Student Opinion about the Increase of Tuition Fees - Essay Example

Surveys are conducted to research and understand the community, problems, and issues. Any conclusion or interpretation depends highly on the questions asked during a survey Quantitative research uses modern survey methodology to answer questions about a group of individuals. Example include

• Market Research Surveys
• Government Surveys
• Public Health Surveys
• Public Opinion Polls

Censuses may be another example of quantitative research. Although a census does not include a sample/portion of the community, it surely does include many other modern survey methodological aspects such as interviewers and questionnaires. Surveys are an important tool for research. With the help of surveys, we may be able to gather precious information not only for research purposes but also for public information. Surveys are not restricted to one field or line of information. Information may be gathered for marketing, sociological, psychological, and many other aspects and fields of study (Advanced Research Seminar On Cognitive Aspects Of Survey Methodology & Jabine, 1984).

A survey was conducted regarding tuition fees and related issues. Most of the respondents were international which were paying comparatively high tuition fees. As expected, all of them were of the idea that the tuition fees were high and should be cut down. A few students were happy with their fees but it is believed this was since they were either UK home students or EU students.

Furthermore, it was highlighted that most of the international students relied on their parents to pay their tuitions fees while a few were dependent on student loans. 80% of the respondents believed that the tuitions fees of the UK were considerably higher than their home countries. This may have been said to be due to different economic conditions and foreign exchange risk between the two countries but with 65% of respondents claiming the tuitions fees to be considerably more is a matter to be looked into. Respondents also claimed that such huge tuitions fees are a cause of distress for their parents back home. Few even went on saying that their family could not afford the tuition fees but still managed to send them abroad to study and obtain a degree. The students responding were usually from developing nations that have a bad economic condition as compared to that of the UK. They also highlighted that if a parent is to spend so much on one sibling the rest may have to suffer and sacrifice their standard of education. The main reason cited for getting a degree was for a job with some respondents thought to be confused about their basis of studying at a university.

Nearly all of the students were of the view that the government should be paying for their tuitions fees and ensure that no financial stress and constraint should take place while studying. Respondents also were of the idea that at least some part of the fees if not all should be paid by the government.

The recent floating idea of an increase in tuition fees is a prime ongoing debate. It was believed that tuition fees shall be increased further (BBC News, 2012.) After the previous tuition fees rise Parents believe that supporting one of the children had been financially tough and an increase shall only and only increase their burden. Furthermore, parents feared that their children shall be facing huge debts if they plan to obtain a degree. Many students were also of the view that they shall be put off with higher tuition fees (BBC News, 2010). The increase in tuition fees also witnessed many protests and strikes with students even been arrested (the Guardian, 2011).

 The below image reflects on the increase in tuition fees

(Mail Online, 2012)

A further increase will no doubt lead to more stress, more strikes, and fewer people attracted towards higher education. The economic downturn may not favor the government to decrease or maintain its fees but the public seems to be on the worst side in case tuition fees are actually raised further or even maintained.

Conclusively, the tuition fees of universities in the UK, especially concerning international students should be reviewed, considering the number of international students in every university. Hence, more exchange programs and grants, loans, and scholarships should be in place to ensure more and more people may receive their basic right of standard education.

Limitations of the survey include the source of information gathered. As most of the information gathered was web-based, people may have tended to answer the questions as a mere formality rather than a responsibility. Secondly limiting the sample size, may also affect the conclusion drawn. It is believed that the larger the sample, the better the reflection.

By conducting a survey, I personally have got to know and understand different aspects of the tuition fees issue. People may have the same answer but different reasoning towards the issue. Hence, the bottom line may reflect upon and highlight major issues but the reasoning gives us a better understanding and solution of the problem.