Students’ expectations from the European reforms Presentation by Bjørn TECHNO TN Brussels, September 4th 2006

Outline Who am I? What is BEST? Students expectations from the European reforms A vision of the role of Higher Education Institutions in Europe Mobility, Quality, Responsibility and Engagement

Goal of the talk Offer the view of a technology student, which is: Based both on experience as a student and as an active participant in local student democracy and international organisations Not truly representative, that is, the views are personal To inspire and fuel the following discussion

Personal background Studying for a MSc in Energy and Environment Engineering at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim Member of BEST for four years Educational involvement and trainer Student representative in university board 2,5yrs Taken part in strategy and management processes Also worked with internationalisation of the university through student recruitment efforts and the creation of international study courses Participated at SEFI, paper available at

Board of European Students of Technology broadening horizons » A glimpse in the world of BEST personal development team work international approach innovation friendship dynamism It’s all about: learning passion

BEST members: > Applicants to BEST Courses in 2005: > Universities - more than students BEST » A glimpse in the world of BEST

Main BEST activites Complementary education through 60 annual 1-2 week courses at our universities Career development Engineering Competitions Educational involvement: EduCo

Universities – what for? The basic question: what core challenges is the world facing? Lack of democracy Environmental problems Poverty Intercultural understanding Sustainable development is still merely an idea Reforms and change does not come easy What role are Universities needed to play in solving these problems?

The role of Universities Develop the advanced knowledge needed to take on the problems Educate candidates that can –and will - take on the challenges Relevant knowledge Teamwork capabilities Social mobility Citizenship, leadership and responsibility See the whole picture

What kind of people are needed? Competent: knowledgeable and skilled High quality learning Systems thinking Socially and culturally able and mobile Able to understand others’ point of view Intercultural communication and cooperation Responsibility and leadership Take responsibility for ones actions on the social and natural environment Take the lead towards a better world

Strategy We must realize that it is not only about doing the right thing, but doing it right A relevant strategy is thus to Put in place systems and processes that can measure, improve and assure quality and relevance View students as partners, not customers Delegate responsibility and involve students in decisionmaking, education and research Encourage and support extra-curricular activities

Quality assurance How do we assure that we are doing the right things and doing them right? How do we ensure high quality education and research? The problem is of course; What to measure? How to measure? Need to understand how quality is created The way we decide to define and measure quality will impact the way forward

Quality assurance Any quality assurance system must reflect the mission and role of the university; Student involvement is a measure of quality! Exams grades and time-to-finish of students are, at best, not telling the full truth about educational quality How are social and intercultural communication and cooperation skills to be measured and assured?

Quality assurance Sensible strategies are easy to make; Actually making it work is much harder Mainstreaming necessary: Quality assurance must be an integral part of everything we do Management challenge: Involve students in quality assurance -every day! Follow through and make sure it’s working! Build a culture of quality assurance

Quality assurance Is it possible to design –and implement – a quality assurance scheme that covers the whole mission and role of the university? Maybe not! An alternative strategy Make teamwork the main mode of working Interdisciplinary courses Encourage international and extracurricular social and academic activites Involve students in management

Enhancing international mobility Students’ expectations (collected at a BEST symposium: Adequate funding High quality and reputation of host institution Social interaction New experiences and perspectives Professional and personal development Recognition Need to Break down barriers Common structures needed, but: Plurality must be ensured! Funding is the largest barrier

Enhancing social mobility Everybody must be allowed to take part in the higher education, regardless of background Knowledge society: Harvest the full stock of talent Break down economic barriers Nordic experience: Social cohesion the foundation for economic growth

Conclusions The needs of the (global) society must be the basis for our discussion Higher education has an important role Provide advanced knowledge Educated people with the right knowledge, skills and attitude Quality assurance must reflect the role and mission of the university Management and leadership needed to ensure that reforms are actually implemented

Conclusions BEST is an international network of technology students Educational involvement since 1996 Students care about the same things as the Thematic Networks We are ready for expanded cooperation, please contact us at