The ‘Thatcherite’ Generation and University Degree Results
- 1 June 1992
- journal article
- research article
- Published by Taylor & Francis in Journal of Further and Higher Education
- Vol. 16 (2) , 60-70
- https://doi.org/10.1080/0309877920160207
Abstract
Recent years have witnessed a substantial rise in the number of ‘good’ first degrees awarded in Higher Education and much discussion has focussed on whether this trend represents a decline in ‘standards’. A study of University degree award patterns between 1979 and 1989 indicated gender, subject and size and age of University as factors of some limited importance. A questionnaire distributed to 18 Universities in England and Wales resulted in over 70 individual responses with the identification of improved quality of entrants, improved teaching quality and increased use of continuous assessment as perceived factors. Evidence supports the notion of improved quality of entrant on the basis of improving A Level grades coupled with a relatively small increase in University undergraduate numbers during the 1980s. There is also strong anecdotal support among members of the University community that students worked harder during the 1980s influenced by the ‘Thatcherite’ competitive culture and fears about future job prospects.Keywords
This publication has 3 references indexed in Scilit:
- EXPERIENCES WITH CONTINUOUS ASSESSMENTAssessment & Evaluation in Higher Education, 1987
- Degree quality: An investigation into differences between UK universitiesHigher Education, 1987
- The evaluation of university coursesStudies in Higher Education, 1984