Search

Showing total 27 results
27 results

1. The Changing Nature and Role of Vocational Education and Training in Europe. Volume 7: VET from a Lifelong Learning Perspective: Continuing VET Concepts, Providers and Participants in Europe 1995-2015. Cedefop Research Paper No. 74

Author

Cedefop - European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training, Department for VET Systems and Institutions (DSI)

Abstract

This research paper is one in a series produced as part of the Cedefop project The changing nature and role of VET (2016-18). The aim of the paper is to provide an overview of how CVET is conceptualised in various international level policy documents and how it is referred to across countries. It discusses national conceptions of CVET, the providers, participation by IVET graduates in non-formal education and training (NFE), and participation of adults in VET education institutions in European Union Member States, Iceland and Norway. The paper describes how the provision of CVET by different types of provider has changed over the past two decades, discussing the main drivers of this change and speculating about possible future trends. One of the main findings is that there are many dominant conceptions of CVET across Europe and the use of this term is not consistent, sometimes not even within countries. [The research was carried out by a consortium led by 3s Unternehmensberatung GmbH, led by Dr Jorg Markowitch; the consortium includes the Danish Technological Institute, the Institute of Employment Research (University of Warwick), the Institute of International and Social Studies (Tallinn University) and Fondazione Giacomo Brodolini. The Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB) in Germany is supporting the project as a subcontractor.]

Published
2019

2. The Changing Nature and Role of Vocational Education and Training in Europe. Volume 5: Education and Labour Market Outcomes for Graduates from Different Types of VET System in Europe. Cedefop Research Paper. No 69

Author

Cedefop - European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training, Department for VET Systems and Institutions (DSI)

Abstract

This research paper is the fifth in a series produced as part of the Cedefop project The changing nature and role of VET (2016-18). Based on comparative analysis of labour force survey data from 2014, the report analyses the vocational effect on labour market and education outcomes, asking whether any advantages conferred by vocational qualifications in early career would be offset by disadvantages later in life. The report explores the functioning of the safety net and the diversion effects across countries, demonstrating how these vary considerably with the specific institutional structure of schooling and work-based training. The results indicate that VET graduates are potentially sacrificing the longer-term gains associated with further education in favour of short-term benefits. [This research was carried out by a consortium led by 3s Unternehmensberatung GmbH and including the Danish Technological Institute, the Institute of Employment Research (University of Warwick), the Institute of International and Social Studies (Tallinn University) and Fondazione Giacomo Brodolini. The Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB) in Germany is supporting the project as a subcontractor.]

Published
2018

3. Analysis of Vocational Education and the Role of the Teacher

Author

Dagmar Rusková and Lubica Vaskova

Abstract

Technical, economical, and social changes place great demands on the qualification of professional forces in all areas of the national economy. The decisive foundations for these qualifications are built in vocational education. Vocational education is an investment in the future and one of the decisive pillars of the prosperity of every state in the future horizon of competitiveness. From that follows that the topic of professional dual education is becoming more and more relevant in all countries of the world. Economic experts at the moment state, that overall unemployment among young people is higher compared to other years, and at the same time, there is a lack of qualified personnel for professional positions in various work areas. Many states see the solution to this problem in the implementation of dual education, so individual countries have begun to take the necessary measures. The advantages of adapting curricula to the demands of the economy and business are obvious and transparent, so the public and private sectors, as well as non-profit and non-governmental organizations support this agenda. The article analyzes the elements of dual education in individual European countries with a special focus on dual education in Slovakia. A meaningful motivating factor for its qualitative rise can be the comparison of the vocational education system in individual European countries. [For the full proceedings, see ED654100.]

Published
2023

4. Qualifications at Level 5: Progressing in a Career or to Higher Education. Working Paper No 23

Author

Cedefop - European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training, Grm, Slava Pevec, and Bjørnåvold, Jens

Abstract

This study addresses qualifications at level 5 of the European qualifications framework (EQF) in 15 countries (Belgium (Flanders), the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Ireland, France, Croatia, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Austria, Portugal, the United Kingdom (EWNI and Scotland) that had linked their national qualification levels to the EQF by June 2012. EQF level 5 qualifications play an important role in providing access to employment and career advancement as well as enabling further learning and progression to higher education. This double function makes them attractive to learners and employers. Although the extent to which countries use qualifications at EQF level 5 differs, their importance is growing in all countries investigated for several reasons. First, they are developed as response to increased needs for advanced technical and/or management skills. Second, they seem to be especially attractive to students with VET background and those already in employment. They also contribute to lifelong learning by being accessible and attractive for adults and non-traditional learners. The following are appended: (1) List of working definitions; (2) List of interviewees; (3) Available data on EQF level 5 qualifications; (4) Key purposes and functions of qualifications; (5) Further material on learning outcome descriptions of qualifications; and (6) Duration and mode of delivery. A bibliography is also included. [The research was carried out by Panteia in consortium with 3S under Cedefop service contract AO/ECVL/JBSPEV/Qualifications_EQF_level_5/001/12.]

Published
2014

5. The Value of Smarter Teachers: International Evidence on Teacher Cognitive Skills and Student Performance. Program on Education Policy and Governance Working Papers Series. PEPG 14-06

Author

Harvard University, Program on Education Policy and Governance, Hanushek, Eric A., Piopiunik, Marc, and Wiederhold, Simon

Abstract

Differences in teacher quality are commonly cited as a key determinant of the huge international student performance gaps. However, convincing evidence on this relationship is still lacking, in part because it is unclear how to measure teacher quality consistently across countries. We use unique international assessment data to investigate the role of teacher cognitive skills as one main dimension of teacher quality in explaining student outcomes. Our main identification strategy exploits exogenous variation in teacher cognitive skills attributable to international differences in relative wages of nonteacher public sector employees. Using student-level test score data, we find that teacher cognitive skills are an important determinant of international differences in student performance. Results are supported by fixed-effects estimation that uses within-country between-subject variation in teacher skills.

Published
2014

6. The Next Steps for Apprenticeship. Cedefop Reference Series. No 118

Author

Cedefop - European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training, Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) (France), Cedefop - European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training, and Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) (France)

Abstract

In a context of considerable interest in apprenticeship in recent years, Cedefop and the OECD decided to explore its future from the perspective of a number of megatrends, including sociodemographic changes, the accelerated adoption of emerging technologies and new forms of work organisation. They also considered how these trends have affected, and will continue to affect, the design and delivery of apprenticeship in European and OECD countries. The combination of the emerging economic crisis as an aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, together with long-term structural trends affecting global economies, will entail a profound transformation of the world of work and require effective policy responses in the years to come. This publication provides insights from 16 papers by researchers from Europe, Australia and the United States; nine were presented and discussed among policy-makers, practitioners and researchers during the joint Cedefop-OECD symposium on the future of apprenticeship held in October 2019 in Paris. Evidence and analysis in these papers will help inform political decisions shaping the future of apprenticeship.

Published
2021

7. Reflections on Post-16 Strategies in European Countries. Interim Report of the Leonardo da Vinci/Multiplier Effect Project III.3.a. Priority 2: Forging Links between Educational Establishments and Enterprises (1997-2000) ID 27009. Working Papers, No. 9.

Author

Jyvaskyla Univ. (Finland). Inst. for Educational Research., Stenstrom, Marja-Leena, Stenstrom, Marja-Leena, and Jyvaskyla Univ. (Finland). Inst. for Educational Research.

