Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Education Commons

Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Articles 1 - 30 of 32

Full-Text Articles in Education

Improving Quality Education And Children’S Learning Outcomes And Effective Practices In The Eastern And Southern Africa Region : Main Report, Tim Friedman, Ursula Schwantner, Jeaniene Spink, Naoko Tabata, Charlotte Waters Jul 2016

Improving Quality Education And Children’S Learning Outcomes And Effective Practices In The Eastern And Southern Africa Region : Main Report, Tim Friedman, Ursula Schwantner, Jeaniene Spink, Naoko Tabata, Charlotte Waters

Dr Tim Friedman

In order to understand the major impediments to student learning in the region, UNICEF Eastern and Southern Africa Regional Office commissioned this study to map and compare existing assessments of literacy and numeracy in primary education in the region, to examine how the data can be used to characterise children who are experiencing only limited learning outcomes to inform education policy, and to document practices that could help improve learning outcomes of disadvantaged children. The report concludes with a macro theory of change combining assessment, analysis and action. The research was jointly supported by ACER's Centre for Global Education Monitoring.


Improving Quality Education And Children’S Learning Outcomes And Effective Practices In The Eastern And Southern Africa Region : Appendices, Tim Friedman, Ursula Schwantner, Jeaniene Spink, Naoko Tabata, Charlotte Waters Jul 2016

Improving Quality Education And Children’S Learning Outcomes And Effective Practices In The Eastern And Southern Africa Region : Appendices, Tim Friedman, Ursula Schwantner, Jeaniene Spink, Naoko Tabata, Charlotte Waters

Dr Tim Friedman

These appendices comprises a collection of tables, figures, methodology and country case study notes to support the main report of this study: Improving Quality Education and Children’s Learning Outcomes and Effective Practices in the Eastern and Southern Africa Region : Main report.


Improving Quality Education And Children’S Learning Outcomes And Effective Practices In The Eastern And Southern Africa Region : Zimbabwe : Country Case Study, Elizabeth Cassity Jul 2016

Improving Quality Education And Children’S Learning Outcomes And Effective Practices In The Eastern And Southern Africa Region : Zimbabwe : Country Case Study, Elizabeth Cassity

Dr Tim Friedman

This case study of Zimbabwe provides an understanding of the specific practices implemented to measure and improve the literacy and numeracy learning outcomes of Zimbabwean primary school children in the long term. It explores emerging trends from the 2014 Zimbabwe Early Learning Assessment (ZELA) in student learning outcomes and the provision of textbooks and teaching materials procured through the Education Development Fund (EDF). It also reviews the multiyear programme of an intensive capacity-building partnership with the Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (ZIMSEC) and the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER). The capacity-building programme supports the longterm sustainability of ZELA through system …


Improving Quality Education And Children’S Learning Outcomes And Effective Practices In The Eastern And Southern Africa Region : Rwanda : Country Case Study, Ursula Schwantner Jul 2016

Improving Quality Education And Children’S Learning Outcomes And Effective Practices In The Eastern And Southern Africa Region : Rwanda : Country Case Study, Ursula Schwantner

Dr Tim Friedman

This case study of Rwanda provides an understanding of the specific practices implemented to measure and improve the literacy and numeracy learning outcomes of Rwandan primary school children in the long term. An important development regarding the quality standards and assurance programme of education in Rwanda is the 2011 introduction of Learning Achievement in Rwandan Schools (LARS). This case study outlines the main purposes and components of LARS, the main findings regarding effective strategies and factors from the LARS baseline report and the capacity building component of LARS.


Class 6 School Factors In Afghanistan 2013 : The Relationship Between School Factors And Student Outcomes From A Learning Assessment Of Mathematical, Reading And Writing Literacy, Tim Friedman, Sally Robertson, Stephanie Templeton, Maurice Walker Apr 2016

Class 6 School Factors In Afghanistan 2013 : The Relationship Between School Factors And Student Outcomes From A Learning Assessment Of Mathematical, Reading And Writing Literacy, Tim Friedman, Sally Robertson, Stephanie Templeton, Maurice Walker

Dr Tim Friedman

In 2012, the Ministry of Education, Afghanistan, engaged the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) as a partner to support the development of a national learning assessment program in Afghanistan. To achieve this goal, the Learning Assessment unit of the Ministry of Education and ACER have collaborated to design and implement the Monitoring Trends in Educational Growth (MTEG) program in Afghanistan. MTEG is designed as a long-term monitoring program with one focus on trends in achievement outcomes in single class levels over time, and another focus on the growth of achievement in cohorts throughout the school cycle, from Class 3 …


