38 results
Search Results
2. Identifying Work Skills: International Approaches. Discussion Paper
- Author
-
National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) (Australia), Siekmann, Gitta, and Fowler, Craig
- Abstract
The digital revolution and automation are accelerating changes in the labour market and in workplace skills, changes that are further affected by fluctuations in international and regional economic cycles and employment opportunity. These factors pose a universal policy challenge for all advanced economies and governments. In the workplace, people seek to acquire contemporary and relevant skills to gain employment and retain transferable skills to maintain employment. The central purpose of this paper is to investigate how other nations or regions are dealing with these issues. What approaches are they taking to understanding the mix and dynamics of the skills attained by individuals and, more broadly, the totality of skills that in aggregate constitute a highly capable and adaptable labour force, one that supports firm viability and greater national productivity. This research has examined a range of initiatives and approaches being developed or in use in selected countries, including the United States, Singapore and New Zealand, and agencies/organisations; for example, the European Commission and the Skills for the Information Age Foundation. In doing so, it showcases the good practices used to ensure that occupational-level skills information remains current and widely accessible. [For "Identifying Work Skills: International Case Summaries. Support Document," see ED579875.]
- Published
- 2017
3. Loans for Vocational Education and Training in Europe. Research Paper. Number 20
- Author
-
Cedefop - European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training
- Abstract
This report reviews the use of loans for learning in 33 European countries and analyses the schemes in eight selected Member States: France, Hungary, the Netherlands, Austria, Poland, Finland, Sweden and the UK. The analysis shows that loan schemes vary considerably across Europe in terms of types and levels of learning covered, conditions of access, repayment and governance. Some loans aim to increase participation in learning in general, while others are designed to promote equity. The report attempts to assess the selected loans and discusses their strengths and weaknesses and determinants of performance, while considering if a given scheme operates on a large scale or targets niche groups. The evaluation results provide a basis for identifying good practice principles for designing and implementing loans. Policy recommendations are formulated based on these findings. Annexed are: (1) Methodology; (2) Key terms and definitions; (3) Information on countries/schemes selected for in-depth analysis; (4) Proposed typologies of VET loan schemes; (5) Tables and figures; (6) Tosmana truth tables; (7) Questionnaires; (8) Basic characteristics of non-European loan schemes. (Contains 37 tables, 5 figures, 20 boxes and 33 footnotes.)
- Published
- 2012
4. Higher Education in TAFE: An Issues Paper
- Author
-
National Centre for Vocational Education Research, Moodie, Gavin, Wheelahan, Leesa, Billett, Stephen, and Kelly, Ann
- Abstract
Growth in mixed-sector institutions offering both vocational and higher education qualifications is expected to increase given recent and predicted policy changes. This issues paper focuses on the provision and management of higher education in technical and further education (TAFE) institutes. Issues raised for discussion include the governance of mixed-sector institutions as well as ensuring access and maintaining progression to higher education without sectoral division in the institution. Implications arising from the Bradley review of higher education are canvassed and the authors are inviting discussion on a range of questions related to the nature of policies and practices influencing the provision of higher education in TAFE. A section listing the TAFE institutes that have been registered to offer higher education qualifications and their accredited higher education qualifications, at February 2009 is appended. (Contains 5 tables and 3 footnotes.) [Funding for this document was provided through the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations.]
- Published
- 2009
5. Policy Developments in VET: Analysis for Selected Countries. Working Paper No. 54
- Author
-
Monash University, Centre for the Economics of Education and Training, Noonan, Peter, Burke, Gerald, and White, Paul
- Abstract
This paper is concerned with the strategies being adopted for vocational education and training (VET) in Australia and the lessons that could be learned for them from policies in other countries. Six issues are considered in the paper, each relates to or more of the objectives and particular strategies in the Australia's National Strategy for Vocational Education and Training 2004-2010: (1) Workforce/adult training and retraining in the light of ageing and shifting occupational structures; (2) Equity issues for indigenous and other groups; (3) Managing demand and funding so that priorities are met; (4) Developments in qualification structures and quality assurance; (5) Enhancing provider capacity to ensure quality and responsiveness; and (6) Regional and community capacity building. The approach taken was to analyse national strategies, policies, objectives and priorities of government agencies to provide a point of comparison with Australia's National Strategy for VET. Analysis was most focused on the United Kingdom and New Zealand, and limited for Canada, due to the decentralised nature of that system. Implications for Australia are set out by strategy. (Contains 6 footnotes and 2 boxes.)
- Published
- 2004
6. Scoping Paper--Shaping a Career Development Culture: Quality Standards, Quality Practice, Quality Outcomes
- Author
-
Australian Department of Education, Science and Training and McMahon, Mary
- Abstract
This project on national standards and accreditation of career practitioners is set against a background of unprecedented interest by governments nationally and internationally in the provision of career guidance services. Currently more is known about the policy and delivery of career guidance than at any other time in history. There is growing interest in the relationship between career guidance and public policy because the benefits of career guidance to individuals, society and the economy have been recognised. In this regard, strategic alliances are being formed between career guidance practitioners and policy makers in order that policy commitments relating to the provision of quality career services are enhanced. Such an alliance is evidenced in the collaboration between the Department of Education, Science and Training and the Career Industry Council of Australia on this project. This project constitutes a very necessary step in a move towards a quality industry. The purpose of this scoping paper is to: (1) identify current standards guiding career practitioners in Australia; (2) review international work on standards including examples of best practice and advise on how this work might be relevant to the development of national standards and accreditation in the Australian context; (3) be informed by outcomes of national workshops, forums, and conferences 2000-2004; (4) identify the current membership requirements of professional career associations and bodies both nationally and internationally; (5) assess how prior learning or qualifications might be recognised and developed to fit within and meet the requirements of the quality standards; and (6) identify the issues that need to be addressed in the development of national standards. To achieve this purpose, this paper is structured around four main sections--international quality standards, national quality standards, standards guiding Australian professions, and the Australian career industry. Following this a number of themes related to the development and implementation of quality standards will be elaborated. A number of issues relating to the development and implementation of quality standards and accreditation in the Australian career industry will then be raised. Appended are: (1) Glossary of terms; (2) Table of Comparative Competencies; (3) Entry-level Qualifications of Australian Career Practitioner Associations; (4) Standards of Australian Career Practitioner Associations; and (5) Comparison of Quality Standards Across Career Case Studies.