Abstract

This four-part publication contains 19 papers on educational practices and promises for post-16 education in European countries. Part I, the introduction, contains these three papers: "Sharpening Post-16 Education Strategies: Building on the Results of the Previous Projects" (Johanna Lasonen); "'Parity of Esteem' and 'Integrated Learning'--Reflections on the Work of the Two Research Partnerships" (Pekka Kamarainen); and "European Dimension of Surveys and Analyses of Vocational Education and Training; Brief Remarks on Action Research and Evaluation Research from the Perspective of the European Dimension" (Gerald Heidegger). Part II, New Partners' Country Reports: National Reforms in Upper Secondary Education, contains these six country reports: "National Report on Belgium" (Donatienne Colson and Xavier Roegiers); "Reforms in Upper Secondary Education in Denmark" (Soren Nielsen and Steffen Svendsen); "Estonian Educational System: An Overview and the Estonian Approach to Upper Secondary Education" (Hanno Isok); "Reforms in Upper Secondary Education in Greece" (Nikitas Patiniotis and Catherine Spiliopoulou); "Interim Report of the SPES-NET [Sharpening Post-16 Education Strategies by Horizontal and Vertical Networking] Project from Hungary" (Csaba Fejos); and "Reforms in Post-16 Education in Spain and Parity of Esteem in Upper Secondary Education" (Fernando Marhuenda). The following nine papers make up Part III, Old Partners' Contribution to the Project: "'Eastern Reforms' and Their Impact on 'Western Approaches'" (Stefan Humpl and Jorg Markowitsch); "Comments on the Spanish Reforms and Lessons from Them for the Development of Upper Secondary Education in Europe" (Michael Young); "Comments on 'Reforms in Upper Secondary Education in Denmark--A Country Report'" (Kjell Andersen); "On-the-Job Training--A New Development Project in Finnish Vocational Education" (Ulla Numminen); "Links between Educational Establishments and Business Enterprises in Norway" (Kjell Andersen); "Overview of College-Enterprise Links" (Stuart Niven, Gordon Paterson); "SPES-NET Austria: Preliminary Plan" (Stefan Humpl and Jorg Markowitsch); "SPES-NET Finland: Dissemination Plan" (Ulla Numminen); and "Plan for a National Network in France" (Anne Lazar). Part IV, the conclusion, is the following paper: "Reflections on Disseminating Strategies for Reforming Post-16 Strategies" (Marja-Leena Stenstrom). Three appendixes include a list of contributors, contact information, and locations of partner institutions. (KC)

Published
1999

8. Going beyond Technological Affordances -- Assessing Organizational and Socio-Interactional Affordances

Author

Lainema, Kirsi, Lainema, Timo, Hämäläinen, Raija, and Heinonen, Kirsi

Abstract

Analysis of the applicability of a learning technology requires evaluating how the affordances of the technology respond to the users' needs. We examine affordances of a digital learning environment. We concentrate on organizational and socio-interactional affordances, which are based on technological affordances. The analysis shows how organizational and socio-interactional affordances emerge from the use of technological affordances. We offer an analytical understanding of the dynamics of various kinds of affordances and how they can be assessed to help educators to better understand how the learning process and the use of affordances can be facilitated and supported. [For the complete proceedings, see ED608557.]

Published
2019

9. School Achievement of Pupils from the Lower Strata in Public, Private Government-Dependent and Private Government-Independent Schools: A Cross-National Test of the Coleman-Hoffer Thesis

Author

University of Arkansas, Education Working Paper Archive, Corten, Rense, and Dronkers, Jaap

Abstract

We consider the question whether pupils from the lower social strata perform better in private government-dependent schools than in public or private-independent schools, using the PISA 2000 data on European high schools. In the eighty's, Coleman and Hoffer (1987) found in the USA that the performance of these pupils was better at religious schools than at comparable public schools. Dronkers and Robert (2003) found in PISA-data for 19 comparable countries that private government-dependent schools are more effective then comparable public schools, also after controlled for characteristics of pupils and parents and the social composition of the school. The main explanation appeared to be a better school climate in private government-dependent schools. Private independent schools were less effective than comparable public schools, but only after controlling for the social composition of the school. As a follow-up we now investigate, again with the PISA-data of these 19 countries, whether this positive effect of private government-dependent schools differs between pupils from different strata. We use various indicators to measure social strata: social, cultural and economic. We expect that the thesis of Coleman & Hoffer does hold for private government-dependent schools, because in these 19 countries they are mostly religious schools, which have more opportunities to form functional communities and create social capital. But for private independent schools, which due to their commercial foundation are less often functional communities, this relation is not expected to hold. However, the results show that public and private schools have mostly the same effects for the same kind of pupils and thus mostly not favor one kind of pupils above another kind of pupils. But private government-dependent schools are slightly more effective for pupils with less cultural capital. However, private independent schools are also more effective for pupils from large families or low status families. (Contains 4 tables, 12 notes and a list of 25 Literature Resources .)

Published
2006

10. Evaluating Eco-Innovation of OECD Countries with Data Envelopment Analysis

Author

Mavi, Reza Kiani and Standing, Craig

Abstract

Government regulations require businesses to improve their processes and products/services in a green and sustainable manner. For being environmentally friendly, businesses should invest more on eco-innovation practices. Firms eco-innovate to promote eco-efficiency and sustainability. This paper evaluates the eco-innovation performance of Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries with data envelopment analysis (DEA). Data were gathered from the world bank database and global innovation index report. Findings show that for most OECD countries, energy use and ecological sustainability are more important than other inputs and outputs for enhancing eco-innovation. [For full proceedings, see ED571459.]

Published
2016

11. Efficiency Measurement with Network DEA: An Application to Sustainable Development Goals 4

Author

Koçak, Deniz, Türe, Hasan, and Atan, Murat

Abstract

Education is the core of the factors that improved people for a better lifestyle and increases the level of society' development. Quality education is one of the most vital goals of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) due to actualizing these factors. Using relational network data envelopment analysis (DEA), which have three interrelated substages, this current paper computes the educational economy efficiency of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries bearing in mind the characteristics related to SDGs. The contribution of our study is the use of a novel approach to computing the educational economy efficiency using relational network DEA with GAMS. Even though some interesting differences reveal in the efficiency of the countries, the findings show that countries with high-efficiency scores are clustered around countries like Latvia, Slovenia, and Korea.

Published
2019

12. Government Spending across the World: How the United States Compares. National Issue Brief No. 144

Author

University of New Hampshire, Carsey School of Public Policy, Ettlinger, Michael, Hensley, Jordan, and Vieira, Julia

Abstract

In this brief, authors Michael Ettlinger, Jordan Hensley, and Julia Vieira analyze how much the governments of different countries spend, and on what, to illuminate the range of fiscal policy options available and provide a basis for determining which approaches work best. They report that the United States ranks twenty-fourth in government spending as a share of GDP out of twenty-nine countries for which recent comparable data are available. The key determinant of where countries rank in overall government spending is the amount spent on social protection. The United States ranks last in spending on social protection as a share of GDP and twenty-second in per capita spending. The United States ranks at or near the top in military, health care, education, and law enforcement spending. Measuring government spending by different methods and including tax expenditures does not appear to significantly alter the conclusion that the United States is a low-tax, low-spending country relative to the other countries examined, particularly when compared to its fellow higher-income countries. [This paper is an evolution of a previous work, "Comparing Public Spending and Priorities Across OECD Countries" (ED606844).]

