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Improvements in workforce skills are essential for European countries to attain higher economic growth and to compete effectively on product markets. Literature indicates a positive relationship between levels of education and productivity growth. This report builds on and expands this body of research in two ways: (1) It investigates the differential impact of various skill types--higher (academic), upper-intermediate vocational, lower-intermediate vocational, lower-intermediate general, and low--on labour productivity; and (2) It accounts for the stock of uncertified skills (i.e. those built through training). The analysis is carried out in six European Union Member States--Denmark, Germany, France, the Netherlands, Sweden, and the United Kingdom--representing different modes of vocational education and training (VET) and those for which data were available. The analysis suggests that general and vocational skills complement each other and that the effect of certified skills on productivity is stronger when certified skills are reinforced by training. This study underlines that learning in the workplace, both in initial and continuing VET, makes a fundamental contribution to productivity, and comes to support policy efforts to develop apprenticeship and adult learning. The following annex is included: (1) Overview of research methods used in the study. [This publication is the result of a team effort reflecting the work of a research consortium of Geoff Mason, Dawn Holland, Iana Liadze, Rebecca Riley, Ana Rincon-Aznar, and Mary O'Mahony, and their aids Tatiana Fic, Rachel Whitworth, Yasheng Maimaiti, and Fei Peng. This work was carried out under contract number 2009-0216/AO/RPA/GUTCHPDE/VET-Macroeconomic-benefits/010/0.]

This report reviews the use of loans for learning in 33 European countries and analyses the schemes in eight selected Member States: France, Hungary, the Netherlands, Austria, Poland, Finland, Sweden and the UK. The analysis shows that loan schemes vary considerably across Europe in terms of types and levels of learning covered, conditions of access, repayment and governance. Some loans aim to increase participation in learning in general, while others are designed to promote equity. The report attempts to assess the selected loans and discusses their strengths and weaknesses and determinants of performance, while considering if a given scheme operates on a large scale or targets niche groups. The evaluation results provide a basis for identifying good practice principles for designing and implementing loans. Policy recommendations are formulated based on these findings. Annexed are: (1) Methodology; (2) Key terms and definitions; (3) Information on countries/schemes selected for in-depth analysis; (4) Proposed typologies of VET loan schemes; (5) Tables and figures; (6) Tosmana truth tables; (7) Questionnaires; (8) Basic characteristics of non-European loan schemes. (Contains 37 tables, 5 figures, 20 boxes and 33 footnotes.)

The combination of work and study has been hailed as crucial to ensure that youth develop the skills required on the labour market so that transitions from school to work are shorter and smoother. This paper fills an important gap in availability of internationally-comparable data. Using the 2012 Survey of Adult Skills (PIAAC), it draws a comprehensive picture of work and study in 23 countries/regions. Crucially, it decomposes the total share of working students by the context in which they work (VET [vocational education and training], apprenticeships or private arrangements) and assesses the link between field of study and students' work. The paper also assesses how the skills of students are used in the workplace compared to other workers and identifies the socio-demographic factors and the labour market institutions that increase the likelihood of work and study. Finally, while it is not possible to examine the relationship between work and study and future labour market outcomes at the individual level, some aggregate correlations are unveiled.

The "Guidelines for Quality Provision in Cross-Border Higher Education" were developed and adopted to support and encourage international cooperation and enhance the understanding of the importance of quality provision in cross-border higher education. The purposes of the "Guidelines" are to protect students and other stakeholders from low-quality provision and disreputable providers (that is, degree and accreditation mills) as well as to encourage the development of quality cross-border higher education that meets human, social, economic and cultural needs. The "Guidelines" are not legally binding and member countries are expected to implement them as appropriate in their national context. Based on a survey about the main recommendations of the "Guidelines", this report monitors the extent to which Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries and a few non-member countries comply with its recommendations. The Survey was sent out in June 2010 to all OECD countries. The main conclusion of the survey is that (responding) countries report a high level of compliance with the Guidelines recommendations. On average, responding OECD countries conform to 72% of the main recommendations made to governments, tertiary education institutions, and quality assurance and accreditation agencies. The level of compliance decreases to 67% when recommendations to student bodies are included, but the level of missing information, and thus uncertainty about actual compliance, increases significantly. Appended are: (1) Country Overview of Compliance Levels with the Guidelines for Different Stakeholders; (2) Country Overview of Compliance Levels with Six Key Objectives of the Guidelines; (3) Methodology; (4) Country Answers to the Survey; (5) Overview of National Contact Points; and (6) Guidelines for Quality Provision in Cross-Border Higher Education. (Contains 2 tables, 12 figures and 1 footnote.)