- Published
- 2004
7. Identifying Work Skills: International Case Summaries. Support Document
- Author
-
National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) (Australia) and Siekmann, Gitta
- Abstract
The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) is an intergovernmental economic organisation with 35 member countries, founded in 1961 to stimulate economic progress and world trade. The Organisation for works with countries to develop skills strategies tailored to specific needs and contexts. The Organisation prepared a global skills strategy outline over the period 2011 to 2013. Each national skills strategy country project offers a tailored approach to focus on the unique skills challenges, context and objectives of each country. Each project leverages OECD comparative data and policy analysis, fosters collaboration across ministerial portfolios and levels of government while engaging all relevant stakeholders--employers, trade unions, and civil society organisations. In its paper "Towards an OECD Skills Strategy" (OECD 2013), the OECD sets out the main issues which must be addressed by efficient and effective policies for skills formation and skills use. The majority of material in each of the 13 case summaries presented here has been lifted mostly verbatim from original sources. These sources are stated at the beginning of each case summary. [This document is an added resource for the report "Identifying Work Skills: International Approaches. Discussion Paper" which can be accessed in ERIC at ED579874.]
- Published
- 2017
8. A Case for Integration of the North American Rural Social Work Education Model for Philippine Praxis
- Author
-
Kutschera, P. C., Tesoro, Elena C., Legamia, Benigno P., and Talamera-Sandico, Mary Grace
- Abstract
Rural social work education and practice in North America underwent a revival in recent decades and remains a valid praxis and pedagogic model for the 21st Century. The paper posits through rigorous literature review and analysis there are numerous elements central to North American (U.S. and Canadian) and Commonwealth of Nations (U.K., Australia, etc.) rural social work that make this framework significantly germane to Filipinos. These include the necessity to function in an environment of marginal or stressed community, personnel resources and educational opportunities. Significantly, the generalist practice model comprises the core of North American rural social work; it also predominates in Philippine methodology. Both frameworks require robust client and social justice advocacy roles encouraging awareness of needs and aspirations of at risk populations. Indeed, social work researcher Thelma Lee-Mendoza reports that historically modern Philippine practice originated and is primarily organized from North American models. Rural social workers in the West, like their Philippine counterparts, are more typically generalists and innovative environmental operators. Daily they rely on profound survey and calculation of services and innovative ways to make them meaningful. The paper concludes by urging creative international and transnational research with a view towards optimizing service delivery.
- Published
- 2019
9. Speculative Futures on ChatGPT and Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI): A Collective Reflection from the Educational Landscape
- Author
-
Bozkurt, Aras, Xiao, Junhong, Lambert, Sarah, Pazurek, Angelica, Crompton, Helen, Koseoglu, Suzan, Farrow, Robert, Bond, Melissa, Nerantzi, Chrissi, Honeychurch, Sarah, Bali, Maha, Dron, Jon, Mir, Kamran, Stewart, Bonnie, Costello, Eamon, Mason, Jon, Stracke, Christian M., Romero-Hall, Enilda, Koutropoulos, Apostolos, Toquero, Cathy Mae, Singh, Lenandlar, Tlili, Ahm, Lee, Kyungmee, Nichols, Mark, Ossiannilsson, Ebba, Brown, Mark, Irvine, Valerie, Raffaghelli, Juliana Elisa, Santos-Hermosa, Gema, Farrell, Orna, Adam, Taskeen, Thong, Ying Li, Sani-Bozkurt, Sunagul, Sharma, Ramesh C., Hrastinski, Stefan, and Jandric, Petar
- Abstract
While ChatGPT has recently become very popular, AI has a long history and philosophy. This paper intends to explore the promises and pitfalls of the Generative Pre-trained Transformer (GPT) AI and potentially future technologies by adopting a speculative methodology. Speculative future narratives with a specific focus on educational contexts are provided in an attempt to identify emerging themes and discuss their implications for education in the 21st century. Affordances of (using) AI in Education (AIEd) and possible adverse effects are identified and discussed which emerge from the narratives. It is argued that now is the best of times to define human vs AI contribution to education because AI can accomplish more and more educational activities that used to be the prerogative of human educators. Therefore, it is imperative to rethink the respective roles of technology and human educators in education with a future-oriented mindset.
- Published
- 2023
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. How Experienced SoTL Researchers Develop the Credibility of Their Work
- Author
-
Billot, Jennie, Rowland, Susan, Carnell, Brent, Amundsen, Cheryl, and Evans, Tamela
- Abstract
Teaching and learning research in higher education, often referred to as the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL), is still relatively novel in many academic contexts compared to the mainstay of disciplinary research. One indication of this is the challenges those who engage in SoTL report in terms of how this work is valued or considered credible amongst disciplinary colleagues and in the face of institutional policies and practices. This paper moves beyond the literature that describes these specific challenges to investigate how 23 experienced SoTL researchers from five different countries understood the notion of credibility in relationship to their SoTL research and how they went about developing credibility for their work. Semistructured interviews were facilitated and analyzed using inductive analysis. Findings indicate that notions of credibility encompassed putting SoTL research into action and building capacity and community around research findings, as well as gaining external validation through traditional indicators such as publishing. SoTL researchers reported a variety of strategies and approaches they were using, both formal and informal, to develop credibility for their work. The direct focus of this paper on "credibility" of SoTL work as perceived by experienced SoTL researchers, and how they go about developing credibility, is a distinct contribution to the discussions about the valuing of SoTL work.
