Education Commons^™

Pisa 2012 : How Australia Measures Up : The Pisa 2012 Assessment Of Students’ Mathematical, Scientific And Reading Literacy, Sue Thomson, Lisa De Bortoli, Sarah Buckley

Dr Sarah Buckley

PISA seeks to measure how well young adults at age 15 (and, therefore, near the end of compulsory schooling in most participating education systems) are prepared to use their knowledge and skills in particular areas to meet real-life challenges. PISA’s orientation reflects a change in the goals and objectives of curricula, which increasingly address how well students are able to apply what they learn at school. This report presents the results of the PISA 2012 assessment for Australia. It presents the results for Australia as a whole, for the Australian jurisdictions and (where relevant) for the other participants in the …

Experiences In Adventist Colleges And Universities: An International Perspective, Jimmy Kijai, Vinita Sauder, Robert Weaver

Jimmy Kijai

This qualitative study identified the learning needs of students in the multicultural classroom. The study utilized a semi-structured interview guide and data were gathered through focus group interviews of six ethnic groups, namely: Asian, Black, Filipino, Filipino-American, Hispanic, and White. Each group was comprised of eight to twelve members purposefully sampled from the student population of one multicultural university in the Philippines for the collegiate year 2012-2013. The themes that emerged from the Qualitative Data Analysis of interview transcripts showed that learning needs in the multicultural classroom are culturally responsive teaching, teacher immediacy behaviors, differentiated instruction, and teacher language competence …

Addressing Academic Integrity: Perspectives From Virginia Commonwealth University In Qatar, Nancy E. Fawley

Nancy Fawley

Understanding the cultural aspects that affect a student’s ability to appropriately use resources is important in developing outreach and instruction in multicultural settings. Differences in educational philosophies, students’ previous scholastic training and cultural differences in individual motivation are all factors that may affect a freshman’s ability to understand an American university’s idea of academic integrity and can inadvertently cause problems where independent work and critical thinking are required. At Virginia Commonwealth University in Qatar (VCU Qatar), a branch campus of the American university in the Middle East, a special class on academic integrity and ethical behavior was integrated into the …

Making A Difference In Developing Countries, David Tout

David (Dave) Tout

The work of ACER in education is making the difference in educational outcomes for students across the world, particularly in developing countries.

Informing Policy In Developing Countries, Petra Lietz, Mollie Tobin

Dr Petra Lietz

Petra Lietz and Mollie Tobin discuss the impact of large-scale assessment programs on education policy in developing countries.

Twitter In A Spanish Conversation Course (And Maybe In Yours), Pilar Munday

Pilar Munday

Dr. Pilar Munday describes her use of twitter in teaching students Spanish language and culture at Sacred Heart University.

Edutourism: The Nigeria Educational Challenges And International Students’ Choice Of Study In Nigerian Universities, Olukunle Saheed Oludeyi, Samuel Olutokunbo Adekalu

Olukunle Saheed, OLUDEYI

This paper takes a cursory look into the various challenges influencing international students and other study-tourists in their choice of study destination with particular emphasis on the ‘pull and push factors’ in Nigeria educational systems. With secondary information and discourse analysis of existing literatures, the study revealed that there are a growing number of outbound Nigerians searching abroad for educational empowerment compared with the fewer number of inbound students-tourists. While pull factors are non-existent, there are numerous push factors in Nigerian educational system which include underfunding, unprecedented industrial unrest (with ASUU being a protagonist), cultism and cult-related violence, poor educational …

Cultural Differences In Teaching And Learning, Hilary Hollingsworth

Dr Hilary Hollingsworth

People in different cultures might learn in fundamentally different ways, Hilary Hollingsworth explains.

University Population Dynamics As A Recontracting Allocative Proccess, Teresa M. G. Da Cunha Lopes, Jesús Martínez Linares

Teresa M. G. Da Cunha Lopes

The recent structural change of economic growth caused by the development of new technologies have placed a leading role on positive-feedback high- tech companies in modern economy. University institution can also be considered a high-tech economic agent, producing qualifyed specialist than can couple non-linearly to the market demand. Here, we explore the effect of positive-feedback on the population dynamics of University students. We find a bifurcation in the ”market share” stationary probability distribution that can serve as a signature of complex behaviour.

