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1. Review and Renewal of Qualifications: Towards Methodologies for Analysing and Comparing Learning Outcomes. Cedefop Research Paper. No 82

Author

Cedefop - European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training

Abstract

The feedback between vocational education and training (VET) and the labour market can provide important input for the review and renewal of qualifications. A feedback loop that is based on learning outcomes helps provide deeper insights into what is required on the labour market, what is offered in training provisions and assessed at the end of a learning programme. The aim of this study is to contribute to strengthening the quality and relevance of qualifications and completing the feedback loop between education and the labour market. It examines methods of collecting data on the match/mismatch between qualifications and labour market requirements, including analysis of how achieved learning outcomes are applied and perceived in the labour market (for example methods of collecting the experience of employers with holders of these qualifications). This report addresses the following two questions: (1) which data already exist in the countries, providing insight into the relevance of qualifications to employees, employers and other labour market stakeholders?; and (2) how can survey methodology be designed to systematically capture the experiences and appreciations of employers as regards the content and profile of qualifications? To what extent, based on limited testing, can scalability of the methodology be achieved?

Published
2021

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. Globalisation Opportunities for VET: How European and International Initiatives Help in Renewing Vocational Education and Training in European Countries. Cedefop Research Paper. No 71

Author

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

Abstract

In a highly competitive global landscape, occupations are transformed, new jobs are created and the skills needed for the labour market are constantly changing. European countries are looking at redefining VET [vocational education and training] to respond promptly to such challenges and take advantage of the opportunities ahead. They are reforming to modernise their VET systems and strengthen the relevance of their national qualifications in an international context. This publication explores national responses to globalisation in 15 countries and five economic sectors. It aims to understand how European and international initiatives help VET renewal across Europe. It shows how countries' reactions are embedded in their national traditions but also depend on their interactions with European, sectoral and multinational players that provide training and award qualifications. [The research was carried out by a consortium led by IBE Educational research institute and 3s Unternehmensberatung GmbH.]

Published
2018

4. 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

5. Renewing VET Provision: Understanding Feedback Mechanisms between Initial VET and the Labour Market. Research Paper No 37

Author

Cedefop - European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training

Abstract

A strong VET system is increasingly seen as essential to overcoming the current economic crisis in Europe. VET is seen as a powerful tool to assist in balancing labour market inefficiencies, increasing youth employment possibilities, and reducing skills mismatch. Its inherent flexibility and closeness to the labour market place VET in a good position to contribute to a faster economic recovery and long-term sustainable development. However, crucial for this role is continuous and systematic VET renewal that assures its relevance for the labour market. This publication explores 15 European national approaches to feedback mechanisms between VET and the labour market. It illustrates the diversity of solutions currently applied across Europe and how they are embedded in national traditions and education philosophy. The study asks three fundamental questions: how inclusive are national mechanisms for feedback between the VET system and the labour market; how responsive are existing mechanisms; and how transparent? Three annexes provide: (1) Case Studies; (2) List of interviewees; and (3) List of experts responsible for the country overviews. Bibliography and references are included. [This paper is the result of a team effort reflecting the work of a research consortium led by Jörg Markowitsch from 3s Research Laboratory who together with Tanja Bacher, Carol Costley, David Etherington, Gerhard Geiger, Günter Hefler, Jelena Helemäe, Triin Roosalu, Ellu Saar, Auni Tamm, and Odd Bjørn Ure conducted the research and fieldwork and drafted the report. This work was carried out under Cedefop's service contract No 2011-0161/AO/ECVL/JB-IPS/Cooperation Labour market--VET/007/11.]

