The Academic Association of the University of Algarve (AAUAlg) proposed, at the National Meeting of Associative Directions (ENDA), which took place in Évora at the weekend, the creation of a Commission to analyze the reorganization of the higher education network.
The Commission, which will have a duration of six months and will consist of 13 associations/federations, should also present the respective reports and opinions to the next ENDA, “in order to be able to discuss and contribute to an effective adaptation of the network with coherence and more- was valid for the future of higher education in Portugal».
"This step will be fundamental for an adequate Higher Education Network, with benefits for students, institutions and the country."
At ENDA in Évora, the reorganization of the Higher Education network was one of the most debated topics and led the Academic Association of the University of Algarve (AAUAlg) to present a motion.
AAUAlg considers that «this reorganization is urgent for the development of quality in education, both in most Higher Education Institutions, and in the specificity of their training offers».
According to Académica Algarvia, the problem "is related to the intention of the Ministry of Education and Science to reorganize a network that does not seem to exist, and when it does, it will consist solely and exclusively of a dispersed network, with more institutions or, at the very least, with fewer students».
Therefore, he considers that «identifying the criteria of excellence in training is no longer sufficient, so it is undeniable to ensure that intervention devices are suitable and capable of formulating and sustaining the responses necessary for the development of this process».
AAUAlg admits that “all systems need an adequate self-assessment and external evaluation”.
However, «despite the intervention of the tutelage, with the creation of the Agency for Assessment and Accreditation of Higher Education, A3ES, assuming, in theory, the operation only of study cycles that demonstrate compliance with the established quality criteria, in practice, this it is not enough, requiring a rationalization of resources, as well as the proper adaptation of the training offer at national level, taking into account the areas of knowledge developed at regional level and considering the educational needs and internal potential of each institution", defends the Association Academic at the University of Algarve.
Therefore, in its motion, AAUAlg defends that «it is necessary to invest in a specialization of institutions and understand the specificities of each region, based on development logics».
«The banners of the training offer of each institution must be defined according to the community strategy, the current and future relationships in the business fabric, as well as the research they manage to produce».
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