The first major shift is in one word jobs

Apparently, nothing changed. Student of 2006 must always attend the course, follow its program, submit assignments and exercises, know reviews fever... In short, do the same figures imposed only five years ago... or a half-century. And yet, despite this stability of façade, the "profession" of student has changed.

The first major shift is in one word: jobs. On campus, it is now a constant concern. "It can no longer do studies without considering their career opportunities", underscores Gilbert Orsoni, Vice-President of Aix-Marseille-III.

However, alone, this perspective changes already in depth the behavior of the student: because, to prepare for a job, he has to get to listen to the companies, examine the expectations of recruiters, developing little by little his professional project... And to compose his route of training (courses, options, courses...) on this project. Result, the time is the individualization of curricula. "Practically, there is not two students who perform the same tuition", observes Denis Lapert, Director of INT Management.

Another capital development: the international dimension is more present. The campus welcomed a growing number of foreign students about 25 to CET. The use and learning of foreign languages is spreading. Stays beyond the borders multiply particularly under the impetus of European programmes such as Erasmus or Socrates.

New methods

Even the content of the course now includes a "multicultural" vision In short, the international becomes second nature. And this is only a beginning. "The curriculum mounted on several countries will become the norm." "Tomorrow, will it do a Bachelor in his country of origin, and then a master's degree abroad, or vice versa", explains Bernard Belletante, Dean of Euromed-Marseille.

At the same time, the way to learn and teaching has evolved. "More asked to the student of consume knowledge, but assimilate and put them in perspective", says Patrick Porcheron, Director of the Paris-VI training. "It is more considered in its ability to render knowledge, confirms Bernard Belletante.". Because companies do not ask people who know, but act and decide. "Finish the exams, therefore.

Result, the pedagogy is changing: less theory and lecture, more interactive lessons, practical implementation, concrete case studies: professional missions in the Ecole des mines of Alès, action (ProAct) to Euromed projects, Act to undertake in the Mines of Paris... In this field, the grandes écoles were one step ahead, but universities also put. And if each-for-self remains the rule especially in the hexagon , work as a team, little by little, is gaining ground.

Monitoring of education

Above all, it no longer comes "training" passively, but participate. The nuance is of size. "The course becomes a place for Exchange and discussion, provides Olivier Friedel, Director of studies at Supélec." And for some disciplines, it is personal work that predominates. "Therefore, the role of the teacher changes at all: it is more"contributor of knowledge", but became leader of a group, questions, comments and testimonials. "The student to carry out its own research on the Internet, to engage in further readings even in the scientific disciplines," indicates to Patrick Porcheron.

Not to mention that another factor came pushing education: the emergence of computers and the Internet. As Bernard Belletante: "all knowledge is available instantly, click scope." This radically changes the deal. "Consultation of databases and documents, collaborative work remotely, online tests, it is now possible with ICT. Certainly, e-learning still held all its promises, but digital campus multiply, and the computer portable, more and more often now part of the basis of the Student Tools.

"It's true, there is what Denis Lapert, Director of INT Management divert the student who arrives from his high school or its preparation class, admits. It must get used to any other operation mode.

Also schools and universities strive guide their students in this new environment, providing them as possible also custom support. The SUIO, career and relationships with companies continue to expand. More and more is also emphasis on the monitoring of education or, like Essec or Euromed, on the personal development of the student. "We must put on the labour market graduates with technical expertise, but also behavioral skills", it points to Euromed.

"Contractor himself.

Thus emerges a new student profile. Better informed, more open to the world (and on the business...), more mature, more independent in their choices. And, in the end, more actor and head of her own training. "Contractor himself", as noted by some observers. In any case, much more adult. Too fast, too soon "Not at all, said Bernard Belletante." Our students have nothing of "young old". They are plenty of enthusiasm.

Therefore, put an end to the image of Epinal student dilettante, gently immature and ignorant of the realities of the company. Certainly, this metamorphosis is was not in a day, or in the few weeks preceding the re-entry. And all students do not not even work. But the trend is clear. Advantage, no doubt, to those who have seized the new rule of the game. And adapt.