Qualifications frameworks are tools for describing qualifications of an education or training system by classifying them into levels. Each level provides a clear description of what the holder of a qualification knows, understands and is able to do. They are important tools for making qualifications transparent and comprehensible, within and…

Eradicating homelessness is one of the most pressing challenges for efforts aimed at equity and social justice in the world. Many people who experience homelessness have histories of violence, growing up in child protection institutions, involvement in criminal activities, and mental and health problems connected with substance abuse. Homelessness…

A national qualifications framework (NQF) is an instrument used to classify a country's qualifications at different levels. Each level is defined by a set of learning outcomes expected at that level. NQFs can be useful tools in education and training reforms and are vital reference points for lifelong learning and comparing qualifications across…

Statistical literacy is complex and multifaceted. In every country, education and numeracy are a function of a multitude of factors including culture, history, and societal norms. Nevertheless, since the launch of the International Statistical Poster Competition (ISLP) in 1994, a number of patterns have emerged to suggest there are some common or…

The evaluation of government-financed research has become increasingly important in the last few decades in terms of increasing the quality of, and payoff from, the research that is done, reducing the cost of doing it, and lending public credibility to the manner in which research is funded. But there are very large differences throughout the…

Describes Finland's child welfare system, including its general services, income supports, preventive services, foster care services, as well as the role of voluntary child welfare organizations. Also discusses the funding sources for child welfare work. (RJC)

The authors summarize the presentations and discussions contributed to the symposium "International Perspectives on Career Development" by members of Group 5, who considered the topic of the structure and organization of career development programs in different nations. A capsule picture of the national setting, primary goals,…

The first of the six sections in this description of the national educational system in Finland discusses the system's goals, its structure and size, the curriculum in the comprehensive and upper secondary schools, and studies in higher education and at the post-graduate level. The second section describes the organization and funding of…

Finland has developed a national computerized database containing information on the performance and costs of universities for use in internal and Ministry of Education decision making. National evaluation of different research fields is also part of the performance evaluation system. (MSE)

Includes "Difficult Metamorphosis of the Social 'Models' of the Nordic Countries" (Goetschy); "Swedish Training System" (Ottersten); "Features of Vocational Education in Finland" (Kyro); "Boom in Apprenticeship Training in Finland" (Vartiainen); "Vocational Training in Austria" (Riemer);…

The VETO-project is part of the National Strategy's goals for providing learning opportunities through the use of networks in vocational education in Finland. The National Board of Education, University of Tampere and Hame Polytechnic, Vocational Teacher Education College, and several vocational pilot institutes located at different regions in…

Finland gives a high priority to the importance of physical activity as a means to health and fitness. The curriculum in elementary and secondary schools is outlined, and the preparation of physical education teachers, coaches, and sports instructors is described. (MT)

Examines working forms of the adult education system in Finland, including municipal adult education, boarding schools, national education organizations, distance studies and educational services, administration of adult education, university teaching and research of adult education, and adult education organizations. (CT)

The article describes stages in the development of the municipally owned "workers' institutes" to provide education for adults in Finland and the now more common "civic institutes" with public or private sponsorship. Included are administrative structure, financing, staff, students, facilities, teaching arrangements, subjects…

Part of the Council of Europe's Project Number 1, "Preparation for Life," this report analyzes developments in Austria, Finland, the Federal Republic of Germany, and England in the area of preparation for family life. Specifically, the report (1) explains the growing concern in the above countries for the preparation for family life; (2)…