Realising Australia's International Education As Public Diplomacy, Caitlin Byrne, Rebecca Hall

Caitlin Byrne

Australia’s international education serves as public diplomacy, essentially engaging and influencing public audiences in ways that progress Australian foreign policy priorities and national interests. The multidimensional and increasingly globalised nature of international education presents enormous opportunity for vital exchange and interactions between and with students, academics and communities via onshore and offshore modes of delivery. Positive experiences of student mobility and the development of intellectual, commercial and social relationships can build upon a nation’s reputation, and enhance the ability of that nation to participate in and influence regional or global outcomes. This is ultimately the essence of soft power. While …

On The Use Of Rotated Context Questionnaires In Conjunction With Multilevel Item Response Models, Raymond J. Adams, Petra Lietz, Alla Berezner

Dr Petra Lietz

Sense-Making Of Teachers In The Midst Of Information Communication Technology (Ict) Reforms In Schools: An Exploratory Case Study, Vicente C. Reyes Jr

Dr. Vicente C Reyes Jr

This qualitative research inquiry attempts to explore how school teachers cope with the incessant and seemingly endless transformations that occur in schools. The central phenomenon to be studied focuses on how school teachers “make sense” of educational reform as it occurs in their local contexts. In order to do this, an exploratory case study of two target schools that took part in policy reform initiatives directed at ubiquitous use of Information Communication and Technology (ICT) would be the locus of this inquiry. Using Actor-Network Theory (ANT) as an analytical frame, for the Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and interviews, this inquiry …

Indirect Power And The Unification Of Secondary Education In The Empire Of Brazil: 1837-1889, Karl M. Lorenz

Karl M Lorenz

The paper discusses the efforts of the Ministry of the Empire of Brazil to influence programs of studies in secondary schools that were subject to the exclusive authority of the provincial governments. The Court’s inability to directly affect education in the provinces during the Empire (1822-1889) can be attributed to the Additional Act, which amended the Brazilian constitution in 1834. From the founding of the College Pedro II, a model secondary institution in the Municipality of Rio de Janeiro, in 1837, to the founding of the Republic in 1889, the Imperial Court proposed a series of successful and unsuccessful measures …

It's Not Just About The Money: Motivations For Youth Migration In Rural China, Yilin Chiang, Emily C. Hannum, Grace Kao

Emily C. Hannum

This study investigates the incentives for labor migration of youth in rural China using panel data from the Gansu Survey of Children and Families, a longitudinal study of youth in rural Gansu Province of China. We investigate the individual and altruistic economic motivations featured prominently in demographic and economic research on migration. However, we propose that the non-economic goal of personal development, a motivation suggested in numerous qualitative studies of women migrants in China and elsewhere, is also important, especially for young migrants. Analyzes indicate that, while young men and young women hold different motivations for migration, the desire for …

Iccs 2009 Encyclopedia : Approaches To Civic And Citizenship Education Around The World, John Ainley, Wolfram Schulz, Tim Friedman

Dr John Ainley

The International Civic and Citizenship Education Study (ICCS 2009) investigated the ways in which countries prepare their young people to undertake their roles as citizens. It studied student knowledge and understanding of civics and citizenship as well as student attitudes, perceptions, and activities related to civics and citizenship. ICCS also examined differences among countries in relation to these outcomes of civic and citizenship education, and it explored how differences across countries relate to student characteristics, school and community contexts, and national characteristics. Thirty-eight countries participated in ICCS 2009. Among these were five from Asia, 26 from Europe, six from Latin …

Iccs 2009 Encyclopedia : Approaches To Civic And Citizenship Education Around The World, John Ainley, Wolfram Schulz, Tim Friedman

Dr Tim Friedman

The International Civic and Citizenship Education Study (ICCS 2009) investigated the ways in which countries prepare their young people to undertake their roles as citizens. It studied student knowledge and understanding of civics and citizenship as well as student attitudes, perceptions, and activities related to civics and citizenship. ICCS also examined differences among countries in relation to these outcomes of civic and citizenship education, and it explored how differences across countries relate to student characteristics, school and community contexts, and national characteristics. Thirty-eight countries participated in ICCS 2009. Among these were five from Asia, 26 from Europe, six from Latin …

