Institution of Learning

Today, universities should respond to many challenges brought by the advanced technologies and increase demand for education as well as for its reformation. Nevertheless, it should be stressed that the greatest challenge refers to the balancing of the interests of all involved sides. Certainly, various stakeholders have different interests in relation to the education. The state, for example, is drawn by its aspirations to have the well-educated and productive professionals prepared to act while trying to reduce the public costs assigned for the education in the light of crisis and overall economic downturn and turbulence. Parents are still encouraged to equip their children with diploma that will help the latter to climb the career leader, whereas children are more interested in self-development and are often confused about educational perspectives and the need to choose one. By contrast, employers are interested in high-skilled professionals, equipped with practical knowledge and critical thinking abilities.

In other words, it should be stated that interests of the stakeholders are quite diverse. On the other hand, trying to manage these competing interests, universities might make an attempt to find a common ground for all of them. For example, the state, employers, universities and students are interested in the high-quality education that can be used extensively and successfully on the labor market. At the same time, universities might also involve these stakeholders to the discussion on the future of the education where everyone can suggest alternatives strategies, submit their proposals, and offer their visions of the educational opportunities. As a result, these measures will help to improve the quality of education. In addition, as mere service-providers, universities should remember their priorities and refuse to follow the ideas that are not deemed rational or appropriate for the studying processes. The principal focus should always be on teaching and learning.