Key Global Evidence: Maximising Impact
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Maximising Impact highlights the importance of sharing best practice and pooling lessons learned from examples across the world. We also address the challenges of stakeholders getting the most from their education experience.
Low Status Of Professional Education
Learners often still believe that academic education is of greater value than professional qualifications, even though industry is increasingly saying that academia does not address the skills of modern economies or adequately prepare people for the workplace.
Historically, professional study is 'where you end up if you cannot make it academically'. In some countries there is even a sense of shame attached to attending a vocational college. And, in emerging economies where educational opportunity is still a privilege, learners automatically look towards the 'top' of the educational hierarchy and will try and secure a place at the best academic institution. This fulfils their aspirations and those of their family.
The standards of professional education content and teaching must be raised in order to change public perception. There should be a focus on the value of knowledge, skills and behaviours and the way these qualities can help an individual do the job. Employers have a key role to play. If the ultimate objective for those entering further and higher education is to secure a good job, employers need to communicate the value they attach to such education. They also need to be more involved in the design and delivery of course content.
Additionally, there needs to be a re-evaluation by both employers and learners of what academic study offers. It is not uncommon to see examples of academic qualifications that are becoming much more work-focused but this needs to be made more widespread.
Best Practice Is Not Shared Or Celebrated
There are many examples of incredibly successful policies, initiatives and projects that educate and nurture highly skilled, talented individuals. Every country in this project had positive stories to tell.
We need to create opportunities where practical experiences can be openly shared. It is important to learn from each other's successes and failures. We should celebrate success more openly and vocally than we do currently.
Best Practice Is Not Scaled-up Effectively
Having identified examples of best practice, there is often a failure to scale-up these initiatives effectively.
Limited Measurement Of Impact
We need to have better ways of assessing the impact of education programmes and initiatives so we can place a value on them. There should be incentives for sharing between businesses and across international boundaries.
Scaling-up often involves a multi-agency approach. Relationships need to be built between relevant stakeholders in order to facilitate wider roll out.
