Discursive Practices as Drivers of Academic Culture in Higher Education (Baikal School of BRICS Case Study)

Irkutsk National Research Technical University has recently launched a number of English-taught educational programmes with the paramount objective to transform the educational landscape of the university. Delivering the programmes in a foreign language gives the university significant competitive advantages in the higher education market, and also enhances the standards of education by attracting foreign experts, professors and students. The purpose of the study is to identify specific didactic tasks that will determine the design of English-taught educational programmes. Having analysed the experience based on language training of undergraduate and graduate students who study in multicultural groups and take English-taught courses, we conclude that the academic status of foreign languages within the programmes of Baikal School of BRICS differs from classical educational paradigms. The implemented lingua-didactic approach when delivering the disciplines focused on language performance is based on the principles of intercultural reflection, acceptance of linguistic and cultural diversity, generation of common meanings and values of education and academic cooperation within the studied subjects, and it contributes to the development of adequate educational technologies resulting in appropriate learning outcomes of students. The results of the study can be used to evaluate and develop similar educational products.

From profiling to pioneering

The first decade-and-a-half of the new millennium was a time of dramatic change for European universities. In response to the high level of competition on the international higher education market following the introduction of the Bologna process and the surging popularity of international rankings, universities are now looking for ways to differentiate themselves and their programmes. New English-taught programmes are increasingly seen as an opportunity to launch innovative curricula. This paper presents the results of a two-stage analysis of policy documents and expert interviews, revealing the drivers behind the decision to introduce English-medium education in the context of the ongoing internationalisation of higher education. The present study identified a shift in internationalisation efforts at WU Vienna University of Economics and Business, one of Europe’s largest business universities. While in the past decade the drivers behind the implementation of English-medium programmes were primarily connected to the university’s profile and reputation, the latest data show they are now characterised by the university’s aim to be perceived as an innovator and a pioneer.

Integration Mechanisms of Universities and Real Economy Sector

In the modern world, the role of universities is changing dramatically and a new model of their participation in the economy is being formed. The essence of the new model is an immeasurably closer integration of universities with enterprises and organizations of the real sector of the economy. Universities that reject this model will no longer be able to be full participants in the higher education market. In this regard, many Russian universities are forced to look for new mechanisms of interaction with economic entities of the regional economy. The article summarizes and systematizes the most successful practices of Russian universities on the creation and use of integration mechanisms with companies, enterprises and departments of the regions. For this purpose, examples of such promising institutions are considered, such as research and educational centers and infrastructure initiatives; supporting universities and network initiatives; targeted training and practice-oriented programs; integration of production and education on the site of universities (training centers); partial integration of production and education on the site of enterprises (basic departments); full integration of production and education at the enterprise site (outsourcing); entrepreneurial universities and a model of global academic partnership; the institute of unique scientific collaborations and Collective Use Centers. The analysis of this experience allowed us to draw the general contours of a new model of a practice-oriented university.

Impact of Postgraduate Qualifications on the Career Progression of Middle Leaders in Schools

<p>With a highly competitive higher education market in Australia, there is a significant push for professionals to obtain further qualifications. While much has been written on the progression to Principalship in schools, there is a paucity of writing on the progression into Middle Leadership. A survey of middle leaders in Australian schools indicate that the skills learned in postgraduate qualifications are highly valued by people entering Middle Leadership, however, no impact is recorded in relation to progression into further leadership roles. This research has the potential to influence the career decision making of school teachers and leaders, as well as influence the marketing of postgraduate qualifications by higher education providers.</p>

A Case for Caution: Twenty-One Years of Bologna and Ramifications for the U.S. Higher Education

The spread and influence of older European higher education models and the current Bologna Process (BP) is strongly linked to its colonial and neocolonial hegemony. However, the 1999 convergence of European models under the umbrella of the BP reform has had implications beyond the colonial and neocolonial spheres, with its effects impacting even the well-established and reputable education systems of North America. Unlike the countries of Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean, Asia Pacific, and the United States did not have any reasons to embrace the BP models. However, they are indirectly affected by it. The international nature of academe, characterized by cooperation and exchanges, has made it impossible for United States tertiary education systems to avoid the effects of the European BP reform entirely. Student and faculty mobility, transferability of degrees, and joint and dual degree offerings have increased significantly as a result of the “external dimension” objectives of the Bologna reform. The highly globalized higher education market is characterized by partnerships and exchanges, including competition between European and the United States colleges and universities over international students. The BP ultimately has and will likely continue to influence the calculations of higher education stakeholders in the United States.

Domestic practices of increasing the international competitiveness of the Russian higher education institutions in the context of global challenges and threats

The Russian universities have to be demand among potential foreign applicants in the context of tightening competition in the global higher education market for resources, personnel and students. The possibility of attraction talented young people from other countries appears through the implementation of the education export in the context of the knowledge economy and global competition. In addition, interaction with foreign students contributes to the academic development of universities, knowledge diplomacy and international cooperation. The experience of the National Research University of Information Technologies, Mechanics and Optics and the Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia in the field of increasing and applying indicators for assessing international competitiveness has been analysed. The correlation and regression analysis of the dependence of the number of foreign students studying in Russia on the number of Russian universities in the world university rankings has been carried out. The assessment of changes in the work of universities to attract foreign students during the COVID-19 pandemic has been performed.