- Published
- 2017
12. The Gendering of Mathematics among Facebook Users in English Speaking Countries
- Author
-
Forgasz, Helen, Leder, Gilah, and Tan, Hazel
- Abstract
Using an innovative recruitment tool, the social network site Facebook, survey data were gathered from samples of the Australian general public and from around the world. Views on the gendering of mathematics, science, and ICT were gathered. In this paper we report the findings from six of the 15 questions on the survey, and only from respondents in predominantly English-speaking countries. The findings reveal that the majority was not gender-stereotyped about mathematics and related careers. However, if a gendered view was held, it was overwhelming to endorse the male stereotype. Male respondents' views were more strongly gendered than were females'. [For the complete proceedings, see ED585874.]
- Published
- 2011
13. Background of Individual Education Plans (IEPs) Policy in Some Countries: A Review
- Author
-
Alkahtani, Mohammed Ali and Kheirallah, Sahar Abdelfattah
- Abstract
This paper seeks to provide a cogent outline of the current policies that six separate countries have on Individual Education Plans (IEPs), identifying the key features in each system. The chosen countries are Australia (Queen Island), Canada (British Columbia), New Zealand, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, and Saudi Arabia. The aim of the paper was to have greater insights of the globalisation of IEPs at public schools in these above countries. It looked into a set of factors closely associated with each other; such as, to enable the exploration of how IEP policy is implemented at public schools in the same countries. The findings from the literature review showed a number of gaps in the current frameworks. Therefore, this has led the researcher to work further on these frameworks for the purpose of this paper.
- Published
- 2016
14. The Challenges and Opportunities for Chinese Overseas Postgraduates in English Speaking Universities
- Author
-
Liu, Xu
- Abstract
An increasing number of Chinese students pursue their higher education degree in an overseas university. This research paper sets out to raise a discussion about some of the major challenges that such Chinese postgraduates might experience when studying at universities in English speaking countries drawing from ethnographic and sociological perspectives. The paper seeks to enhance understanding of a growing phenomenon amongst student communities in Higher Education institutions in English speaking countries. The challenges faced by Chinese students can be disorientating and stressful but overcoming them can lead to opening up of a range of opportunities from which the students can benefit particularly after they have graduated from their study. As many HE institutions come to depend upon the growing number of Chinese students enrolling with them the paper touches upon an issue of cross national concern. Both authors have experience of students seeking to study in English-speaking countries. They are currently pursuing research at the Institute of Education, University College London. The present paper is drawn from a wider programme of research into student exchanges and flows.
- Published
- 2015
15. Comparison of Student Learning Outcomes Assessment Practices Used Globally
- Author
-
Carter, Shani D.
- Abstract
Student learning outcomes assessment examines whether programs cover the material stated in their learning goals, whether students are learning the material, and the impact on student retention, graduation, post-graduation outcomes, and institutional accreditation, with the aim of providing faculty with data that can be used to help programs evolve or improve. While there is a plethora of research regarding effective methods of assessment used in the United States, little has been written regarding cross-national comparisons of assessment methodologies. This paper examines the current state of assessment in several nations and regions, and draws parallels in practices across countries. A literature search using the term "outcomes assessment" yielded 228 articles, of which, only 35 described practices outside the United States. Generally, searches on the terms "outcomes assessment" and "global" tend to return studies of outcomes assessment of teaching about global issues as it is practiced in the United States, rather than results about outcomes assessment practices used in other countries.
- Published
- 2019
16. Turning the Digital Divide into Digital Dividends through Free Content and Open Networks: WikiEducator Learning4Content (L4C) Initiative
- Author
-
Schlicht, Patricia
- Abstract
In today's world where tuition fees continue to rise rapidly and the demand for higher education increases in both the developing and developed world, it is important to find additional and alternative learning pathways that learners can afford. Traditional education as we have known it has begun to change, allowing for new parallel learning opportunities to take shape and new avenues to open up. This paper describes the world's largest online training initiative on open education that teaches wiki technology to educators in the formal education sector worldwide. WikiEducator, founded in 2006, initially operated with funding support from the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation (WFHF) under the auspices of the Commonwealth of Learning (COL), an intergovernmental organization created by Commonwealth Heads of Government to encourage the development and sharing of open learning and distance education knowledge, resources, and technology. In May 2009, it became its own entity residing under Otago Polytechnic's International Centre for Open Education Resources under the auspices of the Open Education Resource Foundation (OERF) in Dunedin, New Zealand, where it continues today. WikiEducator's flagship, the Learning4Content (L4C) project, builds capacity among global educators by teaching wiki technology to newcomers and experts in the field of open education. In exchange for the free training opportunity they receive, participants are asked to create open content on WikiEducator and contribute toward WikiEducator's strategic objectives. The success of the L4C project helped WikiEducator reach its target number of equipping 2,500 educators with wiki skills to create open educational resources online two years ahead of the initially planned three years and was the reason for a large additional number of novices and experts alike joining the project. Even though many learners make use of the free learning opportunities offered through the L4C project, for those who do not have access to online content--or even computers--WikiEducator has developed a feature called "wiki-to-print," which allows users to select free and open WikiEducator content and combine it into a book that can be printed and used offline. Distribution of these print-based, compiled books provides an opportunity to those who do not or will never have access to the Internet and technology to gain access to knowledge and information. This paper will describe WikiEducator's stages of development and the outcomes it has achieved as the world's largest attempt to build wiki skills among global educators.
