The quality of education suffers when pedagogies are not aligned with physical learning spaces. For example, the architecture of the triple-decker Victorian schools across England fits the information transmission model that was dominant in the industrial age, but makes it more difficult to implement student-centred pedagogies that better fit a…

Since its formal inception in 1976, EU cooperation in the field of education has known a number of major landmarks: the launch of the Erasmus programme in 1987, the inclusion of education for the first time in the Treaty (Maastricht, 1992) and, last but not least, the role given to education and training in the new EU 10-year economic and social…

The theoretical premise of this article is that policy is constructed and presented discursively. The Bologna process presents us with an example of such a policy construction process where the quality policy goals are set jointly in transnational settings, requiring different kinds of negotiations and discursive strategies. Discourse analysis of…

The Dutch vocational education system of qualifying students is examined, including national policy changes in response to identified problems, and ways in which the quality of qualifications will be assured in a reformed vocational education system to assure comparability with other European Community nations. (DB)

A study of the current program evaluation system in Dutch higher education consisted of a survey of institutions concerning their quality control and enhancement activities and 12 case studies of the experiences of universities and vocational institutions while conducting required self-evaluations and undergoing external evaluation. (MSE)

A discussion of Dutch higher vocational education (HVE) looks at the place of HVE in the overall postsecondary system, its system of governance, its role in the reorganization of higher education, and efforts at innovation. Part-time programs are seen as a likely way to serve needs and cut costs. (MSE)

Concern about the legitimate role of the government in evaluating higher education institutions has developed as a result of a 1985 Dutch proposal for decentralization that combines a formal national quality control system with increased institutional autonomy through self-regulation. The issues are outlined. (MSE)

Discusses higher education quality and its evaluation in Europe from historical and political perspectives, tracing the concept of quality control from medieval university models to the modern research university. Examines recent changes in the political context of European education and analyzes their consequences in three national contexts:…

Trends in college student mobility to/from the Netherlands are examined, and specific themes are discussed in the context of public policy: recognition periods of study abroad; teaching/studying of English as a Second Language; personal learning styles in a new environment; quality assurance; employer evaluation of study abroad experience; and…