The Galway Symposium on Design for Learning: curriculum and assessment in higher education (Review Essay)

Abstract

The higher education (HE) system in Ireland, in common with many systems around the world, is facing a period of uncertainty. In the current economic climate, the seven universities in Ireland - plus the approximately 20 other HE institutions - are coming under much scrutiny. Echoing some of the attacks that Margaret Thatcher's government made on UK HE in the 1980s, the Irish government is raising questions around efficiency and accountability while at the same time cutting budgets. The pared down system that will emerge after this economic downturn may precipitate a somewhat gloomy period for academic staff. Before that happens, we would like to use this occasion to review some of the developments in teaching and learning in Ireland which we think call for some recognition.