- Published
- 2013
17. You Say IFRS, I Say FASB…Let's Call the Whole Thing Off
- Author
-
Tickell, Geoffrey, Rahman, Monsurur, and Alexandre, Romain
- Abstract
This paper discusses the noticeable nervousness of many US-based financial statement issuers in adopting IFRS. For contextual purposes, the paper provides an overview of the FASB/IFRS convergence so far and its probable future. A detailed review of convergence in accounting standards is explained through the respective standards for "Pensions and Other Post-Employment Benefits". The paper concludes by suggesting that, while one set of global steps is a noble goal, it might not achieve the desired goal of comparability.
- Published
- 2013
18. Through the Looking Glass: Adult Education through the Lens of the Australian Journal of Adult Learning over Fifty Years
- Author
-
Harris, Roger and Morrison, Anne
- Abstract
In this paper we review fifty years of articles published in Australian Journal of Adult Learning in its various iterations. We examine the different roles of the journal: to illuminate the history and trends of adult education authors; to be the flagship of the adult education profession in Australia; to reflect on significant national events; and to mirror the changing knowledge base of the discipline. We analyse the authorship of the articles over fifty years, and determine patterns in contribution to the journal by gender, location, institutional affiliation and author numbers. We also examine key themes that have surfaced in the writings on adult education. The articles published in the journal are significant because they are primary sources of the day, unfettered by the perspectives, viewpoints and standards of later periods. Our paper serves as a useful looking glass through which we might be able to view more clearly the shifting research interests of the past and the challenges in the future for the adult and community learning sector. (Contains 11 figures and 6 tables.)
- Published
- 2011
19. The Use of Phonetically Reduced Modals in Present-Day English: A Corpus-Based Analysis
- Author
-
Oktavianti, Ikmi Nur
- Abstract
This paper examines the usage frequency of phonetically reduced modals (i.e. "gonna," "wanna," "gotta") in Present-day English. It is assumed that in distinct sociolinguistic and discourse contexts, the use of reduced modals is dynamic. To collect the data, there are five corpora used in this study, "Corpus of Contemporary American English" and "Global Web-Based English" as the representatives of Present-day English, Brown and LOB corpus as the representative of earlier years of Present-day English, and "A Representative Corpus of Historical English" to provide language data from Early Modern English to Present-day English. The analysis focuses on usage frequency of phonetically reduced modals over period of time, in different regions or countries, different medium of language use, and different text categories. The frequencies were further interpreted based on sociolinguistics and text category perspective to reveal the factors triggering the dynamic of use. The results of this study show the use of reduced modals is dramatically escalating in the last decades. According to regional observation, the use of reduced modals is more frequent in the United States than in other English-speaking countries. In relation to medium of language use, reduced modals are more commonly used in spoken language than in written language. As for text category, the usage frequency of reduced modal in fiction texts is the highest compared to academic texts and news texts. Academic texts seem to avoid these linguistic units since this sort of text must obey the use of standard language in which reduced forms are less standard and more colloquial. This phonetic reduction is plausible to occur since language system and language use apply economy principle. The use of phonetically reduced modals, however, varies in different context and is influenced by colloquialization: the more colloquial the context, the more frequent the use of reduced modals. In general, language use is phonetically simplified and sociolinguistically colloquialized.
- Published
- 2018
20. Moving Forward--Shaping a Career Development Culture: Quality Standards, Quality Practice, Quality Outcomes
- Author
-
Australian Department of Education, Science and Training and McMahon, Mary
- Abstract
This paper represents the second of two papers written as part of the National Standards and Accreditation of Career Practitioners project. The first, a scoping paper titled Shaping a career development culture: Quality standards, quality practice, quality outcomes (McMahon, 2004), provided information for and guided discussion at the National Forum for Career Practitioners held in Sydney on 25-26 August 2004. The purpose of the scoping paper was to: (1) identify current standards guiding career practitioners in Australia; (2) review international work on standards including examples of best practice and advise on how this work might be relevant to the development of national standards and accreditation in the Australian context; (3) be informed by outcomes of national workshops, forums, and conferences 2000-2004; (4) identify the current membership requirements of professional career associations and bodies both nationally and internationally; (5) assess how prior learning or qualifications might be recognised and developed to fit within and meet the requirements of the quality standards; and (6) identify the issues that need to be addressed in the development of national standards. The National Forum for Career Practitioners began the consultation phase of the project. Participation in the Forum was by invitation, and invitees represented the stakeholder groups identified in the scoping paper. Represented at the Forum were groups as diverse as career practitioners, career practitioner associations, CICA (Career Industry Council of Australia), policy makers, consumers/clients, parents, training providers, business and industry, employers of career practitioners, and service providers. During the Forum, group work and discussion were based on issues identified in the scoping paper. Individual and group responses, opinions, ideas and suggestions were recorded during the Forum on activity sheets that were then collated (McCowan, 2004). It was not intended to bring closure on any items raised during the Forum, but rather to open up issues for the next phase of the consultation process to be managed by Miles Morgan Australia (McCowan). The present paper serves as a record of the Forum discussion, and as a bridge between the scoping paper, the Forum, and the consultation phase of the project. Four sets of issues were presented in the scoping paper and discussed at the Forum, specifically: (1) industry membership and associated terminology; (2) the development and implementation of the quality standards; (3) the administration, management and maintenance of the standards; and (4) the role of stakeholder groups. Each issue will now be discussed. First, a brief background to the issue as described in the scoping paper will be presented. This will be followed by an outline of the Forum process and a summary of the discussion. Finally, issues that may warrant further exploration in the consultancy process will be discussed where possible by drawing on the case studies presented in the scoping paper. Where appropriate, comments made by Forum participants will be included in quotation marks. Appended are: (1) Comparison of ethical codes; (2) Comparison of models of continuing professional development; (3) Comparison of competencies; and (4) Timeline developed by a Forum participant. (Contains 2 tables.) [For the first report, "Scoping Paper--Shaping a Career Development Culture: Quality Standards, Quality Practice, Quality Outcomes," see ED536209.]