Published
2019

13. Lifelong Learning: Capabilities and Aspirations

Author

Ilieva-Trichkova, Petya

Abstract

The present paper discusses the potential of the capability approach in conceptualizing and understanding lifelong learning as an agency process, and explores its capacity to guide empirical studies on lifelong learning. It uses data for 20 countries from the Adult Education Survey (2007; 2011) and focuses on aspirations for lifelong learning. The study results show that there are considerable country differences in the level of people's aspirations. They highlight the fact that, despite the growing emphasis on lifelong learning, the level of aspirations has decreased in half of the European countries. However, this decrease occurs to a greater extent among people who did not participate in lifelong learning, but wanted to participate, than among people who had already participated in some form of education or training in the previous 12 months. [For the complete Volume 14, Number 1 proceedings, see ED568088.]

Published
2016

14. Demographics and Education: The 20 Richest Countries

Author

Marchant, Gregory J. and Johnson, Jessica J.

Abstract

This paper explores the PISA [Programme for International Student Assessment] achievement of twenty countries in light of some of their demographic differences. SES [student socioeconomic status], nuclear family, gender, home language, and native status were predictive of achievement for every country. Demographics accounted for as little as 8 percent to as much as 22 percent of individual score variance depending on the country and subject. Being male was almost a universal advantage in math, but was a far greater disadvantage in reading for every country. The relative performance of some countries changed when scores were adjusted for demographic differences; however, the Asian countries and Finland remained on top. Instructional strategies related to countries performing above expectations were explored.

Published
2012

15. Adolescents' and Parents' Perceptions about Core Values to Individual and Family Life: A Cross-Sectional Study Involving Seven European Countries

Author

Vieira, Cristina C., Gonçalves, Luis, Jochl, Anja, Van Essche, Marianne, Stavrianos, Athanasios, Brie, Laura, Pustovrh, Matija, and Summermatter, Ayfer

Abstract

Family, community and school are privileged contexts to acquire and consolidate fundamental values for governing individual life and interpersonal relations across lifespan, and such learning is more effective if there is congruence in the messages learned, and if children and adolescents are stimulated to develop critical thinking competences to deal with information. Involving a convenience sample of 889 subjects, 446 adolescents and 443 parents from seven European countries to whom a self-administered questionnaire was applied, this paper presents the main results of cross-comparisons between and within countries about the perceived importance of values for family. Participants were also asked to do a self-evaluation of themselves as models of citizenship for others. Overall, mothers tend to consider that values are more promoted in families than fathers, but there are no differences in the opinions of adolescent boys and girls. When males and females are compared with no distinction of generations, the latter agreed more with the significance of values for the family than the former. There are some specific differences between and within countries and sample groups in the evaluation of values and self-perceptions of citizenship performance. Despite the limited number of participants in each country, the discussion of results highlights the importance of debating the values that guide personal and societal principles inside and outside the family, in an effort to construct a world free of prejudice and discrimination and where every person, regardless of cultural, religious or ethnical identities, is invited to contribute to the common well-being. [This article was written in collaboration with: Harald Seeber, Elisabeth Brueggl, Aziza Majri, Diane Licoppe, Christos Kolozof, Cristina Costa, Isabel Cristina Borges, Isabel Pratas, Laura Cruceat, Jana Mlakar, and Köksal Sezgin.]

Published
2016

16. Generating Stable University Funding Mechanisms: Income Contingent Loan Structure Choice within the Irish Education System

Author

Larkin, Charles and Corbet, Shaen

Abstract

This paper presents an exploratory analysis of the funding mechanisms for higher education across sixteen countries which builds upon existing work on educational institutions, educational outcomes, and welfare regimes. We focus upon the current financing dilemma within the Irish higher education system, seeking potential solutions within an international comparison. Our quantitative analysis identifies four clusters of countries: the Nordic, Continental-Europe, Mediterranean and English-Speaking; all of which are strongly correlated to economic and structural characteristics based on welfare state literature. Each education regime is associated with institutional, economic, and political factors. Our analysis presents evidence that Ireland does not possess the characteristics of a country that could benefit from an income-contingent lending structure to fund university education due to inherent sovereign characteristics. Further, Ireland could be better served through the introduction of free fee structures such as that found in Norway and Scotland or through the generation of state-sponsored lending facilities through private institutions like those already in place in Finland, Germany, and Sweden.

Published
2021

17. Agora IX: Alternative Education and Training Processes (Thessaloniki, Greece, June 26-27, 2000). CEDEFOP Panorama Series.

Author

European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training, Thessaloniki (Greece).

Abstract

This document contains the agenda and papers presented at the Agora IX meeting in Thessaloniki, Greece in June 2000 on alternative education and training processes. The papers are "Integration of Migrant Pupils in the Danish Education System" (Bang); "Support Services for Inclusive Education" (De Vroey); "Single Sex Schooling or Coeducation?" (Schrodt); "Serving the Needs of Gifted Individuals: The Optimal Match Model" (Monks); "The Common Culture Needed for the Democratic Transformation of Schools" (Rochex); "Danish Production Schools" (Ljung); "A Review of the Training Workshops and Craft Centres in Extremadura" (Lucas); "Combating Social and Economic Exclusion" (Brodigan); "The Irish Leaving Certificate Applied: Trojan Horse or Contrived Equilibrium?" (Gleeson); "Contribution of Mr. Manfred Schneider from the BBJ-Unternehmensgruppe" (Manfred Schneider); "Strategies to Combat Failure at School: A Comparison of Italian and European Experiences" (Montedoro); "Nightriders Tailoring Training to Young People's Lifestyles" (Lavelle); "Comprehensive Education or Removal of Pupils: The Dilemma Facing Education Systems in Responding to School Failure" (Casal); "The New Skills Approach The Roles of those Involved' (Rue); "The Relationship Between Centralised and Decentralised Learning in Vocational Training" (Vogel); "Company Role and Responsibility in Education and Training" (Suomalainen); and "The Role of Local Authorities in the Integration of Disadvantaged Young People in Germany" (Schlegel). The document contains a list of event participants. (SLR/CL)

Published
2003

18. Teacher Training Programs for Gifted Education with Focus on Sustainability

Author

Reid, Eva and Horváthová, Božena

Abstract

Scholars, psychologists, and teachers from around the world have been dealing with the topic of giftedness for many years. Also in Slovakia, development of giftedness is a highly topical issue and gifted education has earned its place in the current curricular documents issued by the Ministry of Education. The national curriculum specifies education objectives, teaching plans, requirements for personnel, organizational and material-technological requirements for gifted education. However, the personnel requirements are problematic not only in Slovakia, but also in other countries. Most attention is paid to identification and development of gifted children, but very little consideration is given to the training of teachers for gifted children. The lack of justifying teacher training does not guarantee sustainability of gifted education. The aim of this paper is to map and describe gifted education, teacher training programs and qualifications for teachers of intellectually gifted pupils in Slovakia, Austria, Belgium and Finland. These countries were chosen because of very different perceptions of the gifted education and teacher training. These systems are compared and a proposal for sustainable teacher training is offered.

Published
2016

19. Does Variation in the Extent of Generalized Trust, Individual Education and Extensiveness of Social Security Policies Matter for Maximization of Subjective Well-Being?

Author

Valeeva, Rania F.