This series of lessons is intended to help high school students in the Netherlands consider how they look at, react to, and judge criminal events. The first part of the publication discusses different teaching approaches used in the lessons. These include: (1) a business analysis--study of the organization and structure of the criminal jurisdiction function; (2) scope of criminal jurisdiction--socio-historical analysis; (3) analysis of various events in which criminal jurisdiction is involved; and (4) reacting to criminal events--conflict resolution. The second part of the publication outlines the ten lessons. General objectives are converted into questions for the student. The major theme, objective, and teaching method for each lesson are listed. Major themes are: (1) overview of criminal law; (2) different types of crime; (3) how criminal law works; (4) effects of contact with criminal law and the results of penal solutions; (5) how people react to criminal events; (6) how crime was handled in other times and in other cultures; (7, 8, 9) case studies of criminal actions; and (10) students' reactions to everything covered in the course. (RM)

This statement of principles embodies a general approach to the nature and objectives of preservation and conservation work relating to library materials. It does not aim to provide a comprehensive list of detailed methods and practices, but is intended to establish a responsible attitude toward preservation and conservation by librarians. The document is divided into five major sections. The introduction includes discussions of aims and definitions, objectives, functions of libraries, library policies, problem assessment, selectivity, links with other libraries and library functions, implications of preservation policies, training, and cooperation. The second section, Preservation, considers factors related to storage and accommodation, temperature and humidity, light, air pollution, dust and cleanliness, storage materials and equipment, buildings, and standards employed. The section on the Security of the Collections includes discussions of fire, water, war and natural disaster, theft, and disaster preparedness. A section on Use of the Collections includes discussions of document protection and storage, library materials in transit, readers and reader facilities, copying, reprography policy, exhibitions, limiting use, and substitutes. The final section, Factors Affecting Deterioration, includes discussions of biological factors; micro-organisms; insects and other pests; chemical factors; and damage to paper, leather and parchment, photographic film, and nitrate film. (THC)

Developed by a a working group of the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) Section of School Libraries, these guidelines present succinct and precise statements on the duties and functions of school librarians, their educational and training needs, and details of how the preparation of school librarians differs from the education of other librarians. The guidelines include three basic components: a schematic presentation of the essential competencies involved in the three factors that comprise the functions of school librarians--librarianship, management, and education--and the interrelationship of these factors; details of the functions of school librarians defined in the context of the school as well as the competencies and knowledge needed to carry out each function efficiently; and a checklist of competencies to be used for a quick evaluation of existing programs or as an initial framework for designing a new program. A bibliography of approximately 30 references is included to facilitate access to additional information on these issues. Appendices include two major international statements on school libraries, one from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (Unesco) and the other from the World Confederation of the Teaching Profession Assemblies (WCOTP) and the International Association of School Librarianship (IASL). (THC)

This paper focuses on the development of the Learning Activity Package (LAP). The first part of the paper discusses the structure of the LAP, including its components (i.e., title, rationale, objectives, content, learning activities, student review, post-evaluation, pretest, alternate activities, management directions, and teacher supplement) and organizing formats. Next, several instructional design considerations are examined (i.e., sequencing, pacing, congruence, learning hierarchy, and format design). A discussion of the development process including requirements for a design team (i.e., writer, educationalist, editor, practicing teacher, illustrator, typist, graphics specialist, subject specialist, and project coordinator) and a development checklist are presented. A brief examination of classroom use of LAPs follows. Examples of an LAP and teacher supplement on writing business letters are appended. (MSE)

Guidelines are presented to provide advice on the development of national and regional research collections of children's literature and reading materials for use by library professionals. Following a brief introduction on the advantages of such collections, their organization, financing, staffing, and goals, this paper offers suggestions for selection, arrangement, and cataloging of materials and presents services and research sources for children's libraries. A list of some existing centers and four references are included. (RAA)

This paper discusses a project that was designed to explore Dutch student attitudes about World War II and how the War is portrayed in Dutch history textbooks. The project was undertaken as part of an effort to help teachers provide Dutch students with better insight into the causes, background, and aftermath of World War II; and to develop in the students a greater awareness of the values that were at stake. With the project, students come to understand that the values at stake during World War II are relevant to the expressions of racism and fascism that exist in the world today. The project includes an examination of the portrayal of World War II in seven Dutch textbooks. Ideas for helping students undertake historical research including primary sources are presented, as are ideas for helping teachers deal with various dilemmas they may face in teaching about World War II. Additional discussion questions that are addressed include: What image do students have of World War II? What is a world war? How can the Holocaust be treated in class? and What is the answer of history education? (Contains 7 references.) (DB)

