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Universities accused of 'dumbing down' standards by allowing poor spelling

Michelle Donelan, the universities minister, said she is “appalled” by the decision of some universities to drop literary standards in their assessments
Michelle Donelan, the universities minister, said she is “appalled” by the decision of some universities to drop literary standards in their assessments

Universities have been accused of “dumbing down” standards, with the higher education minister saying she is “appalled” by institutions which allow poor spelling in exams.

Last week it emerged that Hull University's grading policy says that marking down incorrect spelling, punctuation and grammar could be seen as “elitist”.

As part of efforts to “decolonise” the curriculum and ensure “equity of opportunity” between all students regardless of their background, professors and lecturers at Hull University have been advised against insisting on good written English in all circumstances.

It is one of a number of universities to have adopted “inclusive” marking policies, which cite fairness and equality between students as a reason why lecturers should be prepared to overlook spelling and grammar mistakes.

Michelle Donelan, the universities minister, said she is “appalled” by the decision of some universities to drop literary standards in their assessments.

“I think that this is misguided and in fact it is dumbing down standards,” she told the Commons. “That will never help disadvantaged students . Instead the answer is to lift up standards and provide high quality education.”

Ms Donelan said that she is prepared to take action against universities which lower academic standards, citing the Conservative Party’s “manifesto commitment on quality”.

Hull University's marking and feedback policy explains that certain students are disadvantaged or discouraged when “technical proficiency” in written English is assessed.

This includes students who went to underperforming schools, who do not speak English as a first language, or who have a long-term health condition.

“It can be argued constructing an academic voice means adopting a homogenous North European, white, male, elite mode of expression dependent on a high level of technical proficiency in written and spoken English, a mode of expression that obscures the students’ particularity,” Hull's policy says.

Worcester University also has a policy on how to assess students “inclusively” which asks lecturers to focus marking on “how well the student has communicated their understanding” of the subject rather than on spelling, grammar and punctuation where they are not central to the assessment criteria.

The policy says it is “fairer” to concentrate on the quality of students’ ideas and knowledge rather than their spelling and grammar. This was because some students were from “diverse backgrounds” so may be at a “disadvantage from the outset”.

The University of the Arts London tells academics to “actively accept spelling, grammar or other language mistakes” as long as they do not “significantly impede communication”. Lecturers are also warned to avoid imposing their own ideas about the “correct English” on students’ work.

Ms Donelan’s remarks came after Robert Halfon MP, the Tory chair of the education select committee, raised the issue of university spelling policies in the Commons.

He explained that he is passionate about boosting the number of university students from disadvantaged households but added: “Does the minister agree that the proposal by Hull University to drop the requirement for students to demonstrate a high level proficiency in written and spoken English is entirely the wrong way to go about this?

“It’s patronising and counterproductive. Is it not better to work with unis to work with schools and colleges to ensure that all students reach the required standards of literacy to secure places on quality degree courses and degree apprenticeships?”

Hull University said it balanced its “inclusive approach” with academic standards by committing to the competencies set out by the Quality Assurance Agency’s subject level benchmarks.

Prof David Green, vice-Chancellor of Worcester University, said: “Many famous writers and scientists were considered poor spellers. Many students across the UK have been diagnosed with dyslexia. It is essential that university assessment criteria assess students’ knowledge of their chosen subject as well as their ability to reason, analyse and to express their thinking cogently.”