-to-fund-their-studies/#comments Thu, 06 Jun 2024 23:04:53 +0000 https://wonkhe.com/?post_type=blogs&p=161546

Increasing numbers of students are using self-employment as a component of supporting their living costs. Robert Phillips asks whether universities can help

The post Students are turning to self-employment to fund their studies appeared first on Wonkhe.

]]>
https://wonkhe.com/blogs/students-are-turning-to-self-employment-to-fund-their-studies/feed/ 1
Higher education postcard: University of Oregon https://wonkhe.com/blogs/higher-education-postcard-university-of-oregon/ https://wonkhe.com/blogs/higher-education-postcard-university-of-oregon/#respond Thu, 06 Jun 2024 23:01:25 +0000 https://wonkhe.com/?post_type=blogs&p=161487

This week’s card from Hugh Jones’s postbag takes us to the home of the Ducks

The post Higher education postcard: University of Oregon appeared first on Wonkhe.

]]>
https://wonkhe.com/blogs/higher-education-postcard-university-of-oregon/feed/ 0
Why I wouldn’t bet against a fee rise after the election https://wonkhe.com/blogs/why-i-wouldnt-bet-against-a-fee-rise-after-the-election/ https://wonkhe.com/blogs/why-i-wouldnt-bet-against-a-fee-rise-after-the-election/#respond Thu, 06 Jun 2024 01:00:18 +0000 https://wonkhe.com/?post_type=blogs&p=161512

A big majority for Labour at the coming general election could give the new government cover to raise fees as part of a package to help universities get to safety

The post Why I wouldn’t bet against a fee rise after the election appeared first on Wonkhe.

]]>
https://wonkhe.com/blogs/why-i-wouldnt-bet-against-a-fee-rise-after-the-election/feed/ 0
Higher education in General Election manifestos – the 1970s https://wonkhe.com/blogs/higher-education-in-general-election-manifestos-the-1970s/ https://wonkhe.com/blogs/higher-education-in-general-election-manifestos-the-1970s/#respond Wed, 05 Jun 2024 00:33:16 +0000 https://wonkhe.com/?post_type=blogs&p=161459

The seventies saw galloping inflation, strikes, and the polarisation of politics. But Debbie McVitty also finds in General Election manifestos of the time the arrival of students as a political force to be reckoned with

The post Higher education in General Election manifestos – the 1970s appeared first on Wonkhe.

]]>
https://wonkhe.com/blogs/higher-education-in-general-election-manifestos-the-1970s/feed/ 0
In some universities, cash help per student has almost halved in five years https://wonkhe.com/blogs/we-still-to-talk-about-bursaries-and-hardship-funds/ https://wonkhe.com/blogs/we-still-to-talk-about-bursaries-and-hardship-funds/#respond Tue, 04 Jun 2024 23:05:58 +0000 https://wonkhe.com/?post_type=blogs&p=140352

As the state reduces its support for students in real terms, Jim Dickinson considers the role of institutional student finance measures in addressing the cost of living

The post In some universities, cash help per student has almost halved in five years appeared first on Wonkhe.

]]>
https://wonkhe.com/blogs/we-still-to-talk-about-bursaries-and-hardship-funds/feed/ 0
What is a whole provider approach to widening access and student success? https://wonkhe.com/blogs/what-is-a-whole-provider-approach-to-widening-access-and-student-success/ https://wonkhe.com/blogs/what-is-a-whole-provider-approach-to-widening-access-and-student-success/#comments Tue, 04 Jun 2024 23:05:58 +0000 https://wonkhe.com/?post_type=blogs&p=161477

Access and Participation Plans require universities to demonstrate a "whole provider" approach. Liz Thomas has been working out what that entails

The post What is a whole provider approach to widening access and student success? appeared first on Wonkhe.

]]>
https://wonkhe.com/blogs/what-is-a-whole-provider-approach-to-widening-access-and-student-success/feed/ 1
Transparency is better a better tool than regulation to improve the work of international agents https://wonkhe.com/blogs/transparency-is-better-than-regulation-to-improve-the-work-of-international-agents/ https://wonkhe.com/blogs/transparency-is-better-than-regulation-to-improve-the-work-of-international-agents/#comments Mon, 03 Jun 2024 23:55:33 +0000 https://wonkhe.com/?post_type=blogs&p=161447

Governments seemed settled on a desire to regulate international agents, and the sector seems to agree. Louise Nicol wonders whether more and better data is what we really need

The post Transparency is better a better tool than regulation to improve the work of international agents appeared first on Wonkhe.

]]>
https://wonkhe.com/blogs/transparency-is-better-than-regulation-to-improve-the-work-of-international-agents/feed/ 2
English degrees help students change the world https://wonkhe.com/blogs/english-degrees-help-students-change-the-world/ https://wonkhe.com/blogs/english-degrees-help-students-change-the-world/#respond Mon, 03 Jun 2024 23:00:49 +0000 https://wonkhe.com/?post_type=blogs&p=161453

Gail Marshall and Andrew McRae explain the campaign that's aimed at promoting English degrees for their creative, critical and vocational potential

The post English degrees help students change the world appeared first on Wonkhe.