International Computer And Information Literacy Study: Icils 2013: Technical Report, Julian Fraillon, Wolfram Schulz, Tim Friedman, John Ainley, Eveline Gebhardt Aug 2015

International Computer And Information Literacy Study: Icils 2013: Technical Report, Julian Fraillon, Wolfram Schulz, Tim Friedman, John Ainley, Eveline Gebhardt

Dr Tim Friedman

The International Computer and Information Literacy Study (ICILS) studied the extent to which young people have developed computer and information literacy (CIL) to support their capacity to participate in the digital age. ICILS systematically investigated differences in CIL outcomes across the participating countries and looked at how these countries provide CIL-related education. The study also explored differences within and across countries with respect to the relationship between the outcomes of CIL education and student characteristics and school contexts. Chapter 1 of this report presents an overview of the International Computer and Information Literacy Study. Chapters 2 and 3 are concerned …


Translation And Verification Of Icils 2013 Instruments, David Ebbs, Tim Friedman Dec 2014

Translation And Verification Of Icils 2013 Instruments, David Ebbs, Tim Friedman

Dr Tim Friedman

Staff at the ICILS international study center (ISC), in close collaboration with staff in the participating countries’ ICILS national centers, developed an international English version of the ICILS assessment and questionnaires. Countries subsequently translated and adapted these materials to their languages of instruction. Throughout this process, the overarching aim was to create high-quality instruments that were internationally comparable yet also appropriate to each country’s national context and education system. The detailed guidelines on translation and adaptation provided to all participating countries are described in the ICILS 2013 Survey Operations Procedures, Unit 3 (ICILS International Study Center, 2012).


Scaling Procedures For Icils Questionnaire Items, Wolfram Schulz, Tim Friedman Dec 2014

Scaling Procedures For Icils Questionnaire Items, Wolfram Schulz, Tim Friedman

Dr Tim Friedman

This chapter describes the procedures used to scale the ICILS questionnaire data (for students, teachers, school principals, and ICT coordinators) and the indices based on them. Two general types of indices could be distinguished, both of which derived from the ICILS questionnaires: 1. Simple indices constructed through arithmetical transformation or simple recoding, for example, ratios between ICT and students or an index of immigration background based on information about the country of birth of students and their parents; and 2. Scale indices derived from scaling of items, a process typically achieved by using item response modeling of dichotomous or Likert-type …


Preparing For Life In A Digital Age: The Iea International Computer And Information Literacy Study International Report, Julian Fraillon, John Ainley, Wolfram Schulz, Tim Friedman, Eveline Gebhardt Nov 2014

Preparing For Life In A Digital Age: The Iea International Computer And Information Literacy Study International Report, Julian Fraillon, John Ainley, Wolfram Schulz, Tim Friedman, Eveline Gebhardt

Dr Tim Friedman

The International Computer and Information Literacy Study (ICILS) studied the extent to which young people have developed computer and information literacy (CIL) to support their capacity to participate in the digital age. ICILS is a response to the increasing use of information and communication technology (ICT) in modern society and the need for citizens to develop relevant skills in order to participate effectively in the digital age. It also addresses the necessity for policymakers and education systems to have a better understanding of the contexts and outcomes of CIL-related education programs in their countries. ICILS is the first crossnational study …


Same Admissions Tools, Different Outcomes : A Critical Perspective On Predictive Validity In Three Undergraduate Medical Schools, Daniel Edwards, Tim Friedman, Jacob Pearce Jan 2014

Same Admissions Tools, Different Outcomes : A Critical Perspective On Predictive Validity In Three Undergraduate Medical Schools, Daniel Edwards, Tim Friedman, Jacob Pearce

Dr Tim Friedman

Admission to medical school is one of the most highly competitive entry points in higher education. Considerable investment is made by universities to develop selection processes that aim to identify the most appropriate candidates for their medical programs. This paper explores data from three undergraduate medical schools to offer a critical perspective of predictive validity in medical admissions. This study examined 650 undergraduate medical students from three Australian universities as they progressed through the initial years of medical school (accounting for approximately 25 per cent of all commencing undergraduate medical students in Australia in 2006 and 2007). Admissions criteria (aptitude …


