1,160 results
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2. Autonomous Schools, Achievement and Segregation. Discussion Paper No. 1968
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London School of Economics and Political Science (United Kingdom), Centre for Economic Performance (CEP), Natalie Irmert, Jan Bietenbeck, Linn Mattisson, and Felix Weinhardt
- Abstract
We study whether autonomous schools, which are publicly funded but can operate more independently than government-run schools, affect student achievement and school segregation across 15 countries over 16 years. Our triple-differences regressions exploit between-grade variation in the share of students attending autonomous schools within a given country and year. While autonomous schools do not affect overall achievement, effects are positive for high-socioeconomic status students and negative for immigrants. Impacts on segregation mirror these findings, with evidence of increased segregation by socioeconomic and immigrant status. Rather than creating "a rising tide that lifts all boats," autonomous schools increase inequality
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- 2023
3. Indicators of Inclusion in Education: A Framework for Analysis. OECD Education Working Papers. No. 300
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Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) (France), Directorate for Education and Skills, Cecilia Mezzanotte, and Claire Calvel
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Calls for increased monitoring and evaluation of education policies and practices have not, so far, included widespread and consistent assessments of the inclusiveness of education settings. Measuring inclusion in education has proven to be a challenging exercise, due not only to the complexity and different uses of the concept, but also to its holistic nature. Indeed, measuring inclusion implies analysing a variety of policy areas within education systems, while also considering the different roles of the system, the school and the classroom. This paper discusses the application of the input-process-outcome model to the measurement of inclusion in education, and key indicators that can be adopted by education systems and schools to this end. It makes considerations relevant to policy makers when designing indicators to measure inclusion, such as the extent of their application, the constraints related to data disaggregation and the relevance of intersectional approaches to inclusion.
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- 2023
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4. A Half Century of Progress in U.S. Student Achievement: Ethnic and SES Differences; Agency and Flynn Effects. Program on Education Policy and Governance Working Papers Series. PEPG 21-01
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Harvard University, Program on Education Policy and Governance, Shakeel, M. Danish, and Peterson, Paul E.
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Principals (policy makers) have debated the progress in U.S. student performance for a half century or more. Informing these conversations, survey agents have administered seven million psychometrically linked tests in math and reading in 160 waves to national probability samples of selected cohorts born between 1954 and 2007. This study is the first to assess consistency of results by agency. We find results vary by agent, but consistent with Flynn effects, gains are larger in math than reading, except for the most recent period. Non-whites progress at a faster pace. Socio-economically disadvantaged white, black, and Hispanic students make greater progress when tested in elementary school, but that advantage attenuates and reverses itself as students age. We discuss potential moderators.
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- 2021
5. Learning (In) Indigenous Languages: Common Ground, Diverse Pathways. OECD Education Working Papers. No. 278
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Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) (France), Angelo, Denise, Disbray, Samantha, Singer, Ruth, O'Shannessy, Carmel, Simpson, Jane, Smith, Hilary, Meek, Barbra, and Wigglesworth, Gillian
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Indigenous peoples have rightful aspirations for their languages and cultures, supported under international conventions, jurisdictional treaties, laws, policies and enquiry recommendations. Additionally, the inclusion of Indigenous languages in education can impact positively on Indigenous students' learning, engagement, identity and well-being, and can increase involvement of their communities in education. This working paper provides an overview of Indigenous languages learning in Aotearoa New Zealand, Australia and Canada. These three jurisdictions participate in an OECD initiative "Promising Practices in Supporting Success for Indigenous Students," designed to help education systems to improve the experiences and outcomes of Indigenous students in education. The significance of Indigenous languages constitutes common ground between the diverse Indigenous peoples in these three countries. But learning in Indigenous languages and learning Indigenous languages follow diverse pathways with local language programme designs that fit the different historical and contemporary language contexts within and between the countries.
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- 2022
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6. Attendance in Early Childhood Education and Care Programmes and Academic Proficiencies at Age 15. OECD Education Working Papers, No. 214
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Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) (France), Balladares, Jaime, and Kankaraš, Miloš
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Early years are a critical period for skill development. In this sense, the Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) programmes have an important role in promoting children's learning during this period. This study aimed to explore the effectiveness of ECEC programmes by analysing the relationship between students' ECEC attendance and their later academic proficiency using PISA 2015 data. PISA results show that across the OECD countries, students who had attended ECEC tend to have higher scores in academic proficiencies at the age of 15. However, these differences in academic proficiencies between those who attended ECEC versus those who did not attend are almost nil when students' socio-economic status (SES) is considered. This relationship reflects differential access to learning opportunities for children from deprived contexts. Furthermore, results show that entering ECEC programmes earlier than the typical time is associated with lower proficiencies at the age of 15. Therefore, earlier entry to ECEC is not necessarily beneficial. Learning benefits of ECEC provision vary considerably across PISA countries illustrating the importance of a country-specific policy context and the quality of their ECEC provision. The analyses of several quality indicators point out that the improved quality of ECEC programmes is associated with higher academic skills at later stages. These results highlight that mere attendance to ECEC programmes is not enough to ensure better academic performance. The quality of the educational provision, especially concerning those students from disadvantaged backgrounds, should be ensured.
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- 2020
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7. The Relevance of General Pedagogical Knowledge for Successful Teaching: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the International Evidence from Primary to Tertiary Education. OECD Education Working Papers, No. 212
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Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) (France) and Ulferts, Hannah
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This systematic review investigates the relevance of general pedagogical knowledge for successful teaching. It synthesises the empirical evidence of 10 769 teaching professionals and 853 452 students from primary to tertiary education in 21 countries. The meta-analysis of 20 quantitative studies revealed significant effects for teaching quality and student outcomes (Cohen's d = 0.64 and 0.26), indicating that more knowledgeable teachers achieve a three-month additional progress for students. The three themes emerging from 31 qualitative studies underline that general pedagogical knowledge is a crucial resource for teaching. Results also show that teaching requires knowledge about a range of topics, specific skills and other competences to transform knowledge into practice. Teachers need training and practical experience to acquire knowledge, which they apply according to the pedagogical situation at hand. The results allow for important conclusions for policy, practice and research.
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- 2019
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8. 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
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Harvard University, Program on Education Policy and Governance, Hanushek, Eric A., Piopiunik, Marc, and Wiederhold, Simon
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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.
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- 2014
9. Proceedings of International Conference on Social and Education Sciences (Chicago, Illinois, October 15-18, 2020)
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International Society for Technology, Education and Science (ISTES) Organization, Akerson, Valari, and Sahin, Ismail
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"International Conference on Social and Education Sciences" includes full papers presented at the International Conference on Social and Education Sciences (IConSES) which took place on October 15-18, 2020 in Chicago, IL, USA. The aim of the conference is to offer opportunities to share your ideas, to discuss theoretical and practical issues and to connect with the leaders in the fields of education and social sciences. The conference is organized annually by the International Society for Technology, Education, and Science (ISTES). The IConSES invites submissions which address the theory, research or applications in all disciplines of education and social sciences. The IConSES is organized for: faculty members in all disciplines of education and social sciences, graduate students, K-12 administrators, teachers, principals and all interested in education and social sciences. After peer-reviewing process, all full papers are published in the Conference Proceedings. [For the 2019 proceedings, see ED602587.]
