Analytic Quality Glossary

 

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Citation reference: Harvey, L., 2004–12, Analytic Quality Glossary, Quality Research International, http://www.qualityresearchinternational.com/glossary/

This is a dynamic glossary and the author would welcome any e-mail suggestions for amendments or additions. Page updated 26 January, 2012 copyright Lee Harvey 2004–12

 

 

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Transnational education

 

core definition

Transnational education is higher education provision that is available in more than one country.

 

explanatory context

Transnational education is associated with but not identical to internationalisation.

 

analytical review

British Council (undated) state:

Transnational education (TNE), in brief, means delivering education where the learners are located in a different country from the one where the awarding institution is based.

Global Alliance for Transnational Education (GATE, 1997) defined transnational education as an export product:

Transnational Education denotes any teaching or learning activity in which the students are in a different country (the host country) to that in which the institution providing the education is based (the home country). This situation requires that national boundaries be crossed by information about the education, and by staff and/or educational materials. (GATE, 1997, p. 1)

 

 

associated issues

As McBurnie and Pollock (1998) note, there are a variety of ways in which education is conducted transnationally, including via: distance education (with or without local support); twinning programmes; articulation programmes; branch campuses; and franchising arrangements. Transnational education is attractive to students seeking to gain a foreign qualification without moving from their country of residence. It can also be attractive to employers and governments looking at options for human resource development (including multinational or global corporations with a geographically dispersed workforce). Education providers seeking ways to expand their export markets are also attracted to the possibilities opened up by transnational education

 

There are issues related to transnational education, including cultural sensitivity, impacting on local higher education systems, and consumer protection, which have led to codes of practice being drawn up.

 

There is a need for review systems to address the quality of the education available. The operation of bogus or substandard providers is an important Òconsumer protectionÓ concern. However, even where a qualification is provided transnationally by a reputable university, recognised or accredited by its home country, it is still necessary to see whether the course content is the same as that provided at the home institution, whether there is appropriate cultural sensitivity to the local requirements; whether the methods of teaching are appropriate for achieving the objectives of the course and taking account of local cultures; whether the physical, administrative, communication and other resources are adequate to support successful learning?

 

related terms

See also

internationalisation

 

sources

British Council, undated, Transnational Education available at http://www.britishcouncil.org/tne.htm, accessed 28 January 2012.

Global Alliance for Transnational Education (GATE) 1997, Certification Manual. GATE.

McBurnie, G. & Pollock, A, 1998, ÔTransnational Education: An Australian ExampleÕ International Higher Education, Winter, http://www.bc.edu/bc_org/avp/soe/cihe/newsletter/News10/text7.html, not at this address 28 January 2012.


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