Published
2013

6. 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

7. Higher Education Institutions and Development: Missions, Models, and Challenges

Author

Olo, Daniela, Correia, Leonida, and Rego, Conceição

Abstract

Interest in higher education institutions (HEIs) as instruments for development has increased in recent years. The main objective of this paper is to address the contribution of HEIs to development through their missions, models, and challenges. With this purpose, we perform a historical analysis and characterise higher-education systems through the perspective of university models and missions, noticing relevant aspects regarding the evolution of this institution over time, as well as the transformations undergone. We also consider the main challenges that current higher education systems face in the 21st century. As methodological approaches, we carry out a literature review complemented by a comparative analysis based on data from the higher education systems of ten European countries. The findings show that HEIs can contribute to development through their missions, which are related to the models of higher education. Their first mission (teaching) contributes to improving human capital and attracting highly qualified people to their regions; the second mission (research) improves scientific knowledge which can foster innovative activities; and the third mission (community service) acts as a link between research and business, including patents, business incubators, and collaboration agreements. We also conclude that the challenges of higher education in the 21st century can be categorised essentially in three main areas: (1) globalisation and massification of higher education, as well as the internationalisation of HEIs' missions and diversification of the educational supply to attract new students; (2) new technologies related to the digitalisation of teaching and distance learning; and (3) higher education entrepreneurship, showing the importance of university-company relationships. This paper provides a global setting for a reflection on the role of HEIs in the 21st century, given their connection with society and the need for a more effective contribution to socio-economic development.

Published
2021

8. 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

9. Teaching Practices and Organisational Aspects Associated with the Use of ICT

Author

Javier Gil-Flores, Javier Rodríguez-Santero, and Carla Ortiz-de-Villate

Abstract

The study of variables related to the use of ICT in the classroom is a topic of interest that has been frequently researched. In this paper, after examining the importance of teacher training in explaining the use of ICT in the classroom, we focused on analysing the weight of variables related to teaching practices and the organisational context of schools, which are variables that are less frequently addressed in the literature. To do so, a secondary analysis was carried out using data provided by the Teaching and Learning International Study (TALIS 2018). Specifically, we worked with a sample of 3,918 principals and 64,899 teachers from a total of 3921 schools in 21 countries. A multilevel binary regression model with random intercept, fixed coefficients and a two-level structure with teachers at level 1 and schools at level 2 was used. The results indicate that the presence of ICT in the classroom is associated with self-efficacy in teaching and the cognitive activation of students and with the organisational aspects of the school, which are scarcely addressed by the existing literature on this topic of interest, such as school climate, educational innovation and cooperation among teachers. Based on these results, we reflect on possible ways to promote the use of ICT in the classroom.

Published
2024
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10. Three Decades of Literacy Preservice Teachers' Engagement in Research: Operationalizing Critical Reflexivity to Explore Possibilities for Increasing Racial Literacy

Author

Lammert, Catherine

Abstract

In this paper, the author analyzes 89 studies published from 1990 through 2020 that focused on literacy preservice teachers' involvement in action research as part of learning to teach. In doing so, the author provides an example of why critical reflexivity is necessary in qualitative literature review methods. The author relies on a social practice view of race and uses activity theory to answer the questions: How have researchers considered race as a factor in research on literacy preservice teacher education? How can preservice teachers' experience with research be (re)designed to help develop their racial literacy? Findings demonstrate that in the reviewed studies, 51% of researchers addressed preservice teachers' race, and 34% addressed K-12 students' race. Far fewer studies, however, acknowledged their own race or that of field supervisors and mentor teachers, which ultimately minimized their roles. Findings also emphasize four design principles for literacy teacher education programs that aim to include research: collaboration between K-12 partners and universities; selective teacher educator scaffolding; engagement with diverse communities; and extensive time spent as part of the pathway toward racial literacy. The implications and uses of an existing literature base that reflects shifting reporting standards related to race are also examined.