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- 2020
10. Longitudinal Surveys of Australian Youth (LSAY) 2009 Cohort User Guide: Data Elements B1--Education (School and School Transition). Technical Paper 74B1
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National Centre for Vocational Education Research
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This is a support document to the "Longitudinal Surveys of Australian Youth (LSAY) 2009 Cohort User Guide" report. Developed for users of LSAY, the user guide consolidates information about the LSAY 2009 cohort into one document. This support document provides school and school transition information for the guide. [For the main report, "Longitudinal Surveys of Australian Youth (LSAY) 2009 Cohort User Guide. Technical Paper 74," see ED536971. For other supporting documents, see "Longitudinal Surveys of Australian Youth (LSAY) 2009 Cohort User Guide: Data Elements A--Demographics. Technical Paper 74A" (ED536979); "Longitudinal Surveys of Australian Youth (LSAY) 2009 Cohort User Guide: Data Elements B2--Education (Post-School). Technical Paper 74B2" (ED536975); "Longitudinal Surveys of Australian Youth (LSAY) 2009 Cohort User Guide: Data Elements C--Employment. Technical Paper 74C" (ED536974); and "Longitudinal Surveys of Australian Youth (LSAY) 2009 Cohort User Guide: Data Elements D--Social. Technical Paper 74D" (ED536972).]
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- 2012
11. Longitudinal Surveys of Australian Youth (LSAY) 2009 Cohort User Guide. Technical Paper 74
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National Centre for Vocational Education Research
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Developed for users of the Longitudinal Surveys of Australian Youth (LSAY), this user guide consolidates information about the LSAY 2009 cohort into one document. The guide aims to address all aspects of the LSAY data including: how to access the data; data restrictions; variable naming conventions; the structure of the data; documentation; classifications and code frames used; weights; and derived variables. Updates to the Y09 data file are appended. (Contains 14 tables, 9 figures and 6 footnotes.) [For supporting documents, see "Longitudinal Surveys of Australian Youth (LSAY) 2009 Cohort User Guide: Data Elements A--Demographics. Technical Paper 74A" (ED536979); "Longitudinal Surveys of Australian Youth (LSAY) 2009 Cohort User Guide: Data Elements B1--Education (School and School Transition). Technical Paper 74B1" (ED536973); "Longitudinal Surveys of Australian Youth (LSAY) 2009 Cohort User Guide: Data Elements B2--Education (Post-School). Technical Paper 74B2" (ED536975); "Longitudinal Surveys of Australian Youth (LSAY) 2009 Cohort User Guide: Data Elements C--Employment. Technical Paper 74C" (ED536974); and "Longitudinal Surveys of Australian Youth (LSAY) 2009 Cohort User Guide: Data Elements D--Social. Technical Paper 74D" (ED536972).]
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- 2012
12. Who Takes a Gap Year and Why? Longitudinal Surveys of Australian Youth. Briefing Paper 28
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National Centre for Vocational Education Research, Lumsden, Marilyn, and Stanwick, John
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Taking a gap year--a break between high school and university--is becoming increasingly popular with Australian students. In terms of length and purpose, the traditional notion of a gap year being a year off between school and university has expanded considerably over time. For the purposes of the analysis reported in this paper, a person who takes a gap year is defined as "an individual who commenced university one to two years after completing Year 12. This includes those who accept and defer their university placement for one to two years" (Curtis, Mlotkowski & Lumsden 2012). Highlights of this report include: (1) In Australia the incidence of taking a gap year has increased from 10% in the period 1999-2000 to 24% in 2009-10; (2) The top four primary activities undertaken by gap students in 2009-10 were work (51%), full-time study leading to a non-university qualification (10%), other study (6%), and travel (6%); (3) Characteristics of gap-takers include: (a) being academically less inclined than non-gap-takers; (b) living in regional locations when at school; (c) having English speaking backgrounds; (d) being employed when in Year 12 at school; and (e) being less likely to receive Youth Allowance payments while at school; (4) In their first year of university, gap-takers are more likely to study in the areas of education and creative arts; and (5) Those who don't take a gap year are substantially more likely at age 24 to be employed full-time and to work in professional occupations than gap-takers. Much of this difference can be attributed to the fact that, in terms of their careers, gap-takers are a year or two behind those who don't take a gap year. The data do not allow the authors to measure the longer-term outcomes of both groups because the Longitudinal Surveys of Australian Youth (LSAY) stops at age 25. Appended are: (1) Gap year definitions; and (2) LSAY cohorts sample sizes and durations. (Contains 13 tables.) [For "Bridging the Gap: Who Takes a Gap Year and Why? Longitudinal Surveys of Australian Youth. Research Report," see ED533077.]
- Published
- 2012
13. Social Capital and Youth Transitions: Do Young People's Networks Improve Their Participation in Education and Training? Occasional Paper
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National Centre for Vocational Education Research, Semo, Ronnie, and Karmel, Tom
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In recent times social capital has received considerable attention because it is seen as having the potential to address many of the problems facing modern society, including the poor educational outcomes of considerable numbers of young people. This paper uses data from the Longitudinal Surveys of Australian Youth (LSAY) to explore the relationship between social capital at age 15 and participation in education and training at age 17. The issue is whether social capital is yet another factor which advantages the already advantaged, or whether social capital operates separately from family background. Findings reveal that social capital influences educational participation "over and above" the effects of background characteristics such as parents' education levels, parental occupation, geographic location, cultural background, school sector and academic achievement. For both males and females, participation in a diverse range of activities has the greatest influence on participation in education and training, followed by the strength of the relationship students have with their teachers. Increasing rates of participation in sport also increase educational participation for females. The authors note that, if anything, the findings underestimate the net effects of social capital because the results cannot fully account for the accumulation of social capital prior to the age of 15. The finding that social capital matters for school education is a very positive one. It implies that activities that promote and encourage engagement at school can go some way to redressing economic and social disadvantage. Appended are: (1) Factor analysis; (2) Distribution of social capital; (3) Logistic regression (1); (4) Logistic regression (2); and (5) Distribution of social capital by academic orientation. (Contains 10 tables, 12 figures and 6 footnotes.)
- Published
- 2011
14. Academic Resilience: What Schools and Countries Do to Help Disadvantaged Students Succeed in PISA. OECD Education Working Papers, No. 167
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Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) (France), Agasisti, Tommaso, Avvisati, Francesco, Borgonovi, Francesca, and Longobardi, Sergio
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Resilience refers to the capacity of individuals to prosper despite encountering adverse circumstances. This paper defines academic resilience as the ability of 15-year-old students from disadvantaged backgrounds to perform at a certain level in the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) in reading, mathematics and science that enables them to play an active role in their communities and prepares them to make the most of lifelong-learning opportunities. Using data from the most recent PISA cycles, this paper explores changes in the share of resilient students over time (2006-2015); highlights the importance of school environments and resources in mitigating the risk of low achievement for disadvantaged students; and identifies school-level factors that are associated with the likelihood of academic resilience among socio-economically disadvantaged students. Analyses reveal that several countries were able to increase the share of resilient students over time, reflecting improvements in the average performance of students, or a weaker relationship between socio-economic status and performance. In the vast majority of education systems examined, the likelihood of academic resilience among disadvantaged students is lower in schools where students report a negative classroom climate. The paper concludes by exploring school policies and practices that are associated with a positive classroom climate. [This work was supported by a contribution to the PISA programme of work from Vodafone Germany Foundation.]