This article describes a course in listening comprehension methodology in a College of Education in Holland. The main concern of the article is to examine the teacher-trainer's organization of the students' learning process. The course is divided into three sections: (1) group discussion of the concept of listening comprehension; (2) discussion of listening comprehension difficulties encountered by Dutch students; and (3) presentation and discussion of listening comprehension demonstration lessons by students. The question of how students best learn to teach listening comprehension is answered in terms of course structure, the teacher's actions in the class, and the techer's attitudes and sensitivity to the students. It is claimed that some of the positive features of the learning process organization should be applicable to similar educational situations outside Holland. A brief description is included of some of the materials and methods developed by the students for listening comprehension instruction on the secondary level. (Author/AMH)

Written from the viewpoint of an observer of the computer industry and a CD-ROM user, this report looks at CD-ROM evaluation guidelines; notes the performance of publishers; and comments on successful product design. It is contended that some software publishers are jumping on the CD-ROM bandwagon, and are guilty of: (1) putting "any old stuff" (literally) on CD-ROM; (2) rushing to put out CD-ROMs for the sake of being first; (3) putting an odd combination of information on CD-ROM; and (4) not paying suitable attention to user needs--i.e., not doing adequate market research, not giving sufficient thought to product design, not properly testing the product, requiring users to have unrealistic workstation configurations, and overpricing their products. An overview of product coverage and contents is then given, and the equipment necessary to run a CD-ROM system and problems associated with incompatibility are discussed. Qualities of specific software are also described, such as layout consistency, clarity of messages, compatibility, and ease of installation. The paper concludes by suggesting ways in which CD-ROM publishers can improve their marketing research and product design. (16 references) (SD)

This 22-country survey was conducted between 1994 and 1998. Representative samples of adults aged 16-65 were interviewed and tested at home using the same literacy tests. The main purpose of the survey was to find out how well adults use information to function in society. Another aim was to investigate the factors that influence literacy proficiency and to compare these between countries. Ten international indicators are presented that allow readers to compare the literary proficiency of Americans with that of other populations as measured on the prose literary scale; similar results are provided in quantitative scales. The findings confirm how low literacy is an important issue in all regions in all countries surveyed. On the whole, the findings show that Americans are at an average level of prose literacy performance, behind the Nordic countries and the Netherlands but on a par with adults in Australia, Canada, and Germany. Literacy proficiency is more unequally distributed in the United States and Canada than in Europe, with the most literate 25% of North Americans scoring far higher than average. "Life-long" learning programs, as well as early childhood education, more access to adult education and to information and communication technologies, and the promotion of literacy-rich environments at work, home, and in the community are proposed as solutions to improve adult literacy. The paper is divided into 3 chapters, 4 annexes, and 10 data-rich figures. (Adjunct ERIC Clearinghouse for ESL Literacy Education) (KFT)

This paper reports that between 2008 and 2009, unemployment rates across OECD countries increased among people at all educational levels, but rose to especially troubling heights among people without an upper secondary education. In 2009, the average employment rate across OECD countries was much higher for individuals with a tertiary (i.e. higher) education--indicating a better match between the skills these people have and the skills the labour market required. Between 2008 and 2009, the earnings advantage for people with a tertiary education remained strong in OECD countries. In some countries, earnings inequality between people with a tertiary education and those without an upper secondary education widened even further.

Analyzed construction of approximative expressions with two numerals in Dutch. Found that choice of number words was not arbitrary and that various kinds of factors are involved. Results suggest that analogue magnitude code is used in estimating and comparing, and human cognition seems to be able to perform simple calculations with quantities, independently of any counting or number system. (MOK)

Compares the approaches to teaching division in Britain and in Holland where different emphasis is placed on the development of mental and written methods. Describes how it is common for pupils in Britain to work from an early stage with pencil and paper rather than mentally whereas early emphasis is placed on mental strategies in Holland. (ASK)

Discussion of differences in elementary and secondary school mathematics instruction between the United States and The Netherlands focuses on a Dutch project brought to the United States that uses print materials and software products. Topics addressed include integrating technology into the curriculum; cultural differences; designing assessment; and higher order thinking skills. (six references) (LRW)