In Austria the process of business-oriented educational reforms started 15 years ago but it is only now, after the implementation of the new school-leaving exams in the 2014-15 school year, that everybody has become aware of the profound changes made in the educational system. Despite the long-lasting debates and arguments, and the visible changes, the origins and objectives of the reforms are still ignored, and the reform movement is seen as a modern necessity rather than a well-planned strategy designed to increase profits. In this article, Richard Zaiser, a languages teacher who works not far from Vienna, explores the situation in his country. |
