Boundaries in Higher Education: A European Approach to the Global Debate Emily R. Herchen BMW Center for German & European Studies Georgetown University Emily R. Herchen BMW Center for German & European Studies Georgetown University
“What is presently happening in co-operation in the field of education tells us, that not only is a European Space of Education in its making, common principles of education are being agreed upon between Member States, leading logically to a European Model of Education ” Anders Hingel, 2001 Directorate-Generale for Education & Culture, European Commission “What is presently happening in co-operation in the field of education tells us, that not only is a European Space of Education in its making, common principles of education are being agreed upon between Member States, leading logically to a European Model of Education ” Anders Hingel, 2001 Directorate-Generale for Education & Culture, European Commission
Outline Problem: Background & Approach Findings in Four Parts Cooperation Perspective Nationality Capacity Conclusions Looking Forward Problem: Background & Approach Findings in Four Parts Cooperation Perspective Nationality Capacity Conclusions Looking Forward
What? What roadblocks stand before the realization of an integrated European system of education? A national question? A regional concern? What roadblocks stand before the realization of an integrated European system of education? A national question? A regional concern?
Why? Historical use of education as a nation- building tool Increasing global mobility & facility of communication Movement toward an integrated Europe Historical use of education as a nation- building tool Increasing global mobility & facility of communication Movement toward an integrated Europe
How? Cross-analysis of case studies Focus: Cooperation Perspective Nationality Capacity Cross-analysis of case studies Focus: Cooperation Perspective Nationality Capacity
Cooperation Responsible Authority: A Question of Cooperation Facilitate compatibility & understanding within the mobile labor force Protect core democratic values, social beliefs & cultural ideals Re-define adaptation process Facilitate compatibility & understanding within the mobile labor force Protect core democratic values, social beliefs & cultural ideals Re-define adaptation process
Perspective Quality Assurance: A Question of Perspective Ensure greater transferability of qualifications Develop a contextual framework for mutual recognition Recognize the importance of external evaluation Ensure greater transferability of qualifications Develop a contextual framework for mutual recognition Recognize the importance of external evaluation
Nationality European Boundaries: A Question of Nationality Acknowledge the conceptual impact of the nation-state Recognize shifts in the border recognition Explore the expanding common cultural space Acknowledge the conceptual impact of the nation-state Recognize shifts in the border recognition Explore the expanding common cultural space
Capacity Diverse Locations: A Question of Capacity Consider the translation of European norms Account for individual motivation Take stock of financial obstacles Consider the translation of European norms Account for individual motivation Take stock of financial obstacles
In sum… Roadblocks to educational harmonization: Cultural Traditions - Authority & Sovereignty Monetary & Political Constraints Allow for responsible authority Encourage the diversity of perspective Foster a European ideal plus national identity Address the diversity of location Roadblocks to educational harmonization: Cultural Traditions - Authority & Sovereignty Monetary & Political Constraints Allow for responsible authority Encourage the diversity of perspective Foster a European ideal plus national identity Address the diversity of location
Looking Ahead: Explore the interplay between national organizations and European institutions in aligning the educational environment Reduce research gaps National strengths & weaknesses Comparative efficiency Relative impact of quality assurance programs Explore the interplay between national organizations and European institutions in aligning the educational environment Reduce research gaps National strengths & weaknesses Comparative efficiency Relative impact of quality assurance programs
“What is presently happening in co-operation in the field of education tells us, that not only is a European Space of Education in its making, common principles of education are being agreed upon between Member States, leading logically to a European Model of Education ” Anders Hingel, 2001 Directorate-Generale for Education & Culture, European Commission “What is presently happening in co-operation in the field of education tells us, that not only is a European Space of Education in its making, common principles of education are being agreed upon between Member States, leading logically to a European Model of Education ” Anders Hingel, 2001 Directorate-Generale for Education & Culture, European Commission