Abstract

In this paper, I examine whether generalized trust and education, as well as social security policies of welfare state institutions matter for cross-national differences in subjective well-being (SWB), because knowledge on this issue is still lacking. For this purpose I integrated the insights of two sociological theories: Social Function Production theory and Actor-Centred Institutionalism. Based on these theoretical notions we derived several hypotheses, which I tested using multilevel analysis of the data from the European Social Survey (2006), in a sample of 37,237 respondents from 22 European countries. My findings indicate that various extensiveness of social security policies matter for the level of SWB, and for the impact of education on SWB. I found negative impact of low education on SWB in all countries, except in Northern and Western European countries. This might suggest that social security policies of the latter countries have diminished the negative impact of low education on SWB. Moreover, my findings indicate positive relationship between individual education and generalized trust; as well as between generalized trust and SWB in countries with all five types of social security policies.

Published
2016

20. Legal Nature and Functions of Referendum in Constitutional Law Theory

Author

Kucherenko, Petr A., Sangadzhiev, Badma.V, and Velibekov, Murad C.

Abstract

The relevance of the study of the legal nature and functions of the referendum is conditioned by the increasing dynamics of development of direct democracy in the developed countries and the needs to legalize it in constitutional and legal norms to ensure stability in society. The purpose of this paper is to define the legal nature of the referendum in the context of the theory of constitutional law. The research methodology is built on the comparison of institutional and instrumental features of the referendum. The materials of the legal practice of the Federal countries of Western Europe are investigated, having a tradition of direct democracy and the practice of its legislative regulation. The basis of the study is constitutional norms about the referendum of the Constitution of Germany, Switzerland, Austria and Belgium, as well as quantitative data on referenda in those countries. In the result of the study of the legal nature of the referendum the evident instrumental purposes of direct democracy are justified: legitimation, restraint, institution, self-government and political arbitration. Also a conclusion is made about the instrumental function of the referendum in modern Federal countries of Western Europe. The obtained results of the study are important in theoretical terms--for the development of the definition of a referendum, understanding of its legal nature and functions, and in practical terms - for legislative activities and public discussions about ways of development of democracy in certain public conditions.

Published
2016

21. Proceedings of the Conference of the International Group for the Psychology of Mathematics Education (30th, Prague, Czech Republic, July 16-21, 2006). Volume 1

Author

International Group for the Psychology of Mathematics Education., Novotna, Jarmila, Moraova, Hana, Kratka, Magdalena, and Stehlikova, Nad'a