Published
2022

11. 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

12. Mapping the Integration of the Sustainable Development Goals in Universities: Is It a Field of Study?

Author

Murillo-Vargas, Guillermo, Gonzalez-Campo, Carlos Hernan, and Brath, Diony Ico

Abstract

This article maps the scientific production and the contents associated with the sustainable development goals and their integration with universities during the past 21 years. Although many of the topics related to sustainable development goals (SDGs) have been addressed in different studies for decades, it is since 2015 onwards that they gained greater prominence due to the inclusion of higher education as an important actor in the fulfillment of the 2030 agenda and the United Nations SDGs. For the purpose of this paper, a bibliometric analysis of 871 papers, 535 documents in Scopus, and 336 in Web of Science (WoS) from 1998 to 2019 was performed, and the Bibliometrix analysis tool was used. The objective of this mapping is to answer the following research question: Is the integration of the Sustainable Development Goals and Universities a field of study? An analysis of the network of collaborators and trend topics in Scopus and WoS allows us to identify the concurrence and relationships of some keywords, such as sustainable development, sustainability and planning, and some background words, such as humans and global health. In another analysis, the word "higher education" is related to change. This article suggests that the integration of the Sustainable Development Goals in Universities is becoming a field of study under exploration, with a peak of production in 2016 and that has remained stable in the last three years, but thanks to the leading role assigned to Universities, intellectual production should increase in the following years.

Published
2020
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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. Bibliometric Analysis of the Research on Seamless Learning

Author

Talan, Tarik

Abstract

Seamless learning has a significance that has been increasing in recent years, and an increasing number of studies on the subject in the literature draws attention. This study aimed to examine the research on seamless learning between 1996 and 2020 with the bibliometric analysis method. The Scopus database was used in the collection of the data. After various screening processes, a total of 389 publications were included in the analysis. Descriptive analysis and bibliometric analysis were used in the analysis of the data. The distribution of publications by years, types of publications, sources, and languages were analyzed in the research. Additionally, visual maps were created with analyses of co-author, cocitation, and co-word. At the end of the study, it was seen that there has been an increase in the number of publications from the past to the present, articles and papers were predominant, and that most of the studies were carried out in English. As a result of bibliometric analysis, it was concluded that the most efficient countries in seamless learning were the United Kingdom, the United States, and Singapore. Also, it has been determined that the National Institute of Education, Center for International Education and Exchange, and Kyushu University institutions are dominant. The most frequently mentioned authors cited in studies in many different fields are M. Sharples, L.-H. Wong, and H. Ogata. According to the co-word analysis, the keywords seamless learning, mobile learning, ubiquitous learning, and mobile-assisted language learning stand out in the field of seamless learning.

Published
2021

15. 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

16. How Playful Learning Can Help Leapfrog Progress in Education

Author

Brookings Institution, Center for Universal Education, Winthrop, Rebecca, Ziegler, Lauren, Handa, Rhea, and Fakoya, Foluyinka

Abstract

Humans are born with the natural ability to gain skills through play. Children learn about social norms, roles and responsibilities, and language through curiosity-driven, playful interactions and activities. Learning through play harnesses the power of children's imagination and inspires active engagement with the material. The Center for Universal Education at Brookings, is studying innovations that strive to improve education. If the education sector stays on its current trajectory, half of all youth around the world entering the workforce in 2030 will lack basic secondary-level skills they need to thrive--from literacy and numeracy to critical thinking and problem solving. It is believed that leapfrogging, or rapid nonlinear progress, is needed to change this trajectory. Education that allows students to leap forward in learning should incorporate experimentation and iteration, helping students make meaning of what they are learning, and engage with others in doing so. These types of student-centered, playful learning experiences are an essential component to leapfrogging in education because without them young people will not be able to develop the full breadth of competencies and skills they need to thrive in a fast-changing world. This paper is the first in in a series of Leapfrogging in Education snapshots that provide analyses of a global catalog of education innovations. Of the nearly 3,000 innovations captured in the catalog, two-thirds involve playful learning, which represents the largest category of innovations that were recorded. [Support also provided by the BHP Foundation.]

