Wednesday 1 December 2010

Bagehot on Britain's Students

For an interesting piece on the topic of student protests, see Bagehot
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2 comments:

  1. sibadd7 December 2010 at 04:34

    ...and what about the effect on university staff of the pursuit of academic 'excellence' as a result of the need to maintain status amid globalised competition for students and research cash. The other day I noticed a call for papers from Andrew Whelan et al. in Australia for an anthology on 'Zombies in the Academy: living death in higher education' seeking articles on "the current conditions of the academy under pressure from the 'zombie processes' variously described as 'audit culture' or the 'McDonaldisation' of higher education", "evaluation of the perceived decomposition of academic standards" "exploration of pedagogical activities that use or reflect zombie content" "addressing the corpse-like inertia and atavism of academic distinction and social closure (journal rankings, peer review, tenure etc.) in the face of the apparently 'lifelike' models of research production; (etc.)." I've spent my academic career searching with reasonable success for work that allows me to flourish like an epiphyte amid the surrounding forest. I've met many kindred species who've found similar eco-niches in the academic environment - able to read, enjoy libraries, write and teach. I suspect the open secret entails not caring about salary, security or rank, so long as one can continue to learn - 'Aun Aprendo' as Goya put it so well -
    http://www.flickr.com/photos/sibadd/374713841/

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  2. Jim7 December 2010 at 10:07

    Well said. It is reassuring that such eco-niches can still be found. You're very lucky to have found one. I hope you had a wonderful and stimulating time in Australia and New Zealand.

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