New strategy to tackle trends in higher education
A new strategy that will guide priorities for further and higher education until 2030 was launched yesterday.
‘Malta’s National Strategic Action Plan for Further and Higher Education 2022-2030’ provides a vision towards developing a “dynamic resilient knowledge ecosystem” by 2030, based on guidelines that will tackle the current and future challenges the education sector faces.
It pledges an “innovative, inclusive and quality-driven” further and higher education sector.
The strategy was launched by the Malta Further and Higher Education Authority (MFHEA) and the Education Ministry.
The MFHEA is an independent entity that oversees quality standards in education and is tasked with regulating educational institutions that provide further and higher education.
Speaking during the launch, MFHEA CEO Rose Anne Cuschieri said the strategy was important to ensure that Malta’s higher education sector was not isolated and, so, that it would take on new trends seen globally.
“We want to prepare the island’s education system to be ready for what the future will bring, for the new opportunities we will face, and for our education system to be available for all students, regardless of their age or background,” she said.
She added: “The Maltese context, identity, cultural heritage and language will be a central element across all objectives and targets of the strategy.”
She said a key principle of the strategy was to ensure strong coordination between all stakeholders and clear assignment of roles and responsibilities.
The strategy includes seven main pillars that provide recommended measures and targeted outcomes covering seven priority areas. They are: Strengthening Policy Design and Governance; Quality Assurance and Transparency; Internationalisation and Mobility; Educational Attainment, Retention and Completion; Relevance of Teaching, Learning and Research; Widening Participation and Adult Learning; and Exploring Emerging Opportunities.
Speaking during the launch, Education Minister Clifton Grima said the strategy was an important step forward and he is pleased to see so many stakeholders who provided their input in the document.