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- 2018
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15. Disability and Learning Outcomes: How Much Does the Disability Really Matter? Occasional Paper
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National Centre for Vocational Education Research, Karmel, Tom, and Nguyen, Nhi
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In 2005, the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) produced a statistical compendium examining vocational education and training (VET) students with a disability as a whole group; it also compared different disability groups, focusing on their participation levels, achievements and outcomes from VET in 2003 (Cavallaro et al. 2005). The report found that, on the whole, educational achievements and outcomes from VET are relatively poor for students reporting a disability, but there is considerable variability between types of disability. In addition, educational achievement prior to commencing VET was found to have some bearing on students' results in VET. Generally, students reporting a disability in VET have lower prior education and poorer outcomes from VET than all other VET students. This implies that the poor educational performance of students reporting a disability may be due to their educationally disadvantaged position rather than their disability. The present paper seeks to highlight the direct effect of the disability by controlling for the background characteristics (notably educational background, but also age, level of study and field of study) in a simple statistical model. Findings indicate that the direct effect of the disability differs between groups, and is highest for those with a mental illness, a medical condition or a physical disability. Appended are: (1) Regression Results; (2) Average Values of Independent Variables in Calculation of Adjusted Module Completion Rate; and (3) Decomposing Module Completion Rates. (Contains 4 tables and 2 footnotes.) [This work has been produced by the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) as a joint initiative of the Australian Government and state and territory governments, with funding provided through the Australian Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations.]
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- 2008
16. Key Performance Measures for Vocational Education & Training. A Supporting Paper to Australia's National Strategy for Vocational Education and Training 1998-2003.
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Australian National Training Authority, Brisbane.
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This paper has been written as a supporting paper to "A Bridge to the Future: Australia's National Strategy for Vocational Education and Training 1998-2003" (ED 420 764). Because vocational education and training (VET) activities constitute a major expenditure for Australia's federal, state, and territory governments, effective performance measurement in VET helps to ensure funds are used efficiently and effectively. The primary objectives of key performance measures (KPMs) for the VET system are to demonstrate public accountability and identify continuous improvement opportunities. KPMs determine the efficiency with which resources are used to produce VET outputs and the effectiveness of these outputs in achieving the goals and objectives. They focus on outputs and outcomes. Efficiency, effectiveness, outputs, and outcomes are incorporated into seven KPMs. KPM 1 measures skill outputs produced annually within the domain of formally recognized VET. The four Effectiveness Measures are as follows: KPM 2: stocks of VET skills against desired levels; KPM 3: employers' views on the relevance of skills acquired through VET; KPM 4: student employment outcomes and prospects before and after participation in VET; and KPM 5: VET participation, outputs, and outcomes achieved by client groups. The two Efficiency Measures are as follows: KPM 6: (actual) public expenditure per publicly funded output and KPM 7: (actual) public expenditure per total recognized output. All KPMs are intended to be implemented progressively over the next 3 years with full reporting occurring in 2001 for the year 2000. (YLB)
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- 1998
17. Teachers and Decentralisation. Papers Prepared for the National Industry Education Forum Seminar (Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, August 1994).
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Whitty, Geoff and Seddon, Terri
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This publication contains two papers on the implications of school decentralization for teacher education, student achievement, and democracy. The first paper, "Devolution in Education Systems: Implications for Teacher Professional Development and Pupil Performance" (Geoff Whitty), explores the way education reform movements for decentralization have developed generally by looking at how reforms have worked in England with some cross references to experiences in New Zealand and the United States. In doing so it reviews several studies and discusses the context in which reforms were installed. The conclusion notes that the overall benefits are not yet apparent and that reforms seem to intensify the links between educational and social inequality. The paper also notes that these reforms were part of a larger Thatcherite political project that must have influenced their effects. The second paper, "Decentralisation and Democracy" (Terri Seddon), argues that current educational reform is limited by its neglect of the interdependencies of development, democracy, and education; and that the character of decentralization is the key issue for debate. In three sections the paper comments on contemporary educational reform in Australia, discusses the consequences of decentralization for democracy, and suggests a way to reframe the problem of education reform to recognize the interdependency of development and democracy. (Contains 53 references.) (JB)
- Published
- 1994
18. Urban Disadvantage and VET Participation and Achievement. Working Paper.
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Technology Univ.-Sydney, Broadway (Australia). Research Centre for Vocational Education and Training. and McIntyre, John
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A study examined the profiles of vocational education and training (VET) clients in disadvantaged areas of Sydney and Melbourne, Australia, building on earlier analysis of VET participation in those cities. The study examined the characteristics of VET clients coming from postal codes identified as disadvantaged to determine, if possible, to what extent high levels of participation are accompanied by comparable achievement, judged by appropriate measures such as level of course and module outcomes. Information was gathered from earlier studies and by mapping VET client data for postal codes in Sydney and Melbourne. The study confirmed earlier findings that the most disadvantaged areas of both cities have the highest numbers of TAFE (Technical and Further Education) participants. The relationship between disadvantage and participation is apparent mainly at the extremes of the most disadvantaged and most advantaged postal codes. A different map could be created by mapping another criterion of disadvantage, such as economic resource, because some lower income people have higher education levels. The study supports the contention that VET policy should give greater attention to addressing equity issues in disadvantaged urban regions because this is where large numbers of people do participate in VET. (Contains 16 references, 6 tables, and 5 figures.) (KC)
- Published
- 2000
19. Applying SEIFA Disadvantage Indexes to VET Participation. Working Paper.
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Technology Univ.-Sydney, Broadway (Australia). Research Centre for Vocational Education and Training. and McIntyre, John
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Indexes of socioeconomic status (SES) are widely used in school and higher education because of the known relationship of low educational participation and achievement by socioeconomically disadvantaged groups. Because an index of SES can predict which areas and social groups need to be "targeted" to improve educational participation, this methodology assumes that disadvantage is concentrated in particular localities. Some analysis of "area" disadvantage is an essential step in determining what policies can be effective in countering the effects of socioeconomic disadvantage on post-school participation, especially vocational and technical (VET) education. However, SES is one among several useful dimensions, including the characteristics of "equity groups" and the particular strategies that are known to be effective in addressing VET needs. An approach can be taken where SEIFA indexes (Socio-Economic Indexes for Areas) are used to identify those localities in Australia where large areas of disadvantaged people live. The rationale for using such indexes springs not only from their widespread use in public policy but from the evident need to address the conceptual weakness of equity policy in the VET system. The SEIFA indexes predict areas with low achievement in education generally, but these areas are those with higher levels of VET participation and achievement. Economic factors may be more useful than educational and occupational measures to identify these potential VET clients. Further research will summarize an analysis of the application of SEIFA indexes to VET participation in disadvantaged urban regions. (Contains 15 references and 2 tables.) (KC)
- Published
- 2000
20. Academic Support for Non-Traditional Students. Centre for the Study of Higher Education Research Working Papers, 93.7.
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Melbourne Univ. (Australia). Centre for the Study of Higher Education. and Webb, Janis
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Recent changes to the student profile in higher education and calls for improved graduation rates and better quality graduates have caused consternation among academics. Greater access to higher education by non-traditional groups is supported both ideologically and pragmatically. However, the disparate needs of such a student population has led to concern about the capacities of institutions and individual staff and students to meet the simultaneous calls for accountability. This paper argues for student support centers to assist transition to, and progress through, a course of study. A pedagogical stance appropriate for underpinning the operations of such a center is suggested, and the practical implications of the pedagogy are considered. Two propositions are discussed. First, initiatives which have led to the expansion of the student profile in higher education should be complemented by the provision of appropriate programs which assist students to meet the demands of study at the higher education level. Second, the approaches used by student support centers are critical for non-traditional students in linking educational access to academic success. Developing a cogent pedagogy to underpin the operations of these centers is essential, or else the services provided are likely to be ad hoc and consequently, much less efficient and effective. Contains 51 references. (Author/GLR)
- Published
- 1993
21. Equity or Equality? Students with Language Backgrounds Other Than English. Centre for the Study of Higher Education Research Working Papers, 93.8.
