Central Planning Will Not Save Our Institutions of Higher Learning but Only Create a "Self-Feeding System"

• Published in: Sociologický časopis 2006-09, Vol.42 (5), p.1030-1032
• Main Author: Simonova, Natalie
• Format: Article
• Language: cze
• Subjects: Costs; Debate; European Union; Learning; Reform; Sociology of Education
• ISSN: 0038-0288

This reply to Rudolf Pomazal's criticism, accuses him of delaying the reform of the Czech system of higher education by propelling an "empty" discussion on models, systems, transformation processes, & other "fancy" notions, which, however, have little relevance to either the ongoing debate on the need to reorganize Czech higher education in accordance with European Union (EU) directives or introduce into it effective financial mechanisms that will make it product-oriented. It is pointed out that Pomazal's plea for not rushing with free market reorganization of the Czech universities, colleges, & polytechnics until a viable, theoretical, & basic model of efficient higher learning institutions is developed is in itself a delay tactic & a ploy meant to do nothing, as well as an excuse to perpetuate their current inefficiency. His support for the reform of Czech higher education is long on theoretizing but short on practical solutions, & his attitude reminds of the bureaucratic paralysis from the communist era. It is unlikely that the state as the owner & manager of higher education will be interested in making it more product-oriented & cost effective. Also, Pomazal points out the authors' ignorance in the sociology of education, while himself showing serious lacunae in the current sociological literature on the subject. Z. Dubiel