“The Scottish Conservative Party has backed universities in an ongoing row over plans to force them to take more students from deprived backgrounds. Last week, Michael Russell, the Education Secretary, announced his intention to press ahead with legislation to set universities targets for widening access …” (more)
[Andrew Denholm, Herald Scotland, 13 March]
“Campus protests don’t always arise locally or focus on discrete issues or demands. Sometimes, they’re not even led by students. Those characteristics vex some senior student-affairs administrators in the University of California …” (more)
[Libby Sander, Chronicle of Higher Education, 13 March]
“The University of Ulster and the University of Ulster Students’ Union have issued a hard-hitting letter to students warning them of the consequences of anti-social behaviour over the St Patrick’s Day period. The letter (copy below) is signed by the Vice Chancellor, Professor Richard Barnett and Overall Student President Claire Flanagan …” (more)
[University of Ulster News Release, 13 March]
“… I get asked the same three questions all the time. First: ‘Are you a yank?’ I say, ‘Yes, but my family’s from Kerry’. Then: ‘Are you over here for the semester?’ ‘No, I’m studying here full-time.’ Third question is always: ‘Why?’ …” (more)
[Irish Times, 13 March]
“… BMW’s hopes for a Technological University is stalling. Memo to the Border Midland West (BMW) region: you have two chances of getting a Technological University (TU) – slim and none! At least that’s the word from some education chiefs unimpressed by the joint bid for university status …” (more)
[Irish Times, 13 March]
“Minister for Education Ruairí Quinn has been accused of ‘over-spinning’ and being ‘disingenuous’ in relation to a €1.5bn school building programme. The claims from Fianna Fáil’s education spokesman Brendan Smith came amid confusion about the resources available …” (more)
[Seán Flynn, Irish Times, 13 March]
“Irish parents increasingly want more for their children than just Leaving Certificate points. Parents of the 14,000 pupils in the 60 Educate Together primary schools around the country have been campaigning for a new type of second-level school for more than 10 years …” (more)
[Emer Nowlan, Irish Times, 13 March]
“… HOW QUALIFIED IS YOUR LECTURER? A PhD does not make you a good teacher, but it is a good starting qualification to work in this sector. There are also excellent teachers who do not have a PhD and are doing a great job …” (more)
[Irish Times, 13 March]
“So what should we make of this? Four English universities that had until now been members of the ’1994 Group’ – which according to its website exists ‘to promote excellence in research and teaching …’” (more)
[Ferdinand von Prondzynski, University Blog, 13 March]
“I have attended the annual teacher conference for many years but this year I will not be going. I always thought it was important to be there, to get a chance to put my view forward …” (more)
[Irish Times, 13 March]
“Presented and produced by Seán Delaney. Report on physical activity and schools by Barry Hennessy. In this programmeI spoke to Professor Emer Smyth of the Economic and Social Research Institute about two studies that were recently published by the Institute …” (more, mp3)
[Inside Education on 103.2 Dublin City FM, 12 March]