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Melbourne Univ. (Australia). Centre for the Study of Higher Education. and Isaac, Anne
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This paper reviews participation patterns of migrants, refugees, and permanent residents with language backgrounds other than English (LBOTE), at Australian universities in general, and the University of Melbourne in particular. It critically examines the effectiveness of current measures designed to improve the opportunities and university experiences of LBOTE students. Finally, the educational outcomes of this target group are considered in an attempt to establish whether equity policies actually facilitate equality in the case of LBOTE university students and what indicators can be used to gauge the effects of these policies. The report has four main findings: (1) it is important not to treat LBOTE people as a single set when considering the disadvantages they may experience and to maintain disaggregated data on these groups; (2) academic difficulties are caused both by language barriers and culturally-dissonant learning styles as well as the specific social pressures faced by the target groups; (3) students have difficulty accessing specialist provisions due to an overall fragmentation of equity initiatives between institutions, and sometimes within them; and (4) there is a dearth of documentation on the outcomes experienced by the target groups. Findings show that obstacles posed by conflicts between LBOTE students' home and educational cultures and by having to develop proficiency in academic language skills and adapt to new learning styles are disadvantages to many of these students. Contains 35 references. (GLR)
- Published
- 1993
22. Research in Science Education. Volume 21. Selected Refereed Papers from the Annual Conference of the Australasian Science Education Research Association (22nd, Surfers Paradise, Queensland, Australia, July 11-14, 1991).
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Australasian Science Education Research Association, Victoria (Australia). and Forgasz, Helen
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This annual publication contains 43 research papers on a variety of issues related to science education. Topics include the following: mature-age students; teacher professional development; spreadsheets and science instruction; the Learning in Science Project and putting it into practice; science discipline knowledge in primary teacher education; science, technology, and society; gender differences in choosing school subjects; history of science education; quality of teacher education; science attitudes; socially constructed learning; and conceptual development. Other papers concern such areas as report writing; history of science; the nature of science; investigation skills; pseudo-scientific and paranormal beliefs; language in science; concept mapping; constructivism; metaphors; textbooks; children's interests; Aboriginal science; and science and television. (PR)
- Published
- 1991
23. A Stitch in Time: Strengthening the First Years of School. Compulsory Years of Schooling Project. Project Paper No. 3. Commissioned Report No. 16.
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National Board of Employment, Education, and Training, Canberra (Australia). Schools Council. and Gifford, Jean
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As Australia recognized the need for a better educated and highly trained workforce, national attention focused on secondary and post-secondary education and vocational training, with an emphasis on the acquisition of basic, entry level work skills. Because the foundations for success at this level are laid at an early age, however, the Schools Council sought to address issues of importance to the crucial beginning years of education with a project called The Compulsory Years of Schooling. This report elaborates on some of the issues relevant to the early childhood years in schools. The paper asserts that children five to eight years of age need educational programs that have been specifically designed for them and teachers who have been trained to work with young children. Although the style of teaching throughout primary school is gradually changing, teachers are encouraged to adopt developmentally appropriate practice with their youngest children. The report also proposes that early childhood teacher training should be largely separate from the discipline-oriented primary and secondary teacher education courses, and offer narrower specialization within the early childhood range. Improvement in early childhood education also depends upon the ability of the early childhood field as a whole to find its voice and advocate for good practice in all early childhood programs. Contains approximately 95 references. (TJQ)
- Published
- 1992
24. Assessment of Learning Outcomes in Higher Education: A Comparative Review of Selected Practices. OECD Education Working Papers, No. 15
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Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development and Nusche, Deborah
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Higher education institutions (HEIs) have experienced increasing pressures to provide accountability data and consumer information on the quality of teaching and learning. Existing ratings and rankings of HEIs tend to neglect information on student learning outcomes. Instead, they focus on inputs, activities and research outputs, such as resources used, classes taught, and articles published. Such indicators provide no indication of the degree to which HEIs actually develop the knowledge and skills of their students. In most countries, hardly any comparable information is available on the educational quality of different programmes and institutions. In some countries, approaches to assess higher education learning outcomes have been developed, but little cross-country information is available on the characteristics of the instruments used. This paper provides an overview of experience gained in this domain across OECD and partner countries. Based on illustrative evidence collected for 18 assessment instruments, it examines conceptual, organizational and methodological aspects of existing assessments. It proposes a typology of higher education learning outcomes and reviews the ways in which these have been assessed across countries. Examples are drawn from Australia, Brazil, Mexico, the United Kingdom and the United States. (Contains 2 footnotes and 7 tables.)
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- 2008
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25. Initial Findings on Student Progress and Satisfaction in a New Model of Hyperflexible Online Delivery for University Students
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Colin Beer, Kate Ames, Noal Atkinson, Damien Clark, and Peter Hosie
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University degrees are usually delivered in defined sessions--by term, semester, or in week-based blocks--whereby students are required to complete their studies by the due date. Term or session-based schedules that require students to complete the study within set timeframes are, however, potentially restrictive. Temporal challenges associated with work and life can impede progress and add to the specific problem of student attrition in online learning. As universities seek to deliver innovative options for their students, increased attention is being paid to alternate models of delivery. This paper reports on the development of a hyperflexible online Master of Business Administration (MBA) course by a regional university in Australia, which has grown to more than 1,000 students since its launch in 2017. Delivered entirely online, the degree was specifically designed to address an inequity; MBA programs are traditionally expensive, and in Australia, the requirement for students to travel to attend residential schools and examinations adds significant cost to already expensive tuition fees. This paper analyzed enrollment data, course analytics over a two-year period, and student surveys conducted at the end of the second year of delivery (n = 98) to evaluate the development and implementation of the course as a hyperflexible course whereby students have almost complete control over their study at the postgraduate tertiary level. Results highlight the potential for the model to enable student success through flexibility.
- Published
- 2024
26. 'It Felt Like I Was a Black Dot on White Paper': Examining Young Former Refugees' Experience of Entering Australian High Schools
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Uptin, Jonnell, Wright, Jan, and Harwood, Valerie
- Abstract
Schools are often the first point of contact for young refugees resettling in Australia and play a significant role in establishing meaningful connections to Australian society and a sense of belonging in Australia (Olliff in "Settling in: How do refugee young people fair within Australia's settlement system?" Centre for Multicultural Youth Issues, Melbourne. http//:www.cmyi.net.au/ResearchandPolicy. Accessed 21 June 2010, 2007; Gifford et al. in: "Good Starts for recently arrived youth with refugee backgrounds: Promoting wellbeing in the first three years of settlement in Melbourne, Australia." Melbourne: La Trobe Refugee Research Centre. http://www.latrobe.edu.au/larrc/documents-larrc/reports/report-good-starts.pdf. Accessed 4 June 2011, 2009; Sidhu and Taylor in: "Educational provision for refugee youth in Australia: Left to chance?" "Journal of Sociology," 43(3), 283-300, 2007). However, too little is known of how refugee youth encounter school in their new country. This article draws upon individual narratives of young former refugee's experiences of high schools. It explores the stories told by the young people of being identified as different and of negotiating ways of belonging in schools both academically and socially. It argues that it is how the school positions the newly arrived refugee students within mainstream school culture that opens up or restricts opportunities for inclusion in all aspects of school (in culture and pedagogy).
