This article explores the interests and motivations of older learners, their learning experiences and the barriers faced in accessing education. The research was conducted at Waterford Institute of Technology (WIT) in Ireland as a postgraduate research project. The aim of the research is to promote inclusiveness in education by investigating the…

This paper presents an argument around the need to rethink the issue of early school leaving from the vantage point of students and teachers, and the conditions and pathways that need to be constructed and brought into existence within schooling, if such conditions do not already exist. The attempt is to move discussions outside of the…

Recognising the key role of the teacher for the application of technology in education, this study investigated the nature of the "epistemological obstacles" that hinder the acquisition of information and communication technology (ICT) skills by teachers. The research was implemented among a group of teachers who participated in a…

In spring 2005, the Educational Policy Institute was contracted by an anonymous, non-profit, Missouri-based organization to conduct analysis of data from a series of focus groups of 7th, 9th, and 11th grade students. The purpose of the focus groups, conducted by the Change and Innovation Agency in Jefferson City, was to examine the postsecondary…

The economic and cultural plight of American Indians began when the first White settlers landed on the shores of North America. For American Indians, the "discovery" of America was the beginning of cultural and physical destruction, marginalization, discrimination, and impoverishment. The resulting gap between American Indians and mainstream…

Learning for sustainability has the potential to play a significant role in enhancing social ecological resilience--as individuals and institutions develop the capacity to adaptively manage the environment. This article outlines an audience and learning needs analysis of irrigators in Western Australia's East Wanneroo area. Interviews were…

This paper compares the processes of Face-To-Face (FTF) teams and Online Learning Teams (OLTs) and proposes methods to improve the performance of OLTs. An empirical study reviewed the performance of fifteen FTF teams and OLTs and their communication patterns were coded by the TEMPO system developed by Futoran et al. (1989) in order to develop a…

The purpose of this study was to answer the following questions: 1) How well prepared are chemistry teachers in terms of content and pedagogy, 2) What are chemistry teachers trying to accomplish in their teaching and what activities do they use to meet their objectives and 3) What are the barriers to effective chemistry teaching identified by…

Problem-based learning (PBL) is an instructional approach that has been used successfully for over 30 years and continues to gain acceptance in multiple disciplines. It is an instructional (and curricular) learner-centered approach that empowers learners to conduct research, integrate theory and practice, and apply knowledge and skills to develop…

This paper focuses on the attitudes and perceptions of school administrators, teachers, and other school personnel in a Latino-impacted school district in a Midwestern state. As this district struggles to meet the educational needs of a growing number of Latino students, this research finds that school officials increasingly employ assimilationist…

There is a need for research into understanding students' learning barriers and cognitive style of learning before they embark on an online PhD program. Online university students in the School of Education express success and difficulties electronically as they navigate through a spectrum of courses, Learning Agreements, Knowledge Area Modules…

This paper evolves out of a consultancy that was carried out with the European Commission over a two year period between 2001 and 2003. A working group, set within the European Commission and comprising representatives from 15 member states, as well as associated and accession countries, stakeholders and social partners involved in maths, science…

Rapid and dramatic demographic and technological changes present the nation with enormous challenges for educating students, growing the economy, and responding to society's needs. America's colleges and universities have a central role to play in all of these critical areas--serving as agents of change as they themselves change institutionally in…

The document presents an annotated bibliography of literature, training materials, and other resources relevant to citizen advocacy for developmentally disabled persons, with special emphasis on materials produced in the last 5 years. The focus is on publications that can be useful to advocacy programs staffed largely by laypersons and volunteers;…

In compliance with the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Section 504, this transition report identifies architectural barriers at two Amarillo College campuses, recommends modifications to improve facility accessibility for the handicapped, presents an implementation schedule and estimated costs for the modifications, and provides a plan for publicizing…