Technological universities: A relevant educational model for mexico?

Abstract

Mexico's experience with short vocational programs in higher education is relatively recent. In the early 1990s, the Mexican government decided to promote such programs by creating technological universities, which offer 2-year programs for high school graduates and award a degree called Técnico Superior Universitario (University-trained Higher Technician). Programs of this type, classified as level 5B on UNESCO's ISCED, are not only focused on teaching specific skills for entry into the labor market (UNESCO, 1997), but also prepare students to continue higher education. As this article will show, Mexico's technological universities are similar to community colleges: both offer 2 years of postsecondary education, promote the learning of skills that guarantee employment, and provide access to higher education for the masses in places where access had previously been denied. However, the technological universities, unlike community colleges, do not offer open access, a flexible curriculum, or possibilities for part-time students. Technological universities have occupied an important place in Mexico's educational policy by offering education to broad segments of the youth demanding higher education, especially those living in relatively poor areas. However, in spite of assured government incentives, the option has not gained popularity in Mexico's system of higher education. Proof of this is provided by the fact that only 3% of the total enrollment in higher education is in technological universities. In such a scenario, it seems relevant to evaluate whether Mexico's technological universities respond to the real conditions and needs of Mexican society. © 2009 Springer Netherlands.