- Published
- 2004
21. Addressing the Digital Divide.
- Author
-
Cullen, Rowena
- Abstract
The phrase, "digital divide," has been applied to the gap that exists in most countries between those with ready access to the tools of information and communication technologies and the knowledge that they provide access to, and those without such access or skills. This gap may be because of socio-economic, geographical, educational, attitudinal, or generational factors, or it may be through physical disabilities. A further gap between the developed and underdeveloped world in the uptake of technology is evident within the global community and may be of even greater significance. This paper examines a number of these issues at the national level in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and New Zealand, looking for evidence of the digital divide, assessing factors that contribute to it, and evaluating strategies that can help reduce it. The relevance of these strategies to developing countries, strategies for reducing the international digital divide, and the role of libraries in reducing the digital divide at the national and global level are also explored. (Contains 14 references.) (Author/MES)
- Published
- 2001
22. What the World Chemical Community Thinks about the Concept of Physical and Chemical Change?
- Author
-
Palmer, W. P.
- Abstract
The concept of physical and chemical change is far from being the clearest and most self-explanatory concept in the world. If a number of chemists are asked to define physical and chemical change, there may well appear to be a fair degree of uniformity in their answers, until a few examples are suggested. When chemists are asked to place a variety of changes into the category of physical or chemical change, then differences inevitably arise. It is not difficult to demonstrate this by viewing school textbooks and articles about the topic. In spite of this, physical and chemical change is still taught in most in most secondary school courses. The problem arises from the definition and the historical layers of meaning that have grown around the concept, almost by accretion, without teachers being aware of their significance. The purpose of this paper is to describe the answers given by experienced educators to a questionnaire, which attempted to find out what the views of science educators/chemists worldwide about physical and chemical change now are. Four appendixes present: (1) List of Respondents; (2) List of Questionnaires Returned; (3) Physical and Chemical Change: An Information Sheet; and (4) Full Questionnaire: Interview Protocol or Basis for Written Response.
- Published
- 1996
23. Using Comparative International Studies for Modeling Educational Effectiveness: A Secondary Analysis of PISA-2009 Study
- Author
-
Azigwe, John Bosco
- Abstract
International surveys of student achievement are becoming increasingly popular with governments around the world, as they try to measure the performance of their country's education system. The main reason for this trend is the shared opinion that countries will need to be able to compete in the "knowledge economy" to assure the economic well-being of their citizens. This paper argues that secondary analyses of international comparative studies can help the development of the theoretical framework of educational effectiveness research. Toward this end, we present the results of a secondary analysis of PISA-2009 study which investigates the validity of the Dynamic model of Educational Effectiveness Research especially with regards the school level factors. Across country multilevel analysis of reading achievement revealed the importance of contextual factors and student level factors included in the dynamic model, especially student motivation, opportunity to learn, and school climate factors. Additionally, a comparative analysis with six countries seems to suggest that the model holds for individual countries as well especially at the student level. Based on these results, we draw implications for the design of comparative studies aiming to contribute to the development of evidence-based reform policies in education.
- Published
- 2016
24. Podcasting for Language Learning through iTunes U: The Learner's View
- Author
-
Rosell-Aguilar, Fernando
- Abstract
iTunes U has become the main worldwide provider of educational podcasts but, despite its popularity, little is known about the type of user who downloads iTunes U language resources, or how those resources are used. This paper presents the results of the first major survey (1891 responses) of users of one of the most successful iTunes U content providers in terms of downloads. It presents a profile of the iTunes U language learner, their listening habits, and their opinion of the resources they download. Comparisons are drawn between language learners and learners of other subjects. The results show that in contrast with profiles of learners in other contexts--such as virtual learning environment-delivered podcasts, identified in previous research (mostly carried out with young university students who download podcasts for instrumental reasons)--iTunes U language learners are different. Respondents in this study are mostly middle-aged and employed, and they download resources for personal interest. Users have a high opinion of the quality of the materials, and they believe the materials help them to learn. The results also show that users listen to language podcasts on mobile devices, in sharp contrast with previous research. Finally, the paper discusses implications for further research.
- Published
- 2013
25. An Investigation into Social Learning Activities by Practitioners in Open Educational Practices
- Author
-
Schreurs, Bieke, Van den Beemt, Antoine, Prinsen, Fleur, Witthaus, Gabi, Conole, Gráinne, and De Laat, Maarten
- Abstract
By investigating how educational practitioners participate in activities around open educational practices (OEP), this paper aims at contributing to an understanding of open practices and how these practitioners learn to use OEP. Our research is guided by the following hypothesis: Different social configurations support a variety of social learning activities. The social configuration of OEPs is investigated by an operationalization into the dimensions (1) practice, (2) domain, (3) collective identity, and (4) organization. The results show how practitioners of six different OEPs learn, while acting and collaborating through a combination of offline and online networks. The findings of our study lead to practical implications on how to support participation in OEP, and thereby stimulate learning in (online) networks of OEP.
