A/Ls completed, now what?
The importance of choosing the best higher education institute
As individuals one of the most important phases of our lives is the period we receive tertiary education. It serves as a bridge between our general education and our professional lives, and helps set us on the path to achieving our career goals. Tertiary education is offered by universities and higher education institutes, mostly divided in to state and private education.
In Sri Lanka, state education has traditionally been the most popular option for students who have completed their A/ Levels and are commencing professional education. However, since the 1990s private institutions have seen a constant growth, and are now firmly established as the alternative to state education.
The rise in popularity of private higher education institutes has been driven mainly by the internationally recognized qualifications offered by them, constantly updated syllabuses, innovative teaching methods and modern student population. However, the quality of education has not kept pace with the proliferation of private institutes over the past 15 years, and it cannot be said that all private universities provide international quality higher education.
So how does one determine the quality of a private institute? There are certain criteria which can be looked at when evaluating the worthiness of an institute. One is the Academic Quality Assurance provided by an international quality assurance body. This is important as it confirms that the local institute is providing education which is identical to that which is provided internationally in their affiliated university. Foreign quality standards are typically much more advanced and comprehensive in comparison with local quality assurance measures. It covers the relevance and professional value of the course content and is a seal of approval for the institute.
The quality of the lecturers and the teaching methods are another important criterion. A good private higher education institute must have a qualified panel of lecturers who are knowledgeable about their subject matter and also constantly updated about the latest developments in the field. They must also be sophisticated enough to utilize the resources at their disposal, which have been provided by the institute, to ensure that the students receive nothing less than a truly international education.
The Sri Lankan private higher education market has traditionally been dominated by British education. However over the past decade universities form several other nations have entered Sri Lanka through its local partners, vying for a share of the market. Today we have a wide selection of degrees and diplomas from countries in Europe, North America, Australia and South East Asia. However it is noteworthy that, while the market has opened up and competition has been heightened, British education still reigns supreme in Sri Lanka, and indeed many other countries.
There are multiple reasons for this, one of which is history and prestige. UK is home to some of the finest uni- versities in the world, some of which like Oxford, have a proud history of several centuries. British universities are also renowned for their quality and the maintaining of standards. Furthermore, British education is recognized around the world and has high employability value, which is the ultimate purpose of higher education. Therefore, institutes which offer British education should be considered when selecting an institute for higher studies.
The Facilities offered by the institute can be the difference between a standard learning experience and a world class learning experience. Facilities which aid learning and create a modern ambience help elevate an institute above its competition. Fully fledged IT labs, Virtual Learning Environments, Wi-Fi availability, well stocked libraries and sports and recreational areas combine to provide students the ideal learning environment and help them reach their full potential.
An important, and related, aspect that should be looked at is the culture of the institute. International univer- sities encourage greater interaction between the faculty and students, and group work among students. Studies have shown that this leads to a more inclusive and open learning environment, which in turn helps the students achieve higher marks.
A good indication of the standard of education offered by an institute is provided by the alumni of that institute, and its affiliated international university. Alumni who have gone on to be high achievers in their professional lives are the greatest endorsement for the quality of education of an institute, as their achievements are based on the higher education they received.
If an institute satisfies all the above criteria, it is important to evaluate the cost of the education, and whether it provides value for money. Many institutes tend to be highly expensive, making it inaccessible for students from middle class backgrounds. Therefore, an institute which provides value for money, without compromising on the quality of education, should be selected.