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V. Foreign Higher Education and Education Systems, International Relations, Bilateral Relations
B. Essays, Commentaries, Statements
Author REICHERT, Sybille
Title The intended and unintended effects of the Bologna reforms
Publication year 2010
Source/Footnote In: Higher education and management. - 22 (2010) 1, S. 99 - 118
Inventory number 28138
Keywords Bologna-Prozess ; Qualitätssicherung ; Studienreform ; Ausland : Europa : Hochschulwesen allgemein
Abstract Bologna reform eulogies and protests tend to focus on the benefits and shortcomings of the new two-tier curricula, their implementation and orientation. In this article, an assessment of the Bologna reforms is made in terms of their larger and less widely discussed systemic and institutional effects - which go far beyond the original reformers? intentions. Apart from the introduction of new degree structures, the two Bologna reform dimensions which have been most readily adopted and dynamically implemented are the overhaul of Europe?s quality assurance system and the recent reforms of doctoral education. In contrast, the visionary goals of using learning outcomes and competencies as the structuring principle of all curricula in order to ensure greater transparency and reliability, and of promoting student-centred learning, have only been adopted by few countries and institutions. However, the Bologna reforms have also had a range of unintended effects on systems and institutions that often go unnoticed when discussing their impact on European higher education. These include redefining the relationship between institutional profiles, strengthening central institutional leadership and mobilising horizontal communication within institutions. (HRK / Abstract übernommen)