- Published
- 2013
- Full Text
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27. School Accountability, Autonomy, Choice, and the Equity of Student Achievement: International Evidence from PISA 2003. OECD Education Working Papers, No. 14
- Author
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Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, Schutz, Gabriela, West, Martin R., and Wobmann, Ludger
- Abstract
School systems aspire to provide equal opportunity for all, irrespective of socio-economic status (SES). Much of the criticism of recent school reforms that introduce accountability, autonomy, and choice emphasizes their potentially negative consequences for equity. This report provides new evidence on how national features of accountability, autonomy, and choice are related to the equality of opportunity across countries. We estimate whether student achievement depends more or less on SES in school systems employing these institutional features. The rigorous micro-econometric analyses are based on the PISA 2003 data for more than 180,000 students from 27 OECD countries. The main empirical result is that rather than harming disadvantaged students, accountability, autonomy, and choice appear to be tides that lift all boats. The additional choice created by public funding for private schools in particular is associated with a strong reduction in the dependence of student achievement on SES. External exit exams have a strong positive effect for all students that is slightly smaller for low-SES students. The positive effect of regularly using subjective teacher ratings to assess students is substantially larger for low-SES students. The effect of many other accountability devices does not differ significantly by student SES. School autonomy in determining course content is associated with higher equality of opportunity, while equality of opportunity is lower in countries where more schools have autonomy in hiring teachers. Autonomy in formulating the budget and in establishing starting salaries is not associated with the equity of student outcomes. Inequality of opportunity is substantially higher in school systems that track students at early ages. (Contains 19 footnotes, 6 figures and 9 tables.)
- Published
- 2007
- Full Text
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28. University Examinations and Standardized Testing: Principles, Experience, and Policy Options. World Bank Technical Paper Number 78. Proceedings of a Seminar on the Uses of Standardized Tests and Selection Examinations (Beijing, China, April 1985).
- Author
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World Bank, Washington, DC., Heyneman, Stephen P., and Fagerlind, Ingemar
- Abstract
In September 1984, the Chinese government asked the Economic Development Institute of the World Bank to assist the officials of the Chinese Ministry of Education in thinking through some policy options for examinations and standardized testing. This document summarizes the descriptions of testing programs and advice provided to these Chinese officials at a meeting held in April 1985. In addition to an introduction by S. P. Heyneman and I. Fagerlind, the following papers are provided: (1) "Admission to Higher Education in Japan" (T. Hidano); (2) "Examinations for University Selection in England" (J. L. Reddaway); (3) "Admission to Higher Education in the United States: The Role of the Educational Testing Service" (R. J. Solomon); (4) "Public Examinations in Australia" (J. P. Keeves); (5) "Education in Sweden: Assessment of Student Achievement and Selection for Higher Education" (S. Marklund); (6) "A Brief Introduction to the System of Higher School Enrollment Examinations in China" (L. Zhen); (7) "Designing the English Language Proficiency Test in China" (G. Shichun); (8) "Assessing the Quality of Education over Time: The Role of the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP)" (A. E. LaPointe); (9) "Cross-National Comparisons in Educational Achievement: The Role of the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IEA)" (J. P. Keeves); (10) "Examinations as an Instrument To Improve Pedagogy" (A. Somerset); and (11) "Improving University Selection, Educational Research, and Educational Management in Developing Countries: The Role of Examinations and Standardized Testing" (S. P. Heyneman). Collectively, the papers contain 31 tables and 13 figures. (SLD)
- Published
- 1988
29. Family Policies and Academic Achievement by Young Children in Single-Parent Families: An International Comparison. Population Research Institute Working Paper.
- Author
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Pennsylvania State Univ., University Park., Pong, Suet-ling, Dronkers, Jaap, and Hampden-Thompson, Gillian
- Abstract
This study investigates the differences in the degree of low academic achievement of third and fourth graders living with single-parent families from 11 industrialized countries. The United States ranks first among the countries compared in terms of the achievement gap for children in single- and two-parent families. After controlling for individual and family variables, the gap in the United States shrinks somewhat, but American single-parent children are still more disadvantaged than those in the other countries. Following a cross-national multilevel analysis, which includes family policy and demographic variables at the national level, the study finds single parenthood to be less detrimental where there are family policies equalizing resources between single-parent and other families, such as family or child allowances and parental leave. It also finds that single parenthood is most detrimental for academic achievement in those countries where the percentages of single-parent families are the highest. Findings suggest that policies aimed at increasing family income can offset the detrimental achievement consequences of single parenthood. (Contains 63 references.) (Author/SM)
- Published
- 2002
30. Learning Time and Teaching for Mastery. Occasional Paper No. 15.
- Author
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Australian Council for Educational Research, Hawthorn. and Ward, Graham
- Abstract
Programed mastery learning materials on matrix algebra were studied by 59 eighth-grade boys. Both experimental and control groups were divided into high- and low-ability groups. The experimental group reviewed all three instructional units until students achieved mastery, but the control group reviewed only Unit 3. Test scores of the treatment group increased over the sequence, especially between Units 1 and 2 and Units 1 and 3. Scores of the control group decreased. High-ability students scored higher in both groups, but the difference between the three units was not influenced by ability or by a combination of treatment and ability; the treatment was equally effective for both levels of ability. There was no difference in time spent learning Unit 1 by treatment vs. control groups. The treatment group spent significantly longer learning Units 2 and 3, but review time decreased from Unit 2 to Unit 3. The control group required more time to learn Unit 3 to mastery than the treatment group. Treatment aided the learning efficiency of the low-ability students, as well as retention of the materials ten days later. (GDC)
- Published
- 1979
31. Emotions in Online Language Learning: Exploratory Findings from an 'Ab Initio' Korean Course
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Nicola Fraschini and Yu Tao
- Abstract
Existing studies on language learner emotions mainly focus on Foreign Language Anxiety (FLA) and Foreign Language Enjoyment (FLE). They are primarily conducted in offline learning settings. This paper reports the empirical findings of an exploratory investigation conducted in a fully synchronous online learning environment for "ab initio" Korean. Through an Achievement Emotions Questionnaire administered to 117 students in an Australian university, this study measures learners' pride as well as their enjoyment and anxiety during four teaching weeks. In addition, this paper examines how learner emotions correlate with academic achievement as well as crucial learner and teacher variables. The study confirms many patterns of learner emotions in offline teaching environments, such as the association of positive emotions with positive outcomes and with some teacher characteristics, and the association of anxiety with negative outcomes. However, it also reveals patterns that appear to be new, warranting further empirical studies. The pedagogical implications of results for L2 teaching and learning are also discussed.