Iccs 2009 Encyclopedia : Approaches To Civic And Citizenship Education Around The World, John Ainley, Wolfram Schulz, Tim Friedman

Dr Wolfram Schulz

The International Civic and Citizenship Education Study (ICCS 2009) investigated the ways in which countries prepare their young people to undertake their roles as citizens. It studied student knowledge and understanding of civics and citizenship as well as student attitudes, perceptions, and activities related to civics and citizenship. ICCS also examined differences among countries in relation to these outcomes of civic and citizenship education, and it explored how differences across countries relate to student characteristics, school and community contexts, and national characteristics. Thirty-eight countries participated in ICCS 2009. Among these were five from Asia, 26 from Europe, six from Latin …

The Mobility Of Ethics And The Ethics Of Mobility, David Shallenberger, Susan Mcgury

David B Shallenberger

Academic intercultural encounters inevitably involve ethical questions and quandaries around such issues as academic standards, pedagogical differences, the nature of the professor-student relationship, professional practices and the like. Different cultures bring differing understandings of what is right, wrong, appropriate, or feasible, and these discrepancies need to be considered fully and fairly.

We begin by presenting key points regarding these ethical considerations, illuminated by examples from our practice of several decades working in Latin America, Asia (including the Middle East), and Europe. We engaged participants in adding their own examples, as well. We then presented 3 scenarios for deliberation by participants …

Inexpensive, Yet Impactful Ideas For Internationalisation, David B. Shallenberger, C K. Kwai, Lori Reynolds

David B Shallenberger

While virtually all institutions would like to internationalize comprehensively, many have limited resources and are looking for less costly steps they can take that have a positive impact and are sustainable. Drawing on experiences in the United States, Latin America, Asia and the Middle East, this session presents powerful ideas that are successful in enhancing internationalization for minimal investment.

The Difficulties Of Learning English: Perceptions And Attitudes In Mexico, Colette Despagne

Colette Despagne

The political, cultural, and economical relationship between the United States and Mexico is becoming more interdependent, and in general, Mexico’s participation in the world economy has increased the spread of English as a Second Language (ESL). English is ubiquitous in Mexico’s everyday life, as opposed to indigenous languages which are mostly hidden. The diffusion of English makes ESL learning mandatory if Mexicans want to aspire to a better social and economic life. Nevertheless, this contextual ‘imposition’ highly influences perceptions and attitudes Mexicans have towards the language. This in turn may create a strong barrier to the whole language learning process. …

Adult Literacy Strategies For Women On Cocoyam Production, Use & Benefits In Igboland, Dr Williams Emeka Obiozor

Dr Williams Emeka Obiozor

EMPOWERING WOMEN TO STRENGTHEN & DEVELOP GROWTH OF RAW MATERIALS TO ERADICATE POVERTY is a priority for every government if we have to attain the vision and goals of MDGs/EFA in 2015. Adult educators are contributing to this vision with extension service programmes to rural women via workshops like these.

Education By Any Means Necessary: Peoples Of African Descent And Community-Based Pedagogical Spaces, Ty-Ron M. O. Douglas Ph.D., Craig Peck Ph.D.

Ty-Ron M. O. Douglas, Ph.D.

This study examines how and why peoples of African descent access and utilize community-based pedagogical spaces that exist outside schools. Employing a theoretical framework that fuses historical methodology and border-crossing theory, the researchers review existing scholarship and primary documents to present an historical examination of how peoples of African descent have fought for and redefined education in nonschool educative venues. These findings inform the authors' analysis of results from an oral history project they conducted into how Black Bermudian men utilized learning spaces outside schools, such as the family, Black church, and athletics clubs, to augment their personal and scholastic …

Training Of Village Education Committees, Cbos, Ngos On Adult Literacy Center Advocacy: Methodology For Effective Nfe Supervision", Dr Williams Emeka Obiozor

Dr Williams Emeka Obiozor

Community-based organizations (CBOs), Village Education Committees (VECs), NGOs, Town Association members are challenged to ensure that all adult learners experience coherent and engaging Non-Formal Education at the Adult literacy centers established in their communities. Our approach to the adult classroom must be developed with a clear understanding of: Who our adult learners are; Their felt needs & educational goals; Their patterns of participation and learning styles, And their expectations. The training materials provides us with details for effective facilitation and supervision as well as advocacy for more adult learner enrollment and management by the stakeholders.

