Matriculation,Degree Structures,and Levels of Student Thinking

Abstract

The functions of universities and colleges of advanced education (CAEs) are examined with a view to describing the general nature of the demands on knowledge and skill that are sought in each sector. These demands are elucidated in a public language by applying a newly developed evaluation technique, the SOLO Taxonomy, which sets out clearly the level and complexity of thought involved in various levels of tertiary study. A clear rationale for matriculation and degree structures emerges, a rationale which may help to clarify issues where college and university structures are in conflict.