- Published
- 2014
26. Generic Competency Frameworks: A Brief Historical Overview
- Author
-
Young, Jolee and Chapman, Elaine
- Abstract
Significant efforts have now been made to identify the generic competencies required to succeed across different workplace contexts. The aims of this paper were to: (i) outline factors that contributed to the increased demand for generic competencies seen over the last three decades; and (ii) review the early generic competency frameworks developed in Australia, New Zealand, the US, Canada, the UK, and other European countries. It is concluded that whilst there were significant areas of commonality amongst the frameworks, regional differences were also apparent. The paper provides a historical context for more recent research into the generic competencies that should be emphasized within tertiary-level education and training curricula. (Contains 1 table.)
- Published
- 2010
27. What Are the Alternatives to Student Loans in Higher Education Funding?
- Author
-
Stokes, Anthony and Wright, Sarah
- Abstract
In a period of student loan scandals and U.S. financial market instability impacting on the cost and availability of student loans, this paper looks at alternative models of higher education funding. In this context, it also considers the level of financial support that the government should provide to higher education.
- Published
- 2010
28. Using Hermeneutics as a Qualitative Research Approach in Professional Practice
- Author
-
Paterson, Margo and Higgs, Joy
- Abstract
This paper is targeted primarily at doctoral students and others considering hermeneutics as a research strategy. Research using hermeneutics was carried out with occupational therapy educators and clinicians in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the UK. A total of 53 participants engaged in focus groups and individual interviews over a one-year. The paper explores hermeneutics as a credible, rigorous and creative strategy to address aspects of professional practice that similarly need to be flexible, adaptable to particular needs, and justifiable in the contexts of evidence-based as well as client-centred practice. The hermeneutic study produced A Model of Professional Practice Judgment Artistry (Paterson, 2003) which is briefly described and the connections. (Contains 2 tables, 2 figures, and 1 footnote.)
- Published
- 2005
29. Accountability and the Public Trust: Restoring the Balance. An Annotated Bibliography
- Author
-
Centre for Literacy of Quebec (Canada) and Beaulieu, Paul
- Abstract
This bibliography was compiled for the 2006 Summer Institute at The Centre for Literacy-"Accountability and Public Trust: Restoring the Balance." The selections include lectures, research studies, policy papers, and government documents that describe and analyze recent concepts of accountability in the context of government funding in the non-profit sector in several countries. They look at issues of assessment and accountability in the broad field of education and more narrowly in the fields of adult literacy and adult basic education. Each section has been arranged in chronological order to reflect the evolution of ideas over the past two decades. Although far from exhaustive, the selected entries offer a set of essential readings on the topic and a point of entry for further research. The references, from Canada and a number of other countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand, show the experience of accountability in the different countries to be remarkably similar. Put together, the references and annotations also form a narrative. Research for this bibliography included thorough searches of: the National Adult Literacy Database (NALD); the National Institute for Literacy (NIFL); the Literacy Information and Communication System (LINCS) database; National Center for the Study of Adult Learning and Literacy (NCSALL); the Education Resources Information Center (ERIC); The Centre for Literacy resource collection; and the web sites of numerous national/international agencies with an acknowledged stake in literacy and lifelong learning. Further recommendations were contributed by participants at the Summer Institute. An Author/Editor Index and a Title Index are included.
- Published
- 2006
30. Adult Basic Education: Impact of Policy on Practice. An Annotated Bibliography
- Author
-
Centre for Literacy of Quebec (Canada) and Elliott, Claire
- Abstract
This bibliography was compiled for The Centre for Literacy's 2004 Summer Institute: "Adult Basic Education: Impact of Policy on Practice: International Perspectives". The references and annotations point to relevant research studies, advocacy papers, and government documents that describe and discuss the role that policy plays in shaping program-level structures and practices in the adult literacy and basic education sector in Canada, and internationally. This list is not exhaustive, but represents a core set of essential readings on the topic and offers a solid starting point for more in-depth research. Research for this bibliography involved thorough searches of: The Centre for Literacy resource collection; the Education Resources Information Center (ERIC); the National Adult Literacy Database (NALD); the National Institute for Literacy (NIFL) "LINCS" database; and numerous national and provincial government and organizational web sites. All sources of information appear in the annotated list of web sites. Search terms included: adult basic education; adult education; adult literacy; educational policy; lifelong learning; literacy policy; policy formation. The annotations are abridged or edited versions of existing author or ERIC abstracts, though where no abstract was available, one was written. The original source of all annotations is identified in square brackets.
- Published
- 2004
31. Working Knowledge: Productive Learning at Work. Proceedings [of the] International Conference (Sydney, Australia, December 10-13, 2000).