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- 2024
- Full Text
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32. Proceedings of the Conference of the International Group for the Psychology of Mathematics Education (31st, Seoul, Korea, July 8-13, 2007). Volume 4
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International Group for the Psychology of Mathematics Education., Woo, Jeong-Ho, Lew, Hee-Chan, Park, Kyo-Sik, and Seo, Dong-Yeop
- Abstract
This fourth and final volume of the 31st annual proceedings of the International Group for the Psychology of Mathematics Education conference presents research reports for author surnames beginning Na- through Zod-. Reports include: (1) Mathematically Gifted Students' Problem Solving Approaches on Conditional Probability (GwiSoo Na, DaeHee Han, KyungHwa Lee, and SangHun Song); (2) Students Engaged in Proving--Participants in an Inquiry Process or Executers of a Predetermined Script? (Talli Nachlieli and Patricio Herbst); (3) Exploring the Idea of Curriculum Materials Supporting Teacher Knowledge (Jihwa Noh and Ok-Ki Kang); (4) What Is the Price of Topaze? (Jarmila Novotna and Alena Hospesova); (5) Designing Unit for Teaching Proportion Based on Cultural-Historical Activity Theory: Process of Symbolizing through Collective Discourse (Minoru Ohtani); (6) Prototype Phenomena and Common Cognitive Paths in the Understanding of the Inclusion Relations between Quadrilaterals in Japan and Scotland (Masakazu Okazaki and Taro Fujita); (7) A Study of Gender Differences in Language Used by Parents and Children Working on Mathematical Tasks (Melfried Olson, Judith Olson, and Claire Okazaki); (8) Students' Motivation and Achievement and Teachers' Practices in the Classroom (Marilena Pantziara and George Philippou); (9) Using a Multiplicative Approach to Construct Decimal Structure (Irit Peled, Ruth Meron, and Shelly Rota); (10) If You Don't Listen to the Teacher, You Won't Know What to Do: Voices of Pasifika Learners (Pamela Perger); (11) Fostering Generalization in Connecting Registers of Dynamic Geometry and Euclidean Constructions (Norma Presmeg, Jeff Barrett, and Sharon McCrone); (12) Addressing the Issue of the Mathematical Knowledge of Secondary Mathematics Teachers (Jerome Proulx); (13) Abduction in Pattern Generalization (F. D. Rivera and Joanne Rossi Becker); (14) An Activity for Development of the Understanding of the Concept of Limit (Kyeong Hah Roh); (15) Early Access to Algebraic Ideas: The Role of Representations and of the Mathematics of Variation (Teresa Ceballos Rojano and Elvia Maximo Perrusquia); (16) The Role of Cognitive Conflict in Belief Changes (Katrin Rolka, Bettina Rosken, and Peter Liljedahl); (17) Factors Affecting Seventh Graders' Cognitive Perceptions of Patterns Involving Constructive and Deconstructive Generalizations (Joanne Rossi Becker and F. D. Rivera); (18) Mathematically Gifted Students' Spatial Visualization Ability of Solid Figures (HyunAh Ryu, YeongOk Chong, and SangHun Song); (19) Genetic Approach to Teaching Geometry (Ildar S. Safuanov); (20) On Primary Teachers' Assessment of Pupils' Written Work in Mathematics (H. Sakonidis and A. Klothou); (21) Qualities Co-Valued in Effective Mathematics Lessons in Australia: Preliminary Findings (Wee Tiong Seah); (22) Resolving Cognitive Conflict with Peers--Is There a Difference between Two and Four? (Hagit Sela and Orit Zaslavsky); (23) Explicit Linking in the Sequence of Consecutive Lessons in Mathematics Classrooms in Japan (Yoshinori Shimizu); (24) On the Teaching Situation of Conceptual Change: Epistemological Considerations of Irrational Numbers (Yusuke Shinno); (25) Posing Problems with Use the "What If Not?" Strategy in NIM Game (SangHun Song, JaeHoon Yim, EunJu Shin, and HyangHoon Lee); (26) Embodied, Symbolic and Formal Aspects of Basic Linear Algebra Concepts (Sepideh Stewart and Michael O. J. Thomas); (27) The Application of Dual Coding Theory in Multi-Representational Virtual Mathematics Environments (Jennifer M. Suh and Patricia S. Moyer-Packenham); (28) Interactions between Teaching Norms of Teacher's Professional Community and Learning Norms of Classroom Communities (Wen-Huan Tsai); (29) Analysis of a Learning Case: Jasmine (Zelha Tunc-Pekkan); (30) Elementary Teachers' Linguistic Inventions and Semantic Warrants for Mathematical Inferences (Janet G. Walter and Christine Johnson); (31) How Do Mentors Decide: Intervening in Practice Teachers' Teaching of Mathematics or Not (Chih-Yeuan Wang and Chien Chin); (32) Exploring an Understanding of Equals as Quantitative Sameness with 5 Year Old Students (Elizabeth Warren); (33) Classroom Teaching Experiment: Eliciting Creative Mathematical Thinking (Gaye Williams); and (34) Is a Visual Example in Geometry Always Helpful? (Iris Zodik and Orit Zaslavsky). (Individual papers contain references.) [For other volumes in the series, see ED499416, ED499417, and ED499419.]
- Published
- 2007
33. Promotion of Linkage between Technical and Vocational Education and the World of Work. UNEVOC Studies in Technical and Vocational Education, Number 10.
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United Nations Economic, Scientific, and Cultural Organization, Paris (France). Section for Technical and Vocational Education.
- Abstract
This document contains seven papers about and from an international meeting on promoting linkage between technical and vocational education and the world of work. The first paper, a Final Report on the "International Expert Meeting on the Promotion of Linkage between Technical/Vocational Education and the World of Work (Tokyo, Japan, 3-6 February 1997)," examines the following: the meeting's purpose; main points raised in the keynote and country papers and multimedia presentations; major issues (major implications of multimedia and networks and their use to develop competencies through self-learning; financing of the development of multimedia approaches; evaluation of student achievements through multimedia methods; and new roles of teachers); field visits connected with the meeting; and recommendations to United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) member states. The following six papers constitute the remainder of the document: "International Trends and Developments in Technical and Vocational Education" (Gregor Ramsey); "Technical Education and the World of Work: The Brazilian Context" (Ana Maria Lakomy); "Current Trends of TVET [Technical and Vocational Education and Training] in Germany" (Antonius Lipsmeier); "Linkage between Technical and Vocational Education and the World of Work in Indonesia" (Rina Arlianti); "Technical and Vocational Education in Japan" (Haruo Nishinosono); and "The Promotion of Linkage between Technical/Vocational Education and the World of Work in Korea" (Tae-Hwa Jung). (MN)
- Published
- 1997
34. Leadership Practices Contributing to STEM Education Success at Three Rural Australian Schools
- Author
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Murphy, Steve
- Abstract
The limited research into leading STEM education in rural schools internationally tends to adopt a deficit view, with a focus on the poor achievement and aspirations of rural students, difficulties recruiting and retaining STEM teachers, and issues of isolation and under-resourcing. Counter to this trend, this paper reports on research investigating leadership practices shaping STEM education at three high STEM-performing rural schools. High-performing rural schools in Victoria, Australia were identified through analysis of state-wide final year enrolment and achievement data in STEM related senior subjects. Three rural schools with relatively high STEM subject enrolments and achievement levels were selected for in-depth study. The theory of Practice Architectures guided thematic analysis of interviews with principals, middle leaders, and teachers, facilitating a description of the ways that leadership practices interacted with the Practice Architectures evident at each school, which, in turn, enabled and constrained practices that contributed to each school's STEM education success. Five leadership practices were identified as contributing to STEM education success at all three schools: leveraging community relationships, utilising local resources to enrich STEM learning, empowering STEM teaching staff, promoting the value of STEM education, and supporting STEM pathways. In detailing these leadership practices, this paper provides guidance to rural education leaders and policy makers seeking to improve STEM education in rural schools.
- Published
- 2023
- Full Text
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35. ALEA Position Paper on the National Year 1 Phonics Check: Does Australia need an assessment tool to measure literacy and numeracy achievement in Year 1 classrooms?
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Honan, Eileen, Connor, Jenni, and Snowball, Diane
- Published
- 2017
36. Preparing Young People for the Work-Force: The Place of Literacy and Numeracy. Discussion Paper No. 8.
- Author
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Western Australia Education Dept., Perth.