Abstract

This volume of the 30th annual proceedings of the International Group for the Psychology of Mathematics Education conference presents: plenary panel papers; research forum papers; short oral communication papers; and poster presentation papers from the meeting. Information relating to discussion groups and working sessions is also provided. Plenary lecture papers include: (1) Mathematics, didactical engineering and observation (G. Brousseau); (2) A Semiotic View of the Role of Imagery and Inscriptions in Mathematics Teaching and Learning (N. Presmeg); (3) School Mathematics as a Developmental Activity (S. Stech); and (4) PME 1 to 30--Summing Up And Looking Ahead (P. Tsamir and D. Tirosh). Plenary panel papers include: (1) The Necessity of Collaborations between Mathematicians and Mathematics Educators (Z. Gooya); (2) Generic versus Subject Specific Pedagogy (S. Groves); (3) How Can Schools Put Mathematics in Their Centre? (K. Krainer); and (4) Mathematics in the Centre (T. Rojano). The first research forum (RF01) includes: (1) Seeing More and Differently (L. Brown and A. Coles); (2) Joint Reflection as a Way to Cooperation between Researchers and Teachers (A. Hospesova, J. Machackova, and M. Ticha); (3) Opening the Space of Possibilities (A. Lebethe, N. Eddy, and K. Bennie); (4) Diverse Roles, Shared Responsibility (J. Novotna and A. Pelantova); (5) Research with Teachers (L. Poirier); (6) Developing a Voice (G. Rosen); and (7) Learning about Mathematics and about Mathematics Learning through and in Collaboration (V. Zack and D. Reid). The second research forum (RF02) includes: Exemplification in Mathematics Education (L. Bills, T. Dreyfus, J. Mason, P. Tsamir, A. Watson, and O. Zaslavsky). The third research forum (RF03) includes: (1) Conceptual Change in Mathematics Learning (D. Tirosh and P. Tsamir); (2) Aspects of Students' Understanding of Rational Numbers (X. Vamvakoussi and S. Vosniadou); (3) Conceptual Change in the Number Concept (K. Merenluoto and E. Lehtinen); (4) The Linear Imperative (W. Van Dooren, D. De Bock, and L. Verschaffel); (5) Conceptual Change in Advanced Mathematical Thinking (I. Biza and T. Zachariades); (6) Students' Interpretation of the Use of Literal Symbols in Algebra (K. P. Christou and S. Vosniadou); (7) The Dilemma of Mathematical Intuition in Learning (L. B. Resnick); and (8) Designing for Conceptual Change (B. Greer). Short oral communications papers include: (1) The Mathematics Teachers' Conceptions about the Possible Uses of Learning Objects from RIVED-Brazil Project (C. A. A. P. Abar and L. S. de Assis); (2) On the Way to Understanding Integration (S. Abdul-Rahman); (3) The Impact of Graphic-Calculator Use on Bedouin Students' Learning Functions (M. Abu-Naja and M. Amit); (4) How to Put It All Together? (M. Alagic); (5) Reading Mathematics Textbook as a Storybook (S. E. Anku); (6) Naming and Referring to Quantities When Solving Word Problems in a Spreadsheet Environment (D. Arnau and L. Puig); (7) If It Divides by 4, It Must Divide by 8 (J. Back); (8) Universal and Existential Mathematical Statements (R. Barkai, T. Dreyfus, D. Tirosh, and P. Tsamir); (9) Situtations, Linear Functions and the "Real World" (G. Benke); (10) The Relationship between High School Mathematics and Career Choices among High Achieving Young Women (S. B. Berenson, J. J. Michael, and M. Vouk); (11) Students' Understanding of Ambiguity in Symbols (K. P. Blair); (12) Reform-Oriented Teaching Practices and the Influence of School Context (J. Bobis and J. Anderson); (13) Approaching Linear (In)Dependence with Example-Generation (M. Bogomolny); (14) Metaphors in Teacher's Discourse (J. Bolite Frant, V. Font, and J. Acevedo); (15) Designing Instructional Programs that Facilitate Increased Reflection (J. Bowers and S. Nickerson); (16) Conformism in Teaching Mathematics (A. Braverman, P. Samovol, and M. Applebaum); (17) Constructing Multiplication (J. Brocardo, L. Serrazina, and I. Rocha); (18) The Trigonometric Connection (S. A. Brown); (19) Student Beliefs and Attitudes from Poetry Writing in Statistics (M. Bulmer, B. Lea, and K. Rolka); (20) The Teaching of Proof in Textbooks (R. Cabassut); (21) Classroom: A Learning Context for Teachers (A. P. Canavarro); (22) An Investigation of Differences in Performance in Mathematics between Parallel Students and Normal Entry Students at the Polytechnic--University of Malawi (P. C. Chamdimba); (23) A Study on Eliciting the Formula for the Area of Triangle from Students' Structuring of Tile Arrays and Figure Reconstructions (J.-H. Chen and S.-K. S. Leung); (24) Decision Making at Uncertainty (E. Chernoff and R. Zazkis); (25) A Study on Implementating Inquiry-Based Teaching to Facilitate Secondary School Students' Learning in the Retaking Mathematics Course (E.-T. Chin, C.-Y. Chen, C.-Y. Liu, and C.-P. Lin); (26) Girls Excelled Boys in Learning Geometric Transformation Using Tessellations (S. Choi-Koh and H. Ko); (27) A National Survey of Young Children's Understanding of Basic Time Concepts (J. Chung and C.-C. Yang); (28) An Exploration of the Mathematical Literacy of Irish Student Primary School Teachers (D. Corcoran); (29) Mathematics Teachers' Knowledge and Practice (J. P. da Ponte and O. Chapman); (30) Psychological Aspects of Students Thinking at the Stage of Graphical Representation in the Process of Investigation of Functions (M. Dagan); (31) Formative Feedback and Mindful Teaching of Undergraduate Mathematics (G. E. Davis and M. A. McGowen); (32) Mathematics Education in the South and Western Pacific (A. J. Dawson); (33) Teacher Meditation of Technology-Supported Graphing Activity (R. Deaney, S. Hennessy, and K. Ruthven); (34) A Categorization of Difficulties Encountered by 13-to-15-Year-Olds while Selecting Inverse Algebraic Operation (A. Demby); (35) "It's Infinity" (T. Dooley); (36) What Is to Be Known? (J.-P. Drouhard); (37) "The Most Normal Path" (M. Droujkova, S. Berenson, G. Mojica, K. Slaten, and H. Wilson); (38) Exploratory Mathematics Talk in Friendship Groups (J.-A. Edwards); (39) Conceptual Basis of Proof (L. D. Edwards); (40) In-Service Education under Market Conditions (L. R. Ejersbo); (41) Statements of Problems and Students' Choices between Linear or Non-Linear Models (C. Esteley, M. Villarreal, and H. Alagia); (42) Equity and Quality Mathematics Education (G. Frempong); (43) Is Sensitivity for the Complexity of Mathematics Teaching Measurable? (T. Fritzlar); (44) By Using the Outcome-Based Approach to Strengthen Students' Learning Capabilities (A. T.-F. Fung and K.-M. Leung); (45) Patterns of Students' Interactions while Doing Geometric Proofs in Groups (F. L. Gallos); (46) Dialogue: A Tool for Creating Mathematical Proof (S. Gholamazad); (47) Beginning Teachers in Mathematical Inquiry (B. Graves and C. Suurtamm); (48) Learning Trajectory of Fraction in Elementary Education Mathematics (S. Hadi); (49) Elementary Education Students' Affect towards and Advancement in Mathematics (M. S. Hannula, R. Kaasila, E. Pehkonen, and A. Laine); (50) Pre-Service Mathematics Teachers (B. Hartter and J. Olson); (51) Effectiveness of Video-Case Based Elementary Mathematics Teacher Training (R. Huang and J. Bao); (52) Improving Students' Level of Geometrical Thinking through Teacher's Regulating Roles (M. Imprasitha); (53) What's the Connection between Ears and Dice (I. Jan and M. Amit); (54) Tactile Perception in 3D Geometry (D. Jirotkova and G. Littler); (55) High Achieving Students' Conceptions of Limits (K. Juter); (56) Reading Visual Representations of Data with Kindergarten Children (S. Kafoussi); (57) Students' Use of Gestures to Support Mathematical Understandings in Geometry (L. H. Kahn); (58) Mathematical Abilities for Developing Understanding of Formal Proof (E. Kapetanas and T. Zachariades); (59) An Analysis of Connections between Errors and Prior Knowledge in Decimal Calculation (J. Kim, J. Pang, and K. Song); (60) Insights into Primary Teachers' Interpretations of Students' Written Answers in Mathematics (A. Klothou and H. Sakonidis); (61) The Role of Proof (S. Kmetic); (62) A Comparison of Mathematically Gifted and Non-Gifted Students in Intuitively Based, Probabilistic Misconception (E. S. Ko, B. H. Choi, and E. H. Lee); (63) Exploring Teaching and Learning of Letters in Algebra (A. Kullberg and U. Runesson); (64) Teaching Mathematics to Indigenous Students and Pupils from Multicultural Backgrounds (E. K. Lam); (65) Limitations of a Partitive Fraction Scheme in Developing Multiplicative Reasoning about Fractions (H. S. Lee); (66) Teachers' Reflection and Self-Assessment through the Use of a Videotape of Their Own Mathematics Instruction (S. Lee and J. Pang); (67) A Case Study on the Introducing Methods of the Irrational Numbers Based on the Freudenthal's Mathematising Instruction (Y. R. Lee); (68) A Case Study of an Elementary School Teacher's Professional Development on Mathematics Teaching in Context (Y.