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Distinguishing between means and ends
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Distinguishing between means and ends in the educational function of HE
is essential for :
•
identifying effective developmental strategies and directing them where they
are most needed
•
making the best use of all available resources
•
I would argue that the end goal of all formal education is to facilitate
student learning and thereby the fulfilment of the students’ educational
aspirations
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in particular, successful completion of the programmes they embark on
•
All educational provision, related developmental initiatives and resources
need to be seen and used as means to that end
•
and must thus not be reified as ends in themselves (unless the need for this
can be explicitly substantiated)
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