- Author
-
Technology Univ., Sydney (Australia). and Symes, Colin
- Abstract
This conference proceedings contains 65 presentations and 3 colloquiums from a conference that dealt with knowledge at work and knowledge that works and with how education can be successfully integrated into work and work into education. The papers are "Reading the Contexts of Complex Incidents of Adult Education Practice" (Apte); "Models of Work Based Learning for Undergraduates" (Armsby et al.); "Just-in-Time Training as Anticipative Action and as Inferential Understanding" (Beckett); "Learning to Compete" (Beckett et al.); "Co-Participation at Work" (Billett); "Globalization, Work, and Education" (Boland); "Work as the Curriculum" (Boud, Solomon); "Working Towards a Curriculum Framework for Work-Related Learning" (Brown); "Evaluating Organizational Change" (Butler et al.);"New Knowledge and the Construction of Vocational Education and Training (VET) Practitioners" (Chappell); "Facing Realities" (Cornford); "Subcontractors in the Australian Construction Industry" (Crowley et al.); "Learning; Design; Practice; Practitioner Perspectives of Workplace Learning" (Cys); "Learning at the Point of Production" (Daly, Mjelde); "Teaching Online" (Dewar, Whittington); "Spirituality of Work" (Dirkx); "Learning to Work" (Eames); "A Working Ethic?" (Edwards); "Transforming Management Education's Working Knowledge" (Elliott); "Negotiating Knowledge in the Knowledge Economy" (Farrell); "Work Knowing on the Fly" (Fenwick); "Productive Learning at Work" (FitzSimons); "Teachers Redefining Professionalism and Professional Development" (Gambell, Hunter); "Modelling the Invisible" (Gamble); "The New Capitalism" (Gee); "Conceptions of Learning" (Hager); "Recognition of Prior Learning in Higher Education" (Harris); "Promoting Knowledge Sharing in a Training and Further Education Organization" (Hill); "Incentives and Barriers to Learning in the Workplace" (Hodkinson et al.); "Reflections on Empowerment, Workplace Language and Literacy Policy, and Professional Development in England" (Holland); "Enabling Productive Learning at Work" (Holland, Leggett); "Learning Through Working" (Hopkins, Maglen); "Supervisor and Facilitation" (Hughes); "Writing-Up People at Work" (Jackson); "Whiteness as a Social Construct That Drives Continuing Education" (Johnson-Bailey, Cervero); "Knowledge Workers and the Office Economy" (Kurth); "Teaching with Global Awareness" (Lekoko); "Accrediting and Assessing Learning at Work" (Lyons); "Working Knowledge and Work-Based Learning" (McIntyre); "Working Knowledge in Management and Medicine" (Mulcahy); "Workplace Learning from a Curriculum Perspective" (Munby et al.); "The 'Good' Teacher?" (Nicoll); "Professional Identity as Learning Processes in Life Histories" (Olesen); "Local Perspectives on Globalization and Learning" (Payne); "Implementing Work-Based Learning in Higher Education" (Reeve, Gallacher); "Working Knowledge, Economic Metaphors, and the 'Cogito-Economic' Subject" (Rhodes, Garrick); "Technical and Vocational Education in China" (Rongguang); "Preparing Undereducated and Unemployed Parents for the Workplace Through Effective Family Literacy Programs in Texas" (Seaman, Seaman); "Working Knowledge of Online Learning Amongst VET Practitioners" (Schofield et al.); "Working Knowledge for New Educational Landscapes" (Seddon); "Links Between Corporate and Academic Research" (Shannon, Sekhon); "Towards a Definition of Work Based Learning" (Shaw); "Relationships Between R (Research) & D (Development) and Decision-Making in VET" (Smith); "Context Variety Means Four Stories?" (Smid); "Reflecting upon Experiences" (Staley); "Ordering the Menu" (Symes); "Critical Literacy, Cultural Inclusiveness, and Text Selection in English for Academic Purposes Courses" (Thompson); "Communicative Practices in Web-Enhanced Collaborative Learning" (Treleaven et al.); "Role of Emotion in Situated Learning and Communities of Practice" (Turnbull); "Alternative Conception of Competence" (Velde); "Learning in/Through/with Struggle" (von Kotze); "More Things Change" (Wallace); "Deschooled Learning" (Whittington, McLean); "Quality Online Participation" (Wiesenberg, Hutton); and "Emergence of New Types of Communities of Practice" (Young, Mitchell). (YLB)
- Published
- 2000
32. Part-Time Higher Education in Western Developed Countries.
- Author
-
Tight, Malcolm
- Abstract
The paper looks at part-time higher educational services for students in the educational systems of Australia, Canada, Germany, France, Italy, Japan, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Spain, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the United States. A comparative examination of the nature and importance of part-time higher education is then presented. (DB)
- Published
- 1991
33. Digital Technology and the Culture of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education
- Author
-
Lai, Kwok-Wing
- Abstract
This paper discusses how the use of digital technologies may support a shift of cultural practices in teaching and learning, to better meet the needs of 21st century higher education learners. A brief discussion of the changing needs of the learners is provided, followed by a review of the overall impact of digital technologies on teaching and learning. In the final section we suggest how digital technologies may provide a more active and flexible learning experience by adopting a participatory pedagogical approach and by blending formal learning with informal learning.
- Published
- 2011
34. What Influences the Uptake of Information to Prevent Skin Cancer? A Systematic Review and Synthesis of Qualitative Research
- Author
-
Garside, Ruth, Pearson, Mark, and Moxham, Tiffany
- Abstract
Skin cancer is an increasing problem in Europe, America and Australasia, although largely preventable by avoiding excessive ultraviolet (UV) exposure. This paper presents the findings of a systematic review of qualitative research about the prevention of skin cancer attributable to UV exposure. The aim is to understand elements that may contribute to the successful or unsuccessful conveyance of skin cancer prevention messages and their uptake by the public. A systematic review was undertaken using evidence identified through searching electronic bibliographic databases and Web sites and reference list checks. Predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria were used. Sixteen study reports (relating to 15 separate studies) were included from the United Kingdom, United States, Australia, Canada and New Zealand. Each included study was quality appraised, and the findings were extracted into an evidence table. A coding scheme, framed by the Health Belief Model, was developed by the reviewers and informed analysis and synthesis. This showed that most people perceived their susceptibility to skin cancer, and its severity, as low. While benefits of adopting changed behaviour were acknowledged, there were substantial barriers to this, including positive perceptions of a tan as healthy and attractive and the hassle of covering up or using sunscreen. Peers, parents and media may offer "cues to action" that encourage adoption of preventative behaviour and finally self-efficacy or the perceived ability to make such changes. Effective health education messages will need to address the barriers to adopting protective behaviours identified through this review.
