Throughout the world, the forms of employment in industrialized countries are in a state of flux. Employment relationships that were previously considered "regular" (permanent, full-time) are becoming less significant. In place of these relationships, other employment options (such as fixed contracts, part-time employment, and contingent…

A study examined the publicly-funded vocational education and training (VET) system in South Australia (SA) in 1997. Background information indicated SA is a geographically large state with a relatively small population that is older compared to the rest of Australia, with 14 percent aged over 65 compared with 12 percent nationally. Findings were…

This study develops a literacy profile of Ontario's youth (ages 17-25) using data from the International Adult Literacy Survey (IALS). Following an introductory section, Section 2 provides a background on the IALS database and discusses key methodological issues. Section 3 presents an overview of basic literacy statistics. Section 4 compares…

This working paper is a product of a regional study in industrial South Wales of the determinants of participation and non-participation in post-compulsory education and training, with special reference to processes of change in the patterns of these determinants over time and to variations between geographical areas. This paper describes the…

A study compared the GCSE benchmarks of all local education authorities (LEAs) in England and Wales. The impetus was that a comparison on almost any performance indicator of initial education flattered England, and comparisons led to the conclusion that the education system in Wales was failing. The performance measure was the GCSE benchmark of…

In November, 1995, ABC CANADA and the National Literacy Secretariat hosted a national think tank on principles of good practice in workplace and workforce education. This report contains the results of the think tank sessions, including how the discussion was conducted, a list of good practice statements, and some ideas about how to conduct a…

This paper considers issues relating to the measurement of skill for national statistical purposes. It draws upon the work program and research underlying the revision of the national occupational classification for the United Kingdom (UK), SOC90 (Standard Occupational Classification introduced in 1990). The report's introduction states the…

Using the metaphor of a river to describe continuous and lifelong learning, this paper details an action research project aimed at developing effective learning environments in a large, distributed organization called Thiess Contractors Proprietary Limited, an Australian mining and construction company. Two major outcomes of the project are…

A live demonstration of how a typical set of educational data can be examined using quantitative statistical software was conducted. The topic of tutorial support was chosen. Setting up a hypothetical research scenario, the researcher created 300 cases from random data generation adjusted to correct obvious error. Each case represented a student…

One possible explanation for Australia's technical and further education's (TAFE's) defensiveness in its relationship with higher education is its lack of a secure definition since its foundation by the Kangan committee. Perhaps vocational education could found its identity on another characteristic. Neither an analysis of various definitions of…

Research into indicators of learning occurring in e-mail discussion groups investigated how to maximize factors that enhance learning and networking using e-mail and how to minimize factors that inhibit learning using this medium. Data from a range of e-mail discussion groups formed the basis of the research, with focus on e-mail discussion that…

Asks who benefits from illiteracy to reveal the political implications of literacy's empowering potential. Observes literacy's ultimate capacity to overturn power structures and redistribute wealth and resources at international, national, and local levels. Relates the literacy problem to colonialism and its legacy. Offers examples of literacy…

Discussion of cultural differences and their effects on how new technology is viewed in developed and developing countries focuses on a study that examined the conceptions of Swedish and Chinese college students concerning computers. The attitudes of psychology students and computer science students are compared, and implications for computer…

The topics covered in three articles about education for the information professional include suggested educational reforms to establish academic excellence in library schools; the broad categories of information related programs; accreditation and curriculum guidelines suggested by professional organizations; and a model for the adoption of…

Describes the use of interactive video for mathematics classes in middle schools and high schools in Oregon, and discusses the possibilities of their transfer to schools in the United Kingdom. Cost effectiveness is discussed, teacher and student attitudes are examined, and several evaluative studies of the videodisc materials are described. (LRW)