International Teacher Education Conference 2014 1

International Teacher Education Conference 2014
University of Costa Rica: Relevance, Quality and Equity of Higher Education
Ana Luisa Guzmán H. a *
ª M.Sc, Costa Rica
Abstract
The University of Costa Rica is one of the five public universities of Costa Rica. This university opened its
doors in 1942 with the objective to form and develop professionals in all areas with a focus on quality, equity
and relevance, specially providing personal and social development to the different populations served:
indigenous groups, young people who have a disability, older people, women and men who want to improve
their professional skills.
Keywords.
The University of Costa Rica provides a comprehensive education covering six main areas: Ethical, Social,
Cultural, Scientific, Technological and Economic Development. This educational center works on the basis of
academic excellence: learning to know, learning to do, learning to live together and learning to be.
Management is focused on the development and learning application of new knowledge and human resources.
Strengthen research and its links with national and international society, designs and implements social action
projects, according to the needs identified in the Costa Rican population and global. Its goal is the development
of students. It has been recognized with international quality standards.
The University of Costa Rica`s curriculum has been internationalized and organized to provide response to the
training needs worldwide.
Global Objectives
From political and economic system, the State shall promote:
1 - Education as a human right: from primary to higher education. (Social Action).
2 - The relevance of higher education as a dynamic concept that varies across contexts and populations with
economic vulnerability , social, health , education, personal skills and emerging educational demands . The
relevance can only be the result of dialogue between national education authorities and minority groups and
with greater social and economic disadvantage.
3 - Higher Education Quality considered a multidimensional concept of multi-level dynamic that relates to the
contextual elements of an educational model, with the mission and institutional goals and specific standards
within a system, institution, program or discipline determined. Also with highest international standards that
provide response to the need for experts in all areas of practice and are able to work anywhere in the world. The
quality focuses on the change that must occur through the educational process: the transformation refers to
improvement and empowerment of students and the development of new knowledge.
4 - The Equity, based on the construction of a model of inclusion and solidarity that does not allow any
discrimination in creed, race or ethnicity, language or socioeconomic background. The same characterization for
environmental sustainability and prosperity improve the quality of life for all people and the dignity to human
beings. It also promotes access to education and formal technology to optimize personal and professional skills.
The equity is based on the principle of strengthening and creation of every opportunity to promote access,
retention and success of students to higher education.
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