- Abstract
This paper reports on the effectiveness of Australian schools in preparing young people for the workplace with particular emphasis on literacy and numeracy. Section 1 summarizes the contents. Section 2 notes current interest in assessing school effectiveness. The issue of standards of literacy and numeracy is then considered. Reference is made to interpretational and technical problems in monitoring standards, and the case is argued for more valid measures of student achievement and increased role by the Education Department in supporting school assessment of achievement and in monitoring standards. An employer perspective of school effectiveness makes detailed reference to a research study of employer expectations and perceptions of school leavers. Section 3 describes some school arrangements and initiatives in educating for literacy and numeracy, orienting students toward the world of work, and teacher education. Section 4 concludes that despite greater emphasis on literacy, numeracy, and vocational preparation, schools will have to be increasingly more effective in meeting demands of a rapidly changing society. Four focuses for further action are proposed: evaluation and implementation of new ideas; curriculum development; improved supervision, monitoring, and reporting of pupil progress; and emphasis in teacher education on teaching literacy and numeracy. (YLB)
- Published
- 1980
37. Analysing University Student Academic Performance at the Unit Level
- Author
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Parkin, Eric, Huband, Simon, Gibson, David, and Ifenthaler, Dirk
- Abstract
This paper describes the creation of a dataset to enable the analysis of student academic performance at the unit level at a large Australian University. The dataset was designed to enable academic leaders to explore research questions concerning student performance and pass rates in units. Four example research questions are presented here and explored, to demonstrate the value of the exploratory dataset, along with an overview of the methodology and tools used to synthesise the data. The data handling methodology and reflections on tools and processes may be useful for other analysts. [For the complete proceedings, see ED600498.]
- Published
- 2019
38. One-Parent Families and Educational Disadvantage. Working Paper No. 4.
- Author
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Institute of Family Studies, Melbourne (Australia)., Edgar, Don, and Headlam, Freya
- Abstract
This paper presents data and discussions based on two Australian studies of the possible educational problems suffered by children from one-parent homes. The first section describes anticipated problem areas for these children, i.e., financial burden, health problems, change in life style, and the emotional effects of disruption. Data from other countries are reviewed and demographic tables for Australia are given. The second section presents teachers' responses from the two studies, including illustrative quotes, concerning the one-parent child's educational performance, aspirations and emotional stability. The paper notes that while most teachers viewed one-parent children as the same as two-parent children in these areas, a significant minority saw them as worse. The third section describes more fully the differences that teachers perceived between these groups of children. The fourth section reports data on the one-parent family and single-parent views on such issues as child-school relationship, parent-child relationship, and labeling. The concluding section reports ongoing concerns highlighted by the two studies. A bibliography is included. (WAS)
- Published
- 1982
39. Immigrant Australians, Education and the Transition to Work. National Advisory and Co-ordinating Committee on Multicultural Education. Discussion Paper No.3.
- Author
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National Advisory and Co-ordinating Committee on Multicultural Education, Woden (Australia). and Sturman, Andrew
- Abstract
This discussion paper examines the schooling, and in particular the post-secondary educational performance and transition to work, of the ethnic minority communities in Australia. The first section gives a background on immigrants, education, and equity. Section 2 discusses patterns of immigration to Australia and the overall usefulness of research in this area. The next three sections discuss how immigrant groups approach schooling or post-secondary education, how schools or post-secondary institutions respond to immigrant groups, and how well immigrant groups achieve in the education they receive. In the context of the first topic, educational aspirations, motivations, and attitudes are considered and the relationship between multiculturalism and educational disadvantage is examined. The paper considers possible contributions that the education system can make to fostering social or cultural inequalities and examines the link between schooling, post-school opportunities, and aspects of curriculum structure and content. The final topic considers the distinction between educational attainment or retentivity and educational performance. A separate section is devoted to the issue of the transition to work, with consideration of how immigrant Australians approach this transition and how well their educational attainments translate into vocational outcomes. (CG)
- Published
- 1985
40. Research in Science Education, Volume 19, 1989. Selected Refereed Papers from the Annual Conference of the Australian Science Education Research Association Held at the Frankston Campus of the Chisholm Institute of Technology (20th, Victoria, New South Wales, Australia, July 1989).
- Author
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Australian Science Education Research Association. and Tisher, Richard P.
- Abstract
Diverse themes from the annual conference of the Australian Science Education Research Association are addressed in this volume. New topic concerns as well as concerns that have been cited in previous issues are identified. Papers focus on issues including: (1) science and technology; (2) classroom practices and processes; (3) international research; (4) professional development; (5) student attitudes; (6) scientific literacy; (7) student misconceptions; (8) student achievement; and (9) textbooks. Research notes, the addresses of authors, and guidelines for the submission of papers are provided. (KR)
- Published
- 1989
41. Does Socioeconomic Status Impact the Relationship between School Absence and Outcomes?
- Author
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Mooney, Anna, Redmond, Gerry, and Kaambwa, Billingsley
- Abstract
Absence from school, especially frequent or prolonged absence, is acknowledged as a potential factor in school dropout and suboptimal academic achievement. The issue of absence from school took on added significance in 2020 with the onset of the COVID-19 crisis, which resulted in schooling interruptions in several jurisdictions. However, there is little agreement in the literature on the exact relationship between absence and school outcomes as a function of socioeconomic status (SES). Using nationally representative pre-COVID longitudinal data of young Australians aged 12-13 and 14-15, this paper examines the relationship between absence from school on the one hand and school belonging and academic achievement (numeracy and reading test scores) on the other. The paper also examines whether SES intersects this relationship. Controlling for gender, prior educational achievement, computer access, and time spent doing homework, the study finds that absence impacts belonging, but that SES does not significantly influence this relationship. The effect of absence on reading is not significant either. However, absence is associated with numeracy outcomes, with the strongest associations among low SES young people at age 14. Policy implications of these findings are discussed.
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- 2023
- Full Text
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42. The Curricula of the Behaviourist Program: Kindergarten and Year One. Discussion Papers Numbers 5 and 6.
- Author
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Macquarie Univ., North Ryde (Australia). School of Education. and Metham, J.
- Abstract
These two papers are products of the Mount Druitt Early Childhood Project, a project established to develop, implement and evaluate five different early childhood programs for disadvantaged children in a suburban area of Sydney, Australia. The programs enrolled children from preschool age through kindergarten and first grade. The first document describes and evaluates the preschool curriculum components of one of the five programs. The second continues the program's curricular descriptions for the subsequent two years. The teaching strategies and learning content are said to be based on behaviorist early childhood programs developed in the U.S.A. during the 1970s. Program objectives for children, their teachers and parents are specified. Social reinforcement techniques, especially descriptive praise statements, and their implementation are indicated. Evaluation results suggest that the preschool program was successful in developing language competency and task mastery as well as promoting prosocial behavior. Mastery of terminal tasks was generally achieved by kindergarten students in the areas of reading, writing and number skills; and first grade students in the areas of number, reading comprehension, writing and spelling. The technique of providing descriptive praise appeared the most difficult skill for teachers to master. (Author/RH)
- Published
- 1980
43. Self and Peer Assessment in Professional Education: A Preliminary Study in Law. TERC Research and Development Paper No. 55.
- Author
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New South Wales Univ., Kensington (Australia). Tertiary Education Research Centre., Boud, D. J., and Tyree, A. L.
- Abstract
A study of the role of self, peer, and instructor assessment in the self-concept of undergraduate law students focuses specifically on the assessment of students' class participation. The procedure described can be used for the assessment of class participation in any subject. The criteria for assessment generated by students are given, a comparison between self, peer, and teacher marks is made, and the reactions of the students involved in the study are presented. A copy of the instrument used is appended. (LH)
- Published
- 1979
44. Research in Science Education, Volume 15. Selections of Papers from the Annual Conference of the Australian Science Education Research Association (16th, Rockhampton, Queensland, Australia, May 1985).
