A differentiated model for tertiary education: past ideas, contemporary policy and future possibilities

The year 2014 represents the 50-year anniversary of the introduction of the binary system of education in Australia. Using history as a policy tool, [the author] looks back at the binary system as well as its demise with the Dawkins reforms of the late 1980s to uncover the lessons learned. Four main issues are identified as enduring problems for tertiary education: the diversity and parity of esteem between the various elements of the tertiary education sector; the pathways within education and to the labour market; the place of research in mass tertiary education; and governance and...  [+] Show more

The year 2014 represents the 50-year anniversary of the introduction of the binary system of education in Australia. Using history as a policy tool, [the author] looks back at the binary system as well as its demise with the Dawkins reforms of the late 1980s to uncover the lessons learned. Four main issues are identified as enduring problems for tertiary education: the diversity and parity of esteem between the various elements of the tertiary education sector; the pathways within education and to the labour market; the place of research in mass tertiary education; and governance and autonomy.

Published abstract.