Tertiary Education in Colombia
Paving the Way for Reform
Description:... A great challenge facing Colombia is how to become an active member of the new global information and knowledge society. The changes required for this transition mean that the role of tertiary education must also shift to add to the traditional tasks of the transmission of knowledge and providing basic research the roles of training adaptable workers and supporting the continuing expansion of knowledge. A diversified system would include good quality technical and short cycle programs as well as postgraduate programs of high standard. This sector study suggests potential strategies and recommendations that would advance tertiary education in Colombia. The first chapter, "The Current Status of the Tertiary Education Systems in Colombia," describes the current system and its users, governance, and linkages with technology. The second chapter, "Economic Issues and Perspectives," provides an economic perspective on tertiary education in Colombia and examines the functioning of the market for tertiary education. This chapter identifies two main obstacles to expansions; rationed number of available places and stifled demand in private higher education. The final chapter, "Strategies and Recommendations for Tertiary Education in Colombia," contains the strategies and policy recommendations that support the government's policy by focusing on: (1) ensuring clear and progressive governance; (2) inducing and assuring quality; (3) promoting strategic levels of education and fields of study; and (4) providing finance for equitable and expanded access. Seven annexes discuss specific issues related to the future of higher education. (Contains 57 figures, 45 tables, 10 boxes, and 201 references.) (SLD).
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