-C. Leu, C.-H. Hsu, and W.-L. Huang); (69) "But after All, We'll Need This for School" (N. Leufer and S. Prediger); (70) Developing Primary Students' Cognitive Skills through Interactive Mathematics Lessons (K.-M. Leung); (71) A Study on the Effects of Multiple Representation Curriculum on Fraction Number Learning Schemes for Fourth Grade Children (S.-K. S. Leung and I.-J. Wang); (72) Teachers' Knowledge about Definitions (E. Levenson and T. Dreyfus); (73) Supporting Teachers on Maintaining High-Level Instructional Tasks in Classroom by Using Research-Based Cases (P.-J. Lin); (74) Towards an Anti-Essentialist View of Technology in Mathematics Education (B. Lins and C. H. de Jesus Costa); (75) Comparing Teaching of Common Mathematical Tasks in Different Countries (G. Littler and M. Tzekaki); (76) New Approach of Neurocognition in Mathematical Education Research and further Implications (C. Liu, F.-L. Lin, and C.-N. Dai); (77) Reasoning and Generalizing about Functional Relationship in a Grade 2 Classroom (S. London McNab); (78) The MathematicalPerformances in Solving the Norming Problem (H.-L. Ma); (79) The Education of Reasoning (E. Macmillan); (80) The Effect of Rephrasing Word Problems on the Achievements of Arab Students in Mathematics (A. Mahajne and M. Amit); (81) An Approach to Eary Algebra Using Technology as an Enhancement (C. A. Maher and G. Gjone); (82) Teachers' Beliefs and Competencies of Creative Mathematical Activities (B. Maj); (83) Manipulative Representation (N. Mark-Zigdon and D. Tirosh); (84) Language, Power and Mathematics Learning (M. Mathye and M. Setati); (85) Children Learning as Participation in Web-Based Communities of Practice (J. F. Matos and M. Santos); (86) Recognizing Mathematical Competences (J. F. Matos, M. Santos, and M. Mesquita); (87) Mathematics Teachers' Preparation Program (A. S. Md. Yunus, R. Hamzah, H. Ismail, S. K. S. Hussain, and M. R. Ismail); (88) Mathematics Register Acquisition (T. Meaney); (89) Development of Spatial Abilities (H. Meissner); (90) An Encounter between Queer Theory and Mathematics Education (H. Mendick); (91) Establishing a Mathematics Learning Community in the Study of Mathematics for Teaching (J. Mgombelo and C. Buteau); (92) Talking Mathematics in a Second Language (H. Miranda); (93) Objects in Motion (I. Miranda, L. Radford, and J. G. Hernandez); (94) Researching the Appearance of Mathematical Argumentation (C. Misailidou); (95) Teachers' Pedagogical Content Knowledge in the Teaching of Quadrilaterals (I. A. C. Mok and M. Y. H. Park); (96) Out-of-School Experts in Mathematics Classes (J. Monaghan); (97) A Sequel to Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS), 2003, in Botswana (S. M. Montsho); (98) The Pattern and Structure Mathematics Awareness Project (PASMAP) (J. Mulligan and M. Mitchelmore); (99) Primary Pupils' Mathematics Achievement (C. Opolot-Okurut); (100) Images of Functions Defined in Pieces (R. Ovodenko and P. Tsamir); (101) A Comparative Analysis of Elementary Mathematics Textbooks of Korea and Singapore (J. Pang and H. Hwang); (102) Substitutions on Algebraic Statements, Based on Associations in Natural Reasoning (M. Panizza); (103) Virtual Learning Environments and Primary Teachers' Professional Development (M. C. Penalva-Martinez and C. Rey-Mas); (104) Cypriot Preservice Primary School Teachers' Subject-Matter Knowledge of Mathematics (M. Petrou); (105) Phenomenological Mathematics Teaching (P. Portaankorva-Koivisto); (106) Using the Debate to Educate Future Teachers of Mathematics (J. Proulx); (107) Surprise on the Way from Change of Length to Change of Area (N. Prusak, N. Hada, and R. Hershkowitz); (108) Discovering of Regularity (by 11-Years-Old Children) (M. Pytlak); (109) Using Manipulatives to Teach Students in College Developmental Math Classes about Fractions (S. L. Reynolds and E. B. Uptegrove); (110) Sixth Graders' Ability to Generalize Patterns in Algebra (F. Rivera and J. Rossi Becker); (111) Variety of Representational Environments in Early Geometry (F. Roubicek); (112) From Research on Using Problems Related to Functional Equations as Multifunctional Tools for Revealing Subject Mater Knowledge of Functions in Future Mathematics Teachers (M. Sajka); (113) Expert and Novice Primary Teachers' Intervening in Students' Mathematical Activity (H. Sakonidis, M. Kaldrimidou, and M. Tzekaki); (114) Examining Teachers' Reflections about Mathematics Teaching, Learning, and Assessment (V. M. Santos-Wagner); (115) Analyzing Students' Thought Process in Revealing Correspondence between Formulas and Geometrical Objects (P. Satianov and M. Dagan); (116) "No Need to Explain, We Had the Same" (K. Schreiber); (117) Characteristics of Malaysian Students' Understanding about Functions (S. A. Sh. Abdullah); (118) Mathematical Induction via Conceptual Representation (A. Sharif-Rasslan); (119) Exploring the Meanings of Events in Mathematics Classroom from Learners' Perspective (Y. Shimizu); (120) A Study on the Law of Large Numbers Instruction through Computer Simulation (B.-M. Shin and K.-H. Lee); (121) Mathematics Learning Quality for Gifted Junior High School Students in Taiwan (H.-Y. Shy, C.-H. Liang, and W.-M. Liang); (122) A Preservice Teacher's Growth in Subject Matter Knowledge while Planning a Trigonometry Lesson (K. M. Slaten); (123) Comparing Numbers: Counting-Based and Unit-Based Approaches (H. Slovin); (124) Mathematically Gifted 6th Grade Korean Students' Proof Level for a Geometric Problem (S Song, Y. Chong, J. Yim, and H. Chang); (125) Probability Reasoning Level of Gifted Students in Mathematics (S. Song, K. Lee, G. Na, and D. Han); (126) Analysis of Mathematically Gifted 5th and 6th Grade Students' Process of Solving "Straight Line Peg Puzzle" (S. Song, J. Yim, Y. Chong, and J. Kim); (127) Standard Mathematics Discourses of Developmental Algebra Undergraduates (S. K. Staats); (128) Novice Students, Experienced Mathematicians, and Advanced Mathematical Thinking Processes (E. Stadler); (129) The "Soil" of Extended Problems: The Cultural Background of the Chinese Mathematics Teaching Practice (X. Sun and N.-Y. Wong); (130) Immersion in Mathematical Inquiry: The Experiences of Beginning Teachers (C. Suurtamm and B. Graves); (131) The Whole Idea (S. Tobias); (132) The Teaching Modes (R. A. Tomas Ferreira); (133) Didactic Decisions (J. Trgalova and I. Lima); (134) Evaluating a Large-Scale National Program for Incorporating Computational Technologies to Mathematics Classrooms (M. Trigueros and A. I. Sacristan); (135) Symmetry: Equality or a Dynamic Transformation? (K. Tselepidis and C. Markopoulos); (136) Teaching Children to Count (F. Turner); (137) Student Conceptions and Textbook Messages (B. Ubuz); (138) Students' Errors in Transforming Terms and Equations (A. Ulovec and A. Tollay); (139) Mathematics with Technology (S. Ursini, G. Sanchez, and D. Santos); (140) Francisca Uses Decimal Numbers (M. E. Valedmoros Alvarez and E. F. Ledesma Ruiz); (141) Development of Numerical Estimation in Grade 1 to 3 (M. van Galen and P. Reitsma); (142) Mathematics Education and Neurosciences (MENS) (F. van Nex and T. Gebuis); (143) Symbolizing and Modeling to Promote a Flexible Use of the Minus Sign in Algebraic Operations (J. Vlassis); (144) An Analysis of Preservice Teachers' Estimation Strategies within the Context of Whole Numbers, Fractions, Decimals, and Percents (T. N. Volkova); (145) What Does It Mean to Interpret Students' Talk and Actions? (T. Wallach and R. Even); (146) The Research of Co-Teaching Math between Experienced and Preservice Teachers in Elementary School (J.