Some Distinguishing Features of Polytechnic Universities
- According to the Greek roots of the word, ‘poly’ means ‘many’ or ‘much’ (polus or polloi) and ‘technic’ means art (tekhne). So, ‘polytechnic’ means ‘many arts’ (Simpson and Weiner, 1991).
- ‘Technology’ is an expansive term derived from Greek roots (technologia), connoting not only the human application of knowledge in shaping the physical environment, but also the development and application of critical and conceptual methods, skills, approaches, and thought processes that comprise human knowledge more generally.
- ‘Polytechnic’ traditionally describes the program mix and focus of a special purpose university. This mix typically includes business, arts and science, design, health, engineering, journalism, education, media studies, visual and performing arts, as well as trades and qualifying studies programs.
- General characteristics of polytechnic universities include . . .
- High quality learning and teaching
- A learn-by-doing environment
- Application of theory to practice
- Flexible learning environments and approaches
- Full-time and part-time studies
- Bridging pathways
- Work placements / co-op education
- Student diversity widening participation in higher education
- Curricular innovation—new programs at undergraduate and graduate level
- Multi-disciplinary programs
- Career focus programs
- Examples of polytechnic universities . . .
References
Province of British Columbia. (2008). University Amendment Act, 2008. Queen’s Printer: Victoria.
Simpson, J.A. and Weiner, E.S.C. (1991). Compact Oxford English Dictionary. Oxford: Oxford University Press.