Published
2019

17. 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

18. 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

19. CALL: Using, Learning, Knowing. Proceedings of the 2012 EUROCALL Conference (Gothenburg, Sweden, August 22-25, 2012)

Author

Research-publishing.net (France), Bradley, Linda, and Thouësny, Sylvie

Abstract

For the first time, the annual conference of the European Association for Computer-Assisted Language Learning (EUROCALL) took place in Sweden. The conference took place at the Faculty of Education on historic ground on the old fortification walls of Carolus Dux from the 17th century right in the centre of the city. This year's host comprised the University of Gothenburg in collaboration with Chalmers University of Technology. The local committee members represented three collaborating institutions: "Faculty of Education, the University of Gothenburg"; "Department of Languages and Literatures, the University of Gothenburg"; and "Division for Language and Communication, Chalmers University of Technology." This year's conference theme was "CALL: using, learning, knowing." The conference seeked to establish the current state of the art, how using technologies shape what and how we learn, and what we consider we know from research and development within CALL. These three dimensions are in a continuous fux and interplay as an upward spiral, contributing together to create a dynamic learning experience for the student. There were presentations presented at the conference. 59 of these were submitted as extended papers and appear in this volume of proceedings. An author index is included. (Individual papers contain references.)

Published
2012

20. 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

21. Implementing Global Citizenship Education in EU Primary Schools: The Role of Government Ministries

Author

Tarozzi, Massimiliano and Inguaggiato, Carla

Abstract

According to recommendations of the UN Secretary General's Global Education First Initiative, countries and regions require a number of structural changes if they are to implement educational policies and practice based on global citizenship education, and to promote respect and responsibility across cultures. In this paper, we present the first results of a three-year project to compare existing educational policies, strategies and school curricula in ten European Union (EU) countries (Austria, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, France, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Spain, Portugal, UK) to ascertain the current level of such structural changes. Through a comparative policy analysis, we investigated whether, to what extent, and how global citizenship education is integrated within primary school curricula. The article focuses on national governmental agencies--specifically two main bodies in each country, the ministries of foreign affairs and education--and their political discourses. We argue that the gap between the two traditions, with separate approaches, purposes, concepts and bureaucracies, represents a strategic political challenge for the introduction of global citizenship education in primary schools.

Published
2018

22. Agora VII: Working Time, Training Time (Thessaloniki, Greece, October 7-8, 1999). CEDEFOP Panorama Series.

Author

European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training, Thessaloniki (Greece). and Guggenheim, Eric Fries

Abstract

This document contains the agenda and papers on work and training presented at the Agora VII meeting in Thessaloniki, Greece in October, 1999. The Foreword describes each session with a list of the topics and papers, along with a brief introduction to the topics. The three sessions are: Work and Training in Society in the 21st Century; Working Time and Training Time Inside and Outside the Enterprise Management of People and Skills; and Working Time and Training Time in the Course of Life. The papers are "To What Extent is Work Also Training?" (Johan van Rens); "Learning: Where, When, and How?" (Eric Fries Guggenheim); "The Place of Work and Education in Contemporary Society" (Juan Jose Castillo); "Crisis in the Traditions for Admission to Training"(Jorgen Mork); "The OECD's Thematic Review on Adult Learning. The Themes Under Review" (Patrick Werquin); "The Contexts of Training" (Saul Meghnagi); "Training in the Context of Reduced Working Hours" (Jacques Trautmann); "The Future of the Relationship Between Working Time and Learning Time" (Klaus Schedler); "Working Time, Education Time and Social Capital" (Tom Schuller); "Synthesis of the Work" (Andre Kirchberger). The document also contains a list of event participants and a bibliography. (SLR)

Published
2003

23. 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

24. 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

25. 'CityVille': Collaborative Game Play, Communication and Skill Development in Social Networks