-H. Wang); (147) The Influence of Teaching on Transforming Math Thinking (T.-Y. Wang and F.-J. Hsieh); (148) Searching for Common Ground (J. Watson, L. Webb, L. King, and P. Webb); (149) Are Beliefs and Practices Congruent or Disjoint? (L. Webb and P. Webb); (150) Working Memory and Children's Mathematics (M. Witt and S. Pickering); (151) Mathematics Education Reform in the United States (T. Wood); (152) A Modeling Perspective on Problem Solving in Students' Mathematics Project (F.-M. Yen and C.-K. Chang); and (153) Development of a Questionnaire to Measure Teachers' Mathematics-Related Beliefs (S.-Y. Yu and C.-K. Chang). Poster presentations include: (1) A Comparative Analysis of Mathematics Achievement and Attitudes of Male and Female Students in Botswana Secondary Schools (A. A. Adeyinka); (2) Logical-Mathematical Learning for Student with Down's Syndrome (R. M. Aguilar, A. Bruno, C. S. Gonzalez, V. Munoz, A. Noda, and L. Moreno); (3) The Math Fair as a Bridge between Mathematics and Mathematics Education, the University and Elementary or Junior High School (M. Beisiegel); (4) One Teaching Episode from a Learner's, an Observer's and a Teacher's Point of View (H. Binterova and J. Novotna); (5) A Framework for Studying Curricular Effects on Students' Learning (J. Cai and J. C. Moyer); (6) Preservice Elementary Teachers' Conceptual Understanding of Word Problems (O. Chapman); (7) Mathematics Education and School Failure (P.Chaviaris and S. Kafoussi); (8) Enhancing the Seventh Graders' Learning on Equality Axiom and Linear Equation through Inquiry-Oriented Teaching and Integrated Mathematics and Science Curriculum (K.-J. Chen, S.-Y. Yu, E.-T. Chin, and H.-L. Tuan); (9) To Conjecture the Staff Development Model of Mathematical Teacher According to Spark's Theory (Y.-T. Chen and S. Leou); (10) Discovery of Implementing Teaching by Discussion in Mathematics Classrooms (J. Chung); (11) Modeling Teachers' Questions in High School Mathematics Classes (S. Dalton, G. Davis, and S. Hegedus); (12) My Assistant, a Didactic Tool of Mathematics for Primary School Teachers (N. de Bengoechea-Olguin); (13) A Model to Interpret Teacher's Practices in Technology-Based Environment (N. C. Dedeoglu); (14) The Gnomon (P. Delikanlis); (15) The Teacher's Proactive Role in the Context of Word Problem Solving by Young Beginners in Algebra (I. Demonty); (16) Students' Geometrical Thinking Development at Grade 8 in Shanghai (L. Ding and K. Jones); (17) An Interdisciplinary Perspective on Learning to Teach Mathematical Writing (H. M. Doerr, K. Chandler-Olcott, and J. O. Masingila); (18) Multiplication Models (D. Droujkov and M. Droujkova); (19) Quantitative Grids and Cyclic Patterns (D. Droujkov and M. Droujkova); (20) Learners' Influence in Computer Environments (M. Droujkova nd D. Droujkov); (21) Alleviating Obstructions to Learning (D. Easdown); (22) Knowledge and Interpretation of Teachers to the School Content of Proportionality (H. Enriquez Ramirez and E. Jimenez de la Rosa Barrios); (23) Mathematical Flexibility in the Domain of School Trigonometry (C. Fi); (24) "Moving Fluidly among Worlds" (S. Gerofsky); (25) Making Practice Studyable (H. Ghousseini and L. Sleep); (26) Cognitive Roots for the Concept of Asymptote (V. Giraldo, M. Chaves, and E. Belfort); (27) Flemish and Spanish High School Students' Mathematics-Related Beliefs Systems (I. M. Gomez-Chacon, P. Op't Eynde, and E. De Corte); (28) Cube Nets (M.Hejny and D. Jirotkova); (29) From Word Notation of Relations between Constants and Unknown to Algebraic Notation (Pretest) (J. Herman); (30) Mathematics and Community Capacity Building (P. Howard and B. Perry); (31) A Study on the Mathematical Thinking in Learning Process (C.J.-Hsieh and F.-J. Hsieh); (32) A Case Study on Pre-Service Teachers Making Mathematical Model of Voronoi-Diagram (C.-T. Hu and T.-Y. Tso); (33) A Fast-Track Approach to Algebra for Adults (R. Hubbard); (34) The Validity of On-Screen Assessment of Mathematics (S. Hughes); (35) After Using Computer Algebra System, Change of Students' Rationales and Writing (I. K. Kim); (36) Using a Socrates' Method in a Course of Mathematics Education for Future Mathematics Teachers (N. H. Kim); (37) Beyond Visual Level (G. Kospentaris and T. Spirou); (38) Videopapers and Professional Development (T. Lima Costa and H. Nascentes Coelho); (39) Concurrent Calibration Design for Mathematics Learning Progress Investigation (C.-J. Lin, P.-H. Hung, and S. Lin); (40) Further Insights into the Proportion Reasoning and the Ratio Concept (C. Liu, F.-L. Lin, W. Kuo, and I.-L. Hou); (41) Coursework Patterns between Mathematics and Science among Secondary Students (X. Ma); (42) Beginning the Lesson (C. Mesiti and D. Clarke); (43) Development of Web Environment for Lower Secondary School Mathematics Teachers with 3D Dynamic Geometry Software (M. Miyazaki, H. Arai, K. Chino, F. Ogihara, Y. Oguchi, and T. Morozumi); (44) The Effect of the Teacher's Mode of Instruction inside Math Classrooms with a Computer (S. Mochon and M. E. F. Olvera); (45) Mathematics Education in Rural Schools (J. Mousley and G. Marks); (46) Mathematically Gifted Students' Conception of Infinity (G. Na and E. Lee); (47) A Good Moment in Time to Stop "Shying Away from the Nature of Our Subject"? (E. Nardi); (48) Toward Real Change through Virtual Communities (K. T. Nolan); (49) Powerful Ideas, Learning Stories and Early Childhood Mathematics (B. Perry, E.Harley, and S. Dockett); (50) Tracing the Development of Knowledge about Mathematics Teaching (C. Rey-Mas and C. Penalva-Martinez); (51) Preschool Children's Number Sense (L. de C. Ribeiro and A. G. Spinillo); (52) A First Approach to Students' Learning of Mathematical Contents (G. Sanchez-Matamoros and I. Escudero); (53) Young Children's Mathematics Education within a Philosophical Community of Inquiry (A. Sawyer); (54) Learning Mathematics in Austria (H. Schwetz and G. Benke); (55) The Influence of a Mathematician on His Students' Perceptions (A. Sharif-Rasslan); (56) Analysis on the Algebraic Generalization of Some Korean Mathematically Promising Elementary Students (S. Song, J. Yim, Y. Chong, and E. Park); (57) Students' Linguistic Strategies for Shared Authority in Undergraduate Algebra Discussions (S. Staats); (58) Contrasting Decimal Conceptions of Adult and School Students (K. Stacey and V. Steinle); (59) Mathematical Writing and the Development of Understanding (N. Stehlikova); (60) Enhancing Teachers' Professional Development through Developing Teaching Norms Based on Developing Classroom Learning Norms (W.-H. Tsai); (61) The Features in the Process of Mathematical Modeling with Dynamic Geometric Software (T.-Y. Tso); (62) Finding Instructive Characteristics of Picture Books that Support the Learning of Mathematics (S. van den Boogaard and M. van den Heuvel-Panhuizen); (63) High School Course Pathways of High Achieving Girls (P. H. Wilson, G. F. Mojica, K. M. Slaten, and S. B. Berenson); (64) The Developmental Stages of Representations of Simple Regular Space Figures of Elementary School Students (D.-B. Wu, J.-L. Ma, and D.-C. Chen); (65) How to Assess Mathematical Thinking? (S. Yesildere and E. B. Turnuklu); and (66) Lasting Effects of a Professional Development Initiative (S. Zehetmeier). (Individual papers contain references.)