- Published
- 2010
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
35. The 'Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior' at Fifty
- Author
-
Laties, Victor G.
- Abstract
The "Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior" was founded in 1958 by a group of male psychologists, mainly from the northeastern USA and connected with either Harvard or Columbia. Fifty years later about 20% of both editors and authors reside outside this country and almost the same proportion is women. Other changes in the journal include having its own website for more than a decade and now publishing online as well as on paper. A recent connection with PubMed Central of the National Library of Medicine has made possible the completely free electronic presentation of the entire archive of about 3,800 articles. (Contains 5 tables and 3 figures.)
- Published
- 2008
36. In Search of 'The Vibe': Creating Effective International Education Partnerships
- Author
-
Heffernan, Troy and Poole, David
- Abstract
In common with universities in the United Kingdom, Canada and New Zealand, increasing numbers of Australian universities have established offshore education partnerships, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region. More than one-third of international students currently enrolled in Australian university courses study at a campus in their home country or somewhere other than in Australia (IDP 2002). Such partnerships, also assumed under the rubric of "transnational education" and "franchising", add additional challenges, complexities and risks to the roles of international education managers and administrators. Using convergent interviews and case studies, this paper identifies and examines the critical success factors for the successful establishment and development of relationships between Australian universities and their international partners. Critical among these are the development of effective communication structures and frameworks, the building of mutual trust, and the encouragement and demonstration of commitment between relationship partners.
- Published
- 2005
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
37. Report of the Commissioner of Education for the Year Ending June 30, 1904. Volume 1
- Author
-
Department of the Interior, United States Bureau of Education (ED)
- Abstract
Volume 1 begins with the Commissioner of Education's introduction and includes state school-system statistics. Chapter I covers education in Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Chapter II presents children's growth statistics collected in Worcester, Mass., Toronto, Ontario, and Milwaukee. Chapter III addresses German university pension and insurance beneficiary regulations. Chapter IV presents a digest of school laws on governance, teachers, and schools for each state except Florida, Idaho, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming. Chapter V discusses the University of Paris during the Middle Ages. Chapter VI presents the proceedings of an Armstrong Association meeting on the work and influence of Hampton Institute, including a letter from former U.S. president Grover Cleveland and addresses by Andrew Carnegie, Harvard president Charles W. Eliot, Hampton principal H.B. Frissell, and Booker T. Washington. Chapter VII addresses public school temperance instruction and the liquor question, with reports from Connecticut, New York State, and Massachusetts, as well as information on Prussian temperance instruction. Chapter VIII presents early English writers' notices on education from 1578 to 1603. Subsequent chapters address German juvenile criminality; Southeastern Alaska's Hlingit language grammar and vocabulary; the Swedish education system; British and Irish education in 1903; and English higher education, i.e., secondary, technical, and evening schools, and the 1902 law requiring councils to support schools higher than elementary schools. Chapters XIV and XV cover education at the St. Louis Exposition, including state and territorial and educational institution exhibits. Chapter XVI discusses the final establishment of the American common school system in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia between 1863 and 1900. Chapter XVII reprints the Alaskan-education general agent's 1890 preliminary report and 1892 report on introducing domestic reindeer into Alaska. Chapter XVIII offers "A Definition of Civilization," the Indian Industrial School commencement address by W.T. Harris, and papers by Harris on "Art Education the True Industrial Education" and "The Intellectual Value of Tool Work." Chapter XIX is a list of U.S. education periodicals. Chapter XX is a directory of chief state school officers, city superintendents, college presidents, pedagogy professors and university and college pedagogy department heads, and normal-school principals. [For Volume 2, see ED620501.]
- Published
- 1906
38. Report of the Commissioner of Education for the Year 1892-93. Volume 1. Containing Parts I and II
- Author
-
Department of the Interior, United States Bureau of Education (ED)
- Abstract
This is Volume 1 of the Report of the Commissioner of Education for the Year 1892-93, containing Parts I and II. This volume begins with the Commissioner of Education's Introduction. Part I covers the topics: (1) Statistical Summaries; (2) Illiteracy in the United States; (3) System of Public Education in Belgium; (4) Elementary Education in Great Britain; (5) Education in France; (6) Education in Ontario, New Zealand, and India; (7) Recent Developments in the Teaching of Geography in Central Europe; (8) The Common School System of Bavaria; (9) Education in Uruguay; (10) Child Study; (11) Bibliography of Herbartianism; and (12) Name Register. Part II, Education and the World's Columbian Exposition, covers the topics: (1) Programme of the International Congress of Education and Addresses of Welcome; (2) American Views and Comments on the Educational Exhibits; (3) German Criticism on American Education and the Educational Exhibits; (4) French Views upon American Education and the Educational Exhibits; (5) Medical Instruction in the United States as presented by French Specialists; (6) Notes and Observations on American Education and the Educational Exhibits, by Italian, Swedish, Danish, and Russian Delegates; (7) American Technological Schools; (8) Higher Education of Women in Russia; (9) Papers Prepared for the World's Library Congress; and (10) Notes on Education at the Columbian Exposition. [For "Report of the Commissioner of Education for the Year 1892-93. Volume 2. Containing Parts III and IV," see ED622070.]
- Published
- 1895
Discovery Service for Jio Institute Digital Library
For full access to our library's resources, please sign in.