Author

Del-Moral, María-Esther and Guzmán-Duque, Alba-Patricia

Abstract

This paper has as its aim to analyze how CityVille, a videogame hosted on Facebook and oriented to the construction of a virtual city, can favor collaboration between gamers along with the exchange of strategies, equally contributing to learning transfer and skill acquisition. The first step consists in identifying the opportunities which the said game can offer in order to develop skills and promote learning formats linked with planning and resource management, after which a presentation is made of the opinions expressed by a sample of gamers (N = 105)--belonging to the Fans-CityVille community--about the priorities established by them to communicate with their neighbors and the skills that they believe to have acquired playing this game. 85.7% of them state that they communicate with others to share strategies and expand their city. Unlike women, who value collaboration, men prioritize competition. Designing their city has enhanced a number of gamer skills in different proportions: creative skills (71.4%); organizational ones (68.0%); skills associated with decision-making and problem-solving (67.0%); and interpersonal skills through interaction with others (61.9%). The CityVille game mode favors skill development and helps to create a ludic atmosphere of collaboration and optimal strategy exchange through communication between neighbors by strengthening their mutual relationships. Its formula moves away from the often-criticized competitive practices of other games.

Published
2014

26. Limits to Mobility: Competence and Qualifications in Europe

Author

Le Deist, Francoise and Tutlys, Vidmantas

Abstract

Purpose: This paper aims to explore structural and systemic influences in the development of competence models and qualifications systems at sectoral and national levels across Europe, considering the influences of different socio-economic models of skill formation on the processes of design and provision of qualifications. Design/methodology/approach: The paper is based on a meta analysis of three European projects that used literature review, documentary analysis and interviews with practitioners and policy makers. Findings: The main methodological and practical challenges posed by varieties of competence and qualifications to inter-country comparability of qualifications are shown to be related to different socio-economic models of skill formation. Research limitations/implications: The research is limited to 13 countries and four sectors but these were carefully selected to maximise coverage of European diversity with respect to competence models, training regimes and approaches to qualifications. There is clearly a need for further research involving more countries and sectors. Practical implications: The paper offers recommendations for improving the potential of the European Qualifications Framework to promote comparability of qualifications and hence mobility of labour. These recommendations will be of interest to policy makers and practitioners involved in using the EQF and similar instruments. Originality/value: This is the first systematic attempt to explore the methodological and practical difficulties of establishing comparability between qualifications. (Contains 4 tables.)

Published
2012
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27. Same but Different? Measurement Invariance of the PIAAC Motivation-to-Learn Scale across Key Socio-Demographic Groups

Author

Gorges, Julia, Koch, Tobias, Maehler, Débora B., and Offerhaus, Judith

Abstract

Background: Data from the Programme for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC) revealed that countries systematically differ in their respondents' literacy, numeracy, and problem solving in technology-rich environments skills; skill levels also vary by gender, age, level of education or migration background. Similarly, systematic differences have been documented with respect to adults' participation in education, which can be considered as a means to develop and maintain skills. From a psychological perspective, motivation to learn is considered a key factor associated with both skill development and participation in (further) education. In order to account for motivation when analyzing PIAAC data, four items from the PIAAC background questionnaire were recently compiled into a motivation-to-learn scale. This scale has been found to be invariant (i.e., showing full weak and partial strong measurement invariance) across 21 countries. Methods: This paper presents further analyses using multiple-group graded response models to scrutinize the validity of the motivation-to-learn scale for group comparisons. Results: Results indicate at least partial strong measurement invariance across gender, age groups, level of education, and migration background in most countries under study (all CFI > 0.95, all RMSEA < 0.08). Thus, the scale is suitable for comparing both means and associations across these groups. Conclusions:Results are discussed in light of country characteristics, challenges of measurement invariance testing, and potential future research using PIAAC data.