Published
2006

22. School Libraries and Resource Centres = Bibliotheques scolaires et centres de documentation.

Author

Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, Paris (France). and Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, Paris (France).

Abstract

This book, in French and English, addresses how the school library of the future will be designed and what role it will play as a school facility within the educational system and in society as a whole. The following papers are included: (1) "Issues" (John Mayfield); (2) "Designing Schools for the Information Society: Libraries and Resource Centres"; (3) "Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) and the Quality of Learning: An International OECD/CERI Study" (Edwyn O. James); (4) "Documentation and Information Centres (CDI) and New Technologies in France" (Guy Pouzard); (5) "Regional Policy for the Development of Information and Communications Technologies in Upper Secondary Education in Ile-de-France" (Jacques Foucher); (6) "The School Library--An Endangered Species or the Heart of the Community?" (Tim Sandercock); (7) "The Learning, Information and Communication Centre in Austrian Secondary Schools" (Manfred Hinum and Johanna Hladej); (8) "The Alford Information and Technology Centre at Aberdeenshire in Scotland" (Clive Marsden); (9) "The Multimedia Centre in the Institut Notre-Dame des Champs, Brussels" (Jean-Marie Moonen); (10) "Resource Centres in the Tuscany Region" (Paolo Benesperi); and (11) "Five Examples of School Resource Centres in Portugal: The School 2001 Project in Pendao, Portugal" (Isabel Mendinhos). (Contains 401 references.) (MES)

Published
2001

23. Skills, Earnings, and Employment: Exploring Causality in the Estimation of Returns to Skills

Author

Hampf, Franziska, Wiederhold, Simon, and Woessmann, Ludger

Abstract

Ample evidence indicates that a person's human capital is important for success on the labor market in terms of both wages and employment prospects. However, unlike the efforts to identify the impact of school attainment on labor-market outcomes, the literature on returns to cognitive skills has not yet provided convincing evidence that the estimated returns can be causally interpreted. Using the PIAAC Survey of Adult Skills, this paper explores several approaches that aim to address potential threats to causal identification of returns to skills, in terms of both higher wages and better employment chances. We address measurement error by exploiting the fact that PIAAC measures skills in several domains. Furthermore, we estimate instrumental-variable models that use skill variation stemming from school attainment and parental education to circumvent reverse causation. Results show a strikingly similar pattern across the diverse set of countries in our sample. In fact, the instrumental-variable estimates are consistently larger than those found in standard least-squares estimations. The same is true in two "natural experiments," one of which exploits variation in skills from changes in compulsory-schooling laws across U.S. states. The other one identifies technologically induced variation in broadband Internet availability that gives rise to variation in ICT skills across German municipalities. Together, the results suggest that least-squares estimates may provide a lower bound of the true returns to skills in the labor market.

Published
2017
Full Text
View/download PDF

24. Questioning Discrimination through Critical Media Literacy. Findings from Seven European Countries

Author

Ranieri, Maria and Fabbro, Francesco

Abstract

This paper presents the main findings of an action-research study that took place in seven European countries in order to develop effective educational responses to prevent and combat discrimination. The study entailed the design of media and citizenship education activities, their implementation in the different educational contexts and the evaluation of their effectiveness in raising young people's awareness of discrimination. The results of the study shed light both on the advantages and constraints of educational practice, variations that often depend on the specific cultural and social context. On the one hand, the analysis and the evaluation of educational experiences suggest that critical media literacy can enable the development of critical reading/viewing skills as well as acts of participatory and inclusive citizenship that question derogative and essentialist media representations of the Other. On the other hand, the results highlight the difficulty of promoting young people's awareness of discrimination through active methods of teaching and learning or through media content which is far from young people's experience, interests and concerns.

Published
2016
Full Text
View/download PDF

25. Organizational Learning from the Perspective of Knowledge Maturing Activities

Author

Kaschig, A., Maier, R., Sandow, A., Lazoi, M., Schmidt, A., Barnes, S.-A, Bimrose, J., Brown, A., Bradley, C., Kunzmann, C., and Mazarakis, A.

Abstract

The level of similarity of knowledge work across occupations and industries allows for the design of supportive information and communication technology (ICT) that can be widely used. In a previous ethnographically informed study, we identified activities that can be supported to increase knowledge maturing, conceptualized as goal-oriented learning on a collective level. The aim of this paper is to investigate the current state of support and success of these knowledge maturing activities and to contrast them with their perceived importance, to identify those which have the highest potential for being supported by ICT. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected through telephone interviews with representatives from 126 organizations throughout Europe in a sample stratified according to size, sector, and knowledge-intensity. The activities that appear to be most promising are "reflecting on and refining work practices and processes," "finding people with particular knowledge or expertise," as well as "assessing, verifying, and rating information." Rich empirical material about how these activities are performed and also the issues that emerged and need to be managed were collected. Three clusters of organizations were identified: best performing organizations, people- and awareness-oriented organizations, and hesitant formalists. It was found that a balanced knowledge strategy that leaned toward personalization outperformed a codification strategy.

Published
2013
Full Text
View/download PDF

26. Annual Report of the Secretary of the Interior for the Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 1895. In Five Volumes. Volume V -- In Two Parts. Part 1 [Report of the Commissioner of Education]

Author

Department of the Interior, United States Bureau of Education (ED)

Abstract

This is the Report of the Commissioner of Education, part of the Annual Report of the Secretary of the Interior for the Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 1895. The Bureau of Education report is contained within volume five, which is in two parts. Part one contains: (1) The Commissioner of Education's Introduction; (2) Statistics of State Common-School Systems; (3) City School Systems; (4) Statistical Review of Secondary Schools; (5) Statistical Review of Normal Schools; (6) Statistical Review of Higher Education; (7) Statistical Review of Professional Schools; (8) The Educational Systems of England and Scotland, with Statistics for 1893-94; (9) Manitoba School Case; (10) Education in France; (11) Public Education in Belgium; (12) Education in Central Europe; (13) Education in the Netherlands; (14) Education in Italy; (15) Report of the Loyal Commission on Secondary Education; (16) Papers Accompanying the Report of the Loyal Commission on Secondary Education; (17) Higher Education in Russian, Austrian, and Prussian Poland; (18) Art education in the public schools; (19) Facilities for the University Education of Women in England; (20) Educational Status of Women in Different Countries; (21) Chautauqua: A Social and Educational Study; (22) Pensions for Teachers; (23) Coeducation--Compulsory Attendance--American Students in Foreign Universities--Continuation and Industrial Schools; and (24) Educational Directory. [For the first part of the Commissioner of Education's 1894-95 report, see "Report of the Commissioner of Education for the Year 1894-95. Volume 2. Containing Parts II and III" (ED622083).]

Published
1896

27. The Training of Teachers of Mathematics for the Secondary Schools of the Countries Represented in the International Commission on the Teaching of Mathematics. Bulletin, 1917, No. 27

Author

Department of the Interior, Bureau of Education (ED) and Archibald, Raymond Clare

Abstract

This bulletin is based upon reports to the International Commission on the Teaching of Mathematics concerning the development of the teacher of mathematics in the better secondary schools of different countries. For the most part, only those schools which are under the immediate direction of the Government have been considered. And even here discussion is limited to the best schools for boys and to the teachers in such schools. As a rule, the schools for girls are not as completely organized or of so high a standard. Included in this bulletin, when possible, are brief independent sketches of the educational conditions in the various countries, so that the readers may receive here in connected form condensed but definite accounts of the following phases of educational work in the country under discussion, in so far as they bear on the preparation of teachers of secondary mathematics: (1) the general educational scheme; (2) secondary schools and their relation to that scheme; (3) the mathematics taught in the secondary schools and the pupils to whom it is taught; (4) the inducements (such as salary, pensions; social position) to young men to take up secondary-school teaching as a profession; (5) the universities of the country, the courses of mathematics and allied subjects they offer, and the diplomas or certificates they confer. The countries profiled include Australia, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, England, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Roumania, Russia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United States. The following are appended: (A) England: Cambridge local examinations, senior students; Oxford and Cambridge schools, examination board; University of London, matriculation examinations; (B) England: Entrance scholarships examination papers, Cambridge University; (C) France: Concours for admission to the Ecole Normale Superieure and for the Courses de licenses in 1913; (D) Agregation des sciences mathematiques; (E) Germany: Reifeprufungen; Lehramtsprufungen; (F) Japan; Examination questions. This bulletin was produced with the editorial cooperation of Smith, D. E.; Osgood, W. F.; and Young, J. W. A. An index is provided. (Individual chapters contain footnotes and tables.) [Best copy available has been provided.]

Published
1918