EASIER entry to universities means courses are being dumbed down and more students are dropping out, according to a poll in The Times Higher Education Supplement (May 22) by the research company ICM.

However, more academics approve than disapprove of their university accepting lower grades from state-school candidates at the expense of independent-school students.

Fifty-eight per cent of the 500 academics surveyed say that easier entry is resulting in dumbing down and increased dropout rates. Almost 70 per cent find students less well prepared for higher education than their predecessors. This has forced 76 per cent of academics to adapt their teaching techniques.

Scientists and business-studies academics feel most strongly that students are worse prepared than before.

Yet, despite concerns about dumbing down, 39 per cent of academics approve of lowering entry requirements for state-school pupils, compared with 37 per cent of those against. The strongest objectors are engineers and scientists.

The survey also reveals academics struggling to cope with increased red tape, a strong demand for ongoing professional training and fierce resistance to the suggestion that most university teachers should give up cutting-edge research.

“The poll suggests that academics are realistic about the demands of mass higher education,” says the THES. “Most believe that the shortcomings of the system demand greater investment and adaptability, rather than an attempt to turn the clock back Tory-style.”

“What (they) will not tolerate is a downgrading of their role as rounded academics,” says the editorial. “The lesson for ministers from the poll is that there is support for mass higher education, warts and all, among those who see it at first hand. But this cannot be taken for granted indefinitely if the concessions are all one way.”

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