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HIGHER ENGINEERING EDUCATION IN RUSSIA: Incentives for Real Change

This study examines the recent context and challenges faced by Russian engineering universities, and explores their reactions and attitudes towards change. It provides insights from interviews with university administration, student and graduate surveys, and interviews with employers.

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HIGHER ENGINEERING EDUCATION IN RUSSIA: Incentives for Real Change

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  1. HIGHER ENGINEERING EDUCATION IN RUSSIA: Incentives for Real Change Maria Dobryakova, Martin Carnoy, Isak Froumin University – Higher School of Economics (Moscow), Stanford University School of Education September 28-30, 2009

  2. Why should engineering universities change? Examples from other countries US: moving from a country to a global level, while redefining their engineering competencies; set up standards EU: preserve individual countries’ identities, while harmonizing their (engineering) education systems [Based on: Lucena J. et al. Competencies beyond countries: The re-organization of engineering education in the United States, Europe, and Latin America, Journal of Engineering Education, 2008]

  3. Recent context for Russian engineering universities Related to changes in the economy and labor market decline of the parent/customer industries emerging needs of high-tech universities greater labor mobility Related to financing of education systemic underfinancing of higher education and research in universities deterioration of technical facilities since about 2006, the government has started to award grants to the best universities on a competitive basis (uni development programs) Regulatory and institutional changes introduction of /transition to 4+2 national unified examination more flexible regulation of curriculum policies Societal transformation of socio-economic structure demographic decrease of prospective students

  4. Geography, methods, data 4 cities: Moscow (8 universities), St. Petersburg (3), Tomsk (4), Kazan (4) Research methods and data (obtained so far): semi-structured interviews with university administration (75 interviews) student surveys (1400 respondents) graduate surveys (511 respondents) semi-structured interviews with employers (32 interviews)

  5. Universities’ reaction to challenges: a typology Institutional development stabilization + standardization + institutionalization Beyond the trend Perfectly normal most flexible, self-sufficient, ? ahead of the state’s signals Wannаbes the strongest, most influential in terms of pattern-building; attentive to formalization of practices ? most sensitive to the state’s signals (formal) Planned economy stick to the past, proud of their roots, watch and wait; choose changes when have to Defense industry Tradition Innovation Their strong points as seen by the interviewees

  6. Demands that shape university stakeholders • The State: • demand for compliance with regulations (including accreditation); • demand for professionals • Business, industry: • demand for manpower; • demand for knowledge and innovations UNIVERSITY • Prospective and current students, families: • demand for fashionable specializations; • demand for a degree (diploma)

  7. Types of universities by their attitude and reaction to the recent challenges

  8. Voices and attitudes: a cross-examination UNIVERSITY ADMINISTRATION: convinced they are doing what they can ENGINEERING EDUCATION PROFESSIONAL COMMUNITY: passive, disintegrated; imitation of activity

  9. Voices and attitudes: a cross-examination STUDENTS: ~30% doubt that they are well educated, would have chosen the same major, or can be globally mobile. But! 35-55% are disinterested in additional learning opportunities provided by their university

  10. Voices and attitudes: a cross-examination GRADUATES: most are satisfied (up to 90%); lack practical skills and a foreign language proficiency; find jobs easily

  11. Voices and attitudes: a cross-examination EMPLOYERS: no particular enthusiasm, no particular complaints; against BA the STATE: no clear signals to engineering education? Except for slogans

  12. Types of universities: shares stabilization + standardization + institutionalization Institutional development Beyond the trend Perfectly normal Wannabes Tradition Innovation

  13. Итого Thank you! 13

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