. "Andragogical Methodology For Effective Nfe Program" Agency For Adult & Non-Formal Education & Unicef-Anambra State., Dr Williams Emeka Obiozor

Dr Williams Emeka Obiozor

How can we ensure that all adult learners experience coherent and engaging Non-Formal Education? Our approach to the adult classroom must be developed with a clear understanding of: Who our adult learners are; Their felt needs & educational goals; Their patterns of participation and learning styles, And their expectations. The training materials provides us with details for effective teaching-learning and supervision of adult and non-formal education activities in our rural communities.

The Age Factor In Language Acquisition, Ahlam Alfouaim

Ahlam Alfouaim

“She talks very well for her age, doesn’t she?” Acquiring a language is a fascinating process that has always been intriguing for scholars and linguists over the history. Many scholars have successfully attempted to explain the complex process of second language acquisition (SLA). The popular schools of thought including the structuralist /behaviorist position, the nativist position, and the constructivist position introduced some remarkable attempts to analyze this mesmerizing phenomenon. In fact, these different positions aim to explain the nature of second language acquisition but do not necessary stress on the connection between age and language development. In many instances, we …

Teaching Computer-Assisted Translation In The 21st Century, Uwe Muegge

Uwe Muegge

Offering translation technology courses is easier than it ever was: Cloud-based learning management systems and translation management systems offer educational institution the powerful tools they need to prepare future translation and localization professionals for the demands of the 21st century. In the past, instructors teaching translation technology would use a different application for each educational task: One for the distribution of learning materials, another for collaborative learning, and yet another for testing; not to mention separate terminology management, translation memory, machine translation, and project management tools. In a cloud-based translation technology environment, it is possible to reduce the number of …

Naar Een Pluriform Juridisch Onderwijs, Jan M. Smits

Jan M Smits

In deze bijdrage worden drie mogelijke modellen van juridisch onderwijs verkend: Europees/internationaal onderwijs, 'legal engineering' en 'law college.' Bepleit wordt meer pluriformiteit in het juridisch onderwijs en daarmee dat universiteiten een keuze dienen te maken voor één van deze modellen.

A Decade Of International University Rankings: A Critical Perspective From Latin America, Marion Lloyd, Imanol Ordorika

Marion Lloyd

In the decade since the first international university ranking was released in Shanghai, the hierarchical classification systems have become dominant measure of institutional quality worldwide. However, there are growing criticisms and resistance to the rankings and their role in dictating institutional and national higher education policy, particularly in developing regions such as Latin America.

The High Impact Of Education Abroad: College Students' Engagement In International Experiences And The Development Of Intercultural Competencies, Michael J. Stebleton, Krista M. Soria, Blythe Cherney

Michael J. Stebleton

This multi-institutional study attempts to discover whether different international activities in which students participate yield different outcomes for the development of students’ global and intercultural competencies. The five international travel and study abroad measures analyzed include students’ participation in a university study abroad program; study abroad program affiliated with another college or university; travel abroad for cross-cultural experiences or informal education; travel abroad for a service learning, volunteer, or work experience; and travel abroad for recreation. The research question that guides this inquiry is as follows: controlling for other factors, is participation in these five types of international travel activities …

Charter Schools Or Progressive Education? Lessons From Finland, Christopher J. Poor

Christopher J Poor

New Zealand’s current government has embarked on a course of supporting private providers of education in the form of “partnership” schools with the claim that these charter schools can address the recalcitrant problem of disparity of achievement between students from different ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds. This paper examines evidence from the research on charter schools and argues that attention should rather be paid to the Finnish example of high and equal educational achievement and to the landmark achievements of New Zealand’s own pioneers of progressive education as we prepare a new generation for the twenty-first century.