Published
2017
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28. 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
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29. How Remote Labs Impact on Course Outcomes: Various Practices Using VISIR

Author

Marques, Maria A., Viegas, Maria Clara, Costa-Lobo, Maria Cristina, Fidalgo, André V, Alves, Gustavo R., Rocha, João S., and Gustavsson, Ingvar

Abstract

As technology is increasingly being seen as a facilitator to learning, open remote laboratories are increasingly available and in widespread use around the world. They provide some advantages over traditional hands-on labs or simulations. This paper presents the results of integrating the open remote laboratory VISIR into several courses, in various contexts and using various methodologies. These integrations, all related to higher education engineering, were designed by teachers with different perspectives to achieve a range of learning outcomes. The degree to which these VISIR-related outcomes were accomplished is discussed. The results reflect the levels of student engagement and learning and of teacher involvement. From the analysis, a connection between these two aspects was traced, although only related to the user profiles. VISIR is shown to be always of benefit for more motivated students, but this benefit can be maximized under particular conditions and characteristics.

Published
2014
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30. 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
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31. Approximations to the Truth: Comparing Survey and Microsimulation Approaches to Measuring Income for Social Indicators

Author

Figari, Francesco, Iacovou, Maria, Skew, Alexandra J., and Sutherland, Holly

Abstract

In this paper, we evaluate income distributions in four European countries (Austria, Italy, Spain and Hungary) using two complementary approaches: a standard approach based on reported incomes in survey data, and a microsimulation approach, where taxes and benefits are simulated. These two approaches may be expected to generate slightly different results, particularly in respect of individuals on lower incomes, because benefit receipts tend to be under-reported in survey data, and over-estimated in microsimulation procedures. However, we find that the two approaches do in fact produce reasonably consistent results, in terms of both inequality measures and poverty rates. To the extent that the results differ, we explore the reasons why these differences arise, and suggest directions for future research, in which each approach may inform improvements in the other.

Published
2012
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32. 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

33. Making the Invisible Visible: The Pandemic and Migrant Care Work in Long-Term Care.

Author

Leichsenring, Kai, Kadi, Selma, and Simmons, Cassandra

Subjects
GENDER inequality, LONG-term health care, POLITICAL debates, PANDEMICS, IMMIGRANTS, UNPAID labor
Abstract

Live-in care, provided by mainly female migrants, has developed as a do-it-yourself welfare mechanism—hardly regulated, with undefined working times, singular labour relations and widely untraceable cash flows. Migrant carers are isolated, working in a 'grey' area, torn between the family in which they are working and the individual person in need of care, and very often they are also dependent on brokering agencies. The aim of this contribution is therefore to describe and analyse how the pandemic has made hidden inequalities more visible in connection with the specificities of live-in migrant care in Austria, Italy and Spain. Findings are based on a brief scoping review, including national media coverage. Results are described in terms of national caveats and strategies to respond to challenges triggered by the pandemic. Mitigating short-term strategies were implemented under pressure and at short notice, mainly influenced by the national framework conditions of live-in migrants in the respective countries. In spite of upcoming political debates regarding the regularisation of live-in care, including issues of wages and working conditions, the visibility of migrant live-in care remains tightly connected to the further development of care regimes and the acknowledgement of unpaid work as a precondition for gender equality and equal opportunities in a European and subsequently in a global dimension. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Published
2022
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34. Women, Peace and Security: An Analysis of the National Action Plans Developed in Response to UN Security Council Resolution 1325.

Author

Gumru, F. Belgin and Fritz, Jan Marie

Subjects
UNITED Nations Security Council resolutions, PEACE treaties, PEACEBUILDING, WOMEN, POSTWAR reconstruction
Abstract

This research analyzes the 11 national action plans that were adopted between June 2005 and October 2008 as a response to the United Nations Security Council's Resolution 1325. Resolution 1325, one of the most important UN resolutions within the field of peace and security, was adopted unanimously on 31 October 2000. The resolution highlights the consequences of violent conflict on women and girls and the important role of women in peacebuilding and post-conflict processes. In 2002 and again in 2004, UN member states were invited to prepare national action plans in order to take strong steps towards the implementation of UNSCR 1325. This study examines the similarities and differences in the plans and compares the points identified in the plans to the relevant points in UNSCR 1325. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Published
2009
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