]]>
https://wonkhe.com/blogs/english-degrees-help-students-change-the-world/feed/ 0
Whatever happens to the Lifelong Learning Entitlement, the problems it is trying to solve remain https://wonkhe.com/blogs/whatever-happens-to-the-lifelong-learning-entitlement-the-problems-it-is-trying-to-solve-remain/ https://wonkhe.com/blogs/whatever-happens-to-the-lifelong-learning-entitlement-the-problems-it-is-trying-to-solve-remain/#respond Mon, 03 Jun 2024 00:11:27 +0000 https://wonkhe.com/?post_type=blogs&p=161404

HE leaders are sceptical whether the Lifelong Learning Entitlement will survive the election. But, argues Dan Heard, the next government will still need a solution that addresses productivity with flexible provision

The post Whatever happens to the Lifelong Learning Entitlement, the problems it is trying to solve remain appeared first on Wonkhe.

]]>
https://wonkhe.com/blogs/whatever-happens-to-the-lifelong-learning-entitlement-the-problems-it-is-trying-to-solve-remain/feed/ 0
Making space for creativity is a practical challenge but one that has intense value for educators https://wonkhe.com/blogs/making-space-for-creativity-is-a-practical-challenge-but-one-that-has-intense-value-for-educators/ https://wonkhe.com/blogs/making-space-for-creativity-is-a-practical-challenge-but-one-that-has-intense-value-for-educators/#respond Sun, 02 Jun 2024 23:29:46 +0000 https://wonkhe.com/?post_type=blogs&p=161419

Adobe Education’s Mark Andrews reflects on insight from educators on what supports their creativity

The post Making space for creativity is a practical challenge but one that has intense value for educators appeared first on Wonkhe.

]]>
https://wonkhe.com/blogs/making-space-for-creativity-is-a-practical-challenge-but-one-that-has-intense-value-for-educators/feed/ 0
Tough questions for government and institutions to fix higher education’s finances https://wonkhe.com/blogs/how-do-we-start-to-fix-university-funding/ https://wonkhe.com/blogs/how-do-we-start-to-fix-university-funding/#comments Sun, 02 Jun 2024 23:28:47 +0000 https://wonkhe.com/?post_type=blogs&p=161390

For Alistair Jarvis, both the sector and the government have work to do if universities are to remain financially solvent

The post Tough questions for government and institutions to fix higher education’s finances appeared first on Wonkhe.

]]>
https://wonkhe.com/blogs/how-do-we-start-to-fix-university-funding/feed/ 5
Digital storytelling for twenty-first century changemaking https://wonkhe.com/blogs/digital-storytelling-for-twenty-first-century-changemaking/ https://wonkhe.com/blogs/digital-storytelling-for-twenty-first-century-changemaking/#respond Sun, 02 Jun 2024 23:24:10 +0000 https://wonkhe.com/?post_type=blogs&p=161418

Katy Shaw explores how digital fluency unlocks the deeply human capability to tell stories, make connections and influence change

The post Digital storytelling for twenty-first century changemaking appeared first on Wonkhe.

]]>
https://wonkhe.com/blogs/digital-storytelling-for-twenty-first-century-changemaking/feed/ 0
Are the low-value courses in the room with us now? https://wonkhe.com/blogs/are-the-low-value-courses-in-the-room-with-us-now/ https://wonkhe.com/blogs/are-the-low-value-courses-in-the-room-with-us-now/#comments Sun, 02 Jun 2024 23:19:32 +0000 https://wonkhe.com/?post_type=blogs&p=161394

Proposals for a low-value course cull are supposedly in the student interest. Jim Dickinson goes looking for some student input into the debate

The post Are the low-value courses in the room with us now? appeared first on Wonkhe.

]]>
https://wonkhe.com/blogs/are-the-low-value-courses-in-the-room-with-us-now/feed/ 2
What are a future Labour government’s options to secure the future of higher education? https://wonkhe.com/blogs/what-are-a-future-labour-governments-options-to-secure-the-future-of-higher-education/ https://wonkhe.com/blogs/what-are-a-future-labour-governments-options-to-secure-the-future-of-higher-education/#comments Sun, 02 Jun 2024 23:10:33 +0000 https://wonkhe.com/?post_type=blogs&p=161414

After the election, there will be thinking to be done about the sustainability of the higher education sector. Debbie McVitty parses out the options

The post What are a future Labour government’s options to secure the future of higher education? appeared first on Wonkhe.

]]>
https://wonkhe.com/blogs/what-are-a-future-labour-governments-options-to-secure-the-future-of-higher-education/feed/ 1
Higher education postcard: Norland College https://wonkhe.com/blogs/higher-education-postcard-norland-college/ https://wonkhe.com/blogs/higher-education-postcard-norland-college/#respond Thu, 30 May 2024 23:45:23 +0000 https://wonkhe.com/?post_type=blogs&p=161361

This week’s postcard from Hugh Jones’s postbag takes us to a pioneer of early-years education, and gives a glimpse of two very different worlds.

The post Higher education postcard: Norland College appeared first on Wonkhe.

]]>
https://wonkhe.com/blogs/higher-education-postcard-norland-college/feed/ 0
How to stop defaulting on fees becoming a UK recruitment crisis https://wonkhe.com/blogs/how-to-stop-defaulting-on-fees-becoming-a-uk-recruitment-crisis/ https://wonkhe.com/blogs/how-to-stop-defaulting-on-fees-becoming-a-uk-recruitment-crisis/#respond Thu, 30 May 2024 23:10:25 +0000 https://wonkhe.com/?post_type=blogs&p=161365

A group of students are reportedly facing deportation after failing to pay their fees on time. Jim Dickinson identifies how the sector might prevent situations like this

The post How to stop defaulting on fees becoming a UK recruitment crisis appeared first on Wonkhe.

]]>
https://wonkhe.com/blogs/how-to-stop-defaulting-on-fees-becoming-a-uk-recruitment-crisis/feed/ 0