UN: COVID ‘wiped out’ 20 years of education gains

The report presents an issue affecting students from Grades 1 to 8. From a macro perspective, these young learners are supposed to be those who have yet to make the decision to pursue higher education from wherever they are in the world. Of course, with a devastating phenomenon such as the coronavirus pandemic, there is a ripple effect to be expected.

The aforementioned SDGs were adopted by the UN in 2015 as a “universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure that by 2030 all people enjoy peace and prosperity.”

SDG 4 has a section devoted to higher education. The target set by SDG 4.3 is that by 2030, all women and men should be ensured equal access “to affordable quality technical, vocational and tertiary education, including university.”

Indeed, higher education has evolved through the years, as it has become more accessible to everyone and not just to the elite members of society.

If there are positive things about modern higher education, it is that technology has helped it grow, and the arrival of the internet has made knowledge more attainable. 

In one way, these things solve the problem of inefficiency. As witnessed during the pandemic, education delivery through virtual or remote learning is possible, although there is still a lot yet to be learned and accomplished. 

On the other hand, the quality of education is enhanced, and this is evident with the recent boom of the international education sector. International student recruitment has been enjoying highs before the pandemic. Now, international study is still made possible as institutions are offering pathways programs via strategic partnerships with other schools.

Path to equity

With the growing number of international students in the global market of higher education, and the general advancement of each and every higher education institution as a modern global education provider, pathways are also seen as a good opportunity to lessen the equity gap among international higher education students. 

SDG 4.5, tackles the importance of equity. The UN calls for institutions to “eliminate gender disparities and ensure equal access to all levels of education and vocational training for the vulnerable, including persons with disabilities, indigenous peoples and children in vulnerable situations.”

From this statement, several equity issues can be identified, and some solutions highlighted:

Cultural, gender biases. Students greatly attach themselves to their identities, and this affects how they engage with people on campus. Students usually identify themselves according to race, ethnicity, foster experience, gender, and disabilities. With pathways, institutions have the chance to implement reform focused on closing equity gaps.

Financial constraints. When it comes to higher education, finances are a major issue. 

“Both high tuition costs and the difficulties of paying bills while studying are critical factors. Concerns about affordability in higher education keeps many potential high school graduates from even applying,” stated a report by Education Data.

Some pathways programs allow for students to start their studies in their home country before completing it in their host institution in destination countries. This way, students can save on tuition, travel and living costs and expenses. More students have the opportunity to pursue higher education through study abroad programs.

Student confidence. For some students who are considering studying abroad, English proficiency may be an issue. However, some pathways programs offer courses, which help in preparing students for a better study abroad experience. This is one way how pathways help students improve in confidence, helping them achieve more in school and beyond. Through a pathways program which requires educators to focus more on a student’s academic journey, perhaps, the dropout rates in colleges and universities can be helped.

Exceptional measures

In this modern age, it is only a matter of time until institutions around the world soon turn their full attention into building, maintaining, and promoting pathways programs. Pathways provide institutions and students alike with multiple benefits and opportunities.

The global education market is now in the age of transformation, given the variety of new student pathways program options available. Especially in a post-pandemic educational environment, key advantages for pathways programs include huge financial savings and a boost in student confidence.

Lastly, students navigating higher education through pathways options have a good picture of what is expected of them, and have an idea how much effort they need to exert in their studies for them to succeed.