- Author
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Australian Science Education Research Association. and Tisher, Richard P.
- Abstract
This publication contains 24 studies which focus on: the fostering of inquiry in secondary school science laboratories; realistic expectations for traditional laboratory work; a content-based, college-level science course for all students; understanding learning at the classroom level; transitions and student task involvement; a project to encourage metacognitive behavior; cognitive variables in problem-solving in chemistry; health attitudes and health awareness in high school students; students' perceptions of stress; attitude and knowledge of Tasmanian secondary students toward energy conservation and environment; students' intentions to study or not to study science (using Ajzen and Fishbein's theory of reasoned action) and a possible paradigm shift for science education. Other studies involve such areas as the importance of context in educational research; use of concept maps in assessing a computer-based biology activity; children's ideas about temperature and electric current; learners' response to the idea of environment; the long-term kinetics of conceptual development; circular motion concepts of first-year engineering students; teachers' concepts in science; effect of training in concept mapping on student achievement in traditional classroom tests; Australian general science; predicting tertiary academic performance in terms of student cognitive and non-cognitive variables; and the analysis of science curricula in Australia. (JN)
- Published
- 1985
45. Distance Language Learning: A Survey of Students Enrolled in Language Courses at a Distance in Australian Higher Education Institutions in 1985. Working Papers in Distance Education, No. 12.
- Author
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Queensland Univ., St. Lucia (Australia). School of External Studies and Continuing Education, Williams, Sylvia J., and Sharma, Pramod C.
- Abstract
A survey was conducted through the School of External Studies and Continuing Education at the University of Queensland in 1985 to ascertain the extent of foreign language teaching at a distance in Australian higher education institutions, and to seek information on a wide range of services and facilities provided to students. Of the 868 students surveyed, 358 (41%) responded to questions presented under the headings of General Information, Student Characteristics, Course Information, Seminar/Tutorial Attendance, Library Facilities, Study Centers, Assignments, Method of Assessment, Teaching, Objectives, and Assessment of Courses and Comments. Students were invited to comment on any aspect of their courses and to express their opinion on the efficacy of teaching languages at a distance. Data on programs in 14 languages at six universities and the students enrolled in them are presented in 27 tables with a minimum of interpretative comment. (DB)
- Published
- 1988
46. The Argument from Matriculation Used by Proprietors of Victorian Secondary Schools around 1900
- Author
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Mathematics Education Research Group of Australasia, Clements, M. A., and Ellerton, Nerida F.
- Abstract
In this paper, we analyse data from the University of Melbourne's Matriculation examinations around 1900. The analyses reveal that many schools cleverly developed and applied strategies so that their Matriculation results would appear to be more impressive than they really were. After "excellent" results had been achieved, the schools advertised their Matriculation "successes" in ways which suggested that the schools' "outstanding" results derived from high-class teaching. In this paper, we argue that these tactics generated artificially high "standards", and that throughout the twentieth century there was a tendency to try to maintain those standards.
- Published
- 2017
47. Using Data to Support Learning in Schools: Students, Teachers, Systems. Australian Education Review Number 49
- Author
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Australian Council for Educational Research, Victoria. and Matters, Gabrielle
- Abstract
This review paper identifies and captures the major themes from the ACER 2005 Research Conference, distilling ideas and information from the conference papers and also from conversations that took place during the conference. The paper also looks at what are claimed to be effective ways of using data to improve student learning in schools. How data are used to support student learning is what is under consideration, from collecting reliable data, making valid interpretations, reflecting on those interpretations, and acting upon that information if and when necessary. The main purpose of the review is to consider both the conference papers and the bigger issues about using data, which most of the conference papers addressed to some extent. Section 1 sets the context, provides definitions and an organisational framework used in subsequent sections of the review. Section 2 focuses on some purposes for analysing educational data, the role of data in professional work, and potential data sources. Section 3 records what the research says about how data can be used to support learning and notes recurring themes. Section 4 identifies and comments on some of the apparent dichotomies in current discussions about data and evidence and suggests some alternatives for operating more effectively. In conclusion, Section 5 sets out implications for policy and practice of the methodological, strategic and ethical aspects of the issues discussed in earlier sections. (Contains 4 footnotes, 7 figures and 3 tables.)
- Published
- 2006
48. Which Hammer Should I Use? A Systematic Evaluation of Approaches for Classifying Educational Forum Posts
- Author
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Sha, Lele, Rakovic, Mladen, Li, Yuheng, Whitelock-Wainwright, Alexander, Carroll, David, Gaševic, Dragan, and Chen, Guanliang
- Abstract
Classifying educational forum posts is a longstanding task in the research of Learning Analytics and Educational Data Mining. Though this task has been tackled by applying both traditional Machine Learning (ML) approaches (e.g., Logistics Regression and Random Forest) and up-to-date Deep Learning (DL) approaches, there lacks a systematic examination of these two types of approaches to portray their performance difference. To better guide researchers and practitioners to select a model that suits their needs the best, this study aimed to systematically compare the effectiveness of these two types of approaches for this specific task. Specifically, we selected a total of six representative models and explored their capabilities by equipping them with either extensive input features that were widely used in previous studies (traditional ML models) or the state-of-the-art pre-trained language model BERT (DL models). Through extensive experiments on two real-world datasets (one is open-sourced), we demonstrated that: (i) DL models uniformly achieved better classification results than traditional ML models and the performance difference ranges from 1.85% to 5.32% with respect to different evaluation metrics; (ii) when applying traditional ML models, different features should be explored and engineered to tackle different classification tasks; (iii) when applying DL models, it tends to be a promising approach to adapt BERT to the specific classification task by fine-tuning its model parameters. [For the full proceedings, see ED615472.]
- Published
- 2021
49. A Systematic Review of Media Multitasking in Educational Contexts: Trends, Gaps, and Antecedents
- Author
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Yujie Zhou and Liping Deng
- Abstract
With the ubiquitous presence of media devices, media multitasking has become prevalent in an educational context. Several authors have synthesized the literature on this topic, but no systematic review has been carried out so far. The present study fills this gap by examining the academic papers in the past decade to delineate the research trends, gaps, and directions for future research. Following the Standard Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA), we analyzed 88 papers from various aspects including study focus, contexts, participants, and methods. Findings point to the necessity to focus on the reasons behind multitasking, include more K-12 learners, and adopt qualitative methodology. To support future work on the predictors of media multitasking, we propose a conceptual framework that includes nine variables in technology, personal, and environment domains.
- Published
- 2023
- Full Text
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50. Personalising the Student First Year Experience -- An Evaluation of a Staff Student Buddy System
- Author
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Fewster-Young, Nick and Corcoran, Paul A.
- Abstract
A student's transition into higher education or a new learning environment can set the foundation for the remainder of their study, both in perception and academic ability. Mentoring is a transition intervention strategy and most types of these interventions are student peer to peer. However, there is a growing interest in academic involvement in mentoring and consequently this paper is an investigation into the effective implementation of assigning students with an academic staff buddy or mentor in the transition period of their first year of higher education i.e. the Staff Student Buddy System (SSBS). The analysis focusses on using two measures to inform the results by qualitatively analysing the feedback from the students, and quantitatively measuring the difference in academic performance of both student participants and non-participants. The sample of the students come from the University of South Australia, and the qualitative analysis indicated that students enjoyed SSBS, particularly with the ability to ask questions to those that would be teaching them. The quantitative statistical evidence indicated that SSBS could be a positive factor on a student's Grade Point Average. Overall, the conclusion was that that the combination of the SSBS and these students produced improved academic performance while providing a positive student experience.
- Published
- 2023
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