A discussion of lifelong learning begins by distinguishing it from other concepts and practices with which it is frequently associated, then examines its status in Australian higher education. It is concluded that, although the rhetoric exceeds reality, and despite dominant instrumentalism, many factors contribute to lifelong learning in…

In response to changing government philosophy concerning higher education, including increased institutional autonomy alongside greater pressure for accountability and internal renewal, Dutch universities have developed a system for external quality assessment under the aegis of the Association of Dutch Universities. Its evolution and results to…

An approach to college faculty development based on the perceived needs of the faculty is recommended over the traditional faculty development approach for its capacity to accommodate varied needs and changing circumstances. A concerns-based program model in place at Massey University (New Zealand) is offered as illustration. (Author/MSE)

A discussion of the restructuring of the Australian higher education system, with amalgamation of colleges and universities to form comprehensive universities, examines the new government policies, their underlying conceptualizations, and responses to the proposed changes. Challenges confronting the new institutions are also noted. (Author/MSE)

Faculty self-appraisal workshops instituted at MacQuarie University (Australia) in response to a call for increased faculty self-evaluation is seen as a useful format for faculty development. The workshops occur at the departmental level, where it is easiest to integrate curriculum design, assessment policies, academic content, and teaching…

Surveys of students at two Australian colleges (n=342 and 208) investigated their perceived stresses during the college experience. Respondents were more concerned with academic matters than a range of personal, interpersonal, and practical factors. Additional surveys of faculty indicate they are biased in their perceptions of student concerns.…

A library instruction program has been instituted in civil engineering at the Queensland University of Technology (Australia) in an effort to improve the research skills of fourth year students working on research projects. Students with extended library instruction were found to have better information-seeking behavior than others. (Author/MSE)

Studies in 1974 and 1984 of errors in the writing of Australian university freshmen in a history course found no significant differences between the two groups. The most salient elements in the error-prone writing were less related to writing mechanics than to constitution of meaning, suggesting that grammar instruction is inadequate to improve…

It is argued that ethics should be taught in general and subject-specific curricula in Australian universities and that recent developments in Australia give ethics-enhanced priority. Current initiatives and specific administrative and instructional issues are discussed. An interdisciplinary approach to applied ethics instruction is advocated over…

Discussion of the trend for higher education institutions and staff members to provide services for profit examines potential and existing conflicts and tensions. Topics addressed include the different purposes of education and business, concerns about quality, conflicts in priorities, competition for resources, need for organizational change,…

A longitudinal study followed the careers of the 1973 entry cohort of architecture students (n=84) at the Western Australian Institute of Technology. Characteristics of two subgroups at the time of the 1989 followup are described, with anecdotal accounts of varied career paths and lifestyles. (Author/MSE)

A 13-week developmental studies course offered at an Australian college and designed to help disadvantaged women make the transition to higher education, focused on both academic and nonacademic requirements for successful college study. Participants experienced significant changes in styles of learning and decision making. (MSE)

A study investigated Australian students' reasons for choosing an extra year's study (honors) in economics when good employment opportunities were available without the added training. Factors considered include student background, current circumstances, achievement, course structure, perceived demand for honors graduates, opportunity costs, and…

Programs designed to enable Australian aborigines who had not successfully completed high school to qualify for science- and mathematics-related courses in higher education emphasize diagnostic testing, individualized instruction, short-term goals, and learner independence. Tutors have instructional, management, and support roles. Some early…

A study of 55 University of Sydney (Australia) faculty investigated relationships between willingness to seek evaluations from students, perceived competence on teaching tasks, and 7 demographic, educational, and professional background variables. Perceived competence was a direct but negative influence on willingness. Gender, doctorate, and…