Outline two ways in which globalisation may have had an influence on educational policies in the UK.
AQA
A Level
2024
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The Influence of Globalization on Educational Policies in the UK
This essay will explore two key ways in which globalization has impacted educational policies in the UK: the influence of international testing and the adoption of marketization and privatization policies.
1. International Testing and the Emphasis on STEM Subjects
One significant influence of globalization on UK educational policies is the rise of international testing programs like the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA). The UK's participation in PISA has driven the adoption of standardized assessments and fueled a desire to improve performance against other developed nations. This has resulted in:
a) Increased Emphasis on STEM Subjects:PISA results often highlight the importance of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) subjects in securing a competitive edge in the global economy. This has led to a greater focus on promoting STEM education in the UK, often at the expense of other subjects.
b) Curriculum Reform:International comparisons driven by PISA have prompted curriculum reforms in the UK, with greater emphasis on subjects perceived to be crucial for success in the globalized knowledge economy.
2. Marketization and Privatization of Education
Globalization has also influenced educational policies through the adoption of marketization and privatization policies similar to those seen in other developed countries. This has led to:
a) Increased Role of Private Companies:The UK has witnessed the emergence of global education companies involved in curriculum development, assessment design, and even the management of schools. This has raised concerns about the role of profit-driven entities in shaping education.
b) Competition Between Schools:The marketization of education has introduced a competitive element between schools, with performance indicators and league tables becoming increasingly important. This has led to a focus on achieving high test scores, potentially at the expense of broader educational goals.
Conclusion
Globalization has exerted significant influence on educational policies in the UK. The pressure to perform well in international testing programs and the adoption of marketization and privatization policies have shaped the educational landscape in ways that may benefit or hinder the pursuit of educational excellence. Further research is needed to understand the long-term effects of these global trends on the quality and accessibility of education in the UK.
How has Globalisation Influenced Educational Policies in the UK?
Globalisation, the increasing interconnectedness of the world, has significantly impacted various aspects of life, including education. This essay will outline two key ways in which globalisation has influenced educational policies in the UK, focusing on the adoption of international testing programmes and the prioritisation of certain subjects.
International Testing and Comparison
One significant influence of globalisation on UK educational policies is the involvement in international testing programmes like the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA). PISA assesses the performance of 15-year-old students in reading, mathematics, and science across numerous countries. The UK's participation in such programmes reflects a global shift towards measuring educational achievement against international benchmarks.
The rationale behind this is the ability to compare standards of education across different nations. By participating in PISA, the UK government can identify its strengths and weaknesses in education compared to other countries. This data can then inform policy decisions, leading to reforms aimed at improving the UK's position in global league tables and ensuring that students are equipped to compete in an increasingly globalised job market.
Prioritising Subjects for a Global Economy
Secondly, globalisation has influenced the UK curriculum by promoting the prioritisation of specific subjects deemed essential for the global economy. There has been a significant emphasis on STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) and the English Baccalaureate (EBacc), which includes English, mathematics, science, a foreign language, and either history or geography.
This focus stems from the belief that these subjects equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in a competitive, skills-based global economy. The emphasis on STEM subjects aligns with the increasing demand for graduates in these fields, driven by technological advancements and global economic competition. Similarly, the EBacc promotes skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication, which are highly valued by employers across various sectors in a globalised world.
Conclusion
In conclusion, globalisation has profoundly influenced educational policies in the UK. The participation in international testing programs like PISA allows for comparison and competition on a global scale, driving policy changes aimed at improving educational standards. Similarly, the emphasis on STEM subjects and the EBacc reflects the need to prepare students for a globalised workforce by equipping them with the skills and knowledge demanded in the international job market. These influences demonstrate how globalisation has led to a shift in educational priorities, focusing on international competitiveness and preparing students for a globalised world.
Free Mark Scheme Extracts
International Comparisons and Convergence
The UK education system is influenced by global trends in several ways:
- Involvement in international testing programmes such as PISA testing (1 mark); this allows international comparison of standards (+1 mark).
- Traditional subjects such as STEM / EBacc subjects are prioritised in the curriculum (1 mark); these subjects equip pupils with the skills required for the global skills-based economy (+1 mark).
- The UK has adopted marketisation / privatisation policies similar to those adopted in some other countries (1 mark); this has led to the emergence of global education companies involved in curriculum and assessment development (+1 mark).
- Growth of the Internet offers new ways of accessing information and testing (1 mark); some schools have policies on home-based learning (+1 mark).
Other relevant material should be credited. No marks for no relevant points.