Using Aptitude Testing To Diversify Higher Education Intake – An Australian Case Study, Daniel Edwards, Hamish Coates, Tim Friedman May 2013

Using Aptitude Testing To Diversify Higher Education Intake – An Australian Case Study, Daniel Edwards, Hamish Coates, Tim Friedman

Dr Tim Friedman

Australian higher education is currently entering a new phase of growth. Within the remit of this expansion is an express commitment to widen participation in higher education among under-represented groups – in particular those from low socioeconomic backgrounds. This paper argues that one key mechanism for achieving this goal should be the re-evaluation of university selection processes. The paper explores outcomes of an aptitude test pilot study, focusing on issues of access and equity in selection to university. The results show that, in general, those who gain access to university on the basis of results in the aptitude test have …


Iccs 2009 Encyclopedia : Approaches To Civic And Citizenship Education Around The World, John Ainley, Wolfram Schulz, Tim Friedman May 2013

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 …


Priorities For Civic And Citizenship Education In Europe, David Kerr, Linda Sturman, Tim Friedman Aug 2012

Priorities For Civic And Citizenship Education In Europe, David Kerr, Linda Sturman, Tim Friedman

Dr Tim Friedman

The International Civic and Citizenship Education Study (ICCS) focused on the ways in which young people are prepared to undertake their roles as citizens. Preparing students for citizenship involves developing relevant knowledge and understanding as well as encouraging the formation of positive attitudes toward being a citizen. The conceptual background for, and the design of ICCS were described in the assessment framework (Schulz, Fraillon, Ainley, Losito, & Kerr, 2008) and the international results were reported in its international reports (Schulz, Ainley, Fraillon, Kerr & Losito, 2010a & 2010b). This paper provides an overview of the results from the regional assessment …


Design And Implementation Of The Iea Civic And Citizenship Education Study, Tim Friedman, Julian Fraillon, Barbara Malak Aug 2012

Design And Implementation Of The Iea Civic And Citizenship Education Study, Tim Friedman, Julian Fraillon, Barbara Malak

Dr Tim Friedman

This paper provides an overview of the International Civic and Citizenship Education Study (ICCS) and summarizes different aspects of the study implementation. It outlines: the structure of the assessment framework; the design, development and implementation of instruments; the sampling design and outcomes; and quality control measures for the study.


Translation And National Adaptations Of Iccs 2009 Instruments, Barbara Malak, Alana Yu, Wolfram Schulz, Tim Friedman Jul 2012

Translation And National Adaptations Of Iccs 2009 Instruments, Barbara Malak, Alana Yu, Wolfram Schulz, Tim Friedman

Dr Tim Friedman

In close collaboration with the participating countries, the international study center (ISC) developed an international English version of the ICCS assessment and questionnaires. These materials were subsequently translated and adapted by countries to their languages of instruction. Throughout this translation and adaptation process, the overarching aim was to create high-quality instruments that were internationally comparable yet also appropriate to each country’s national context and education system. The ICCS instruments were administered in 31 languages, the most common being English and Spanish. Even when the language of testing was English, adaptations were still required to suit the cultural setting and the …


Evaluation Of The Special Tertiary Admissions Test (Stat), Hamish Coates, Tim Friedman Jul 2012

Evaluation Of The Special Tertiary Admissions Test (Stat), Hamish Coates, Tim Friedman

Dr Tim Friedman

This paper reports findings from the first national Australian study of the predictive validity of the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT). Background on tertiary admissions procedures in Australia is presented, followed by information on STAT and the research methods. The results affirm that STAT, through the provision of baseline and objective data, offers a valid and efficient means for ensuring that people who are capable of success at university are able to gain admission. They affirm the importance of taking an evidence-based disciplinary perspective to university admissions. Implications for the development and use of the assessment are considered.


Australian Regional Higher Education: Student Characteristics And Experiences, Sarah Richardson, Tim Friedman Jul 2012

Australian Regional Higher Education: Student Characteristics And Experiences, Sarah Richardson, Tim Friedman

Dr Tim Friedman

This study was undertaken for the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) by the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) during May, June and July of 2010. It focuses on students who study at higher education institutions (HEIs) in regional parts of Australia, with particular attention paid to their characteristics, motivations, experiences and outcomes, both in terms of further study and of employment. The study catalogues a number of existing data sources which can be utilised for research into this population and identifies key gaps in the current collections which inhibit some areas of analysis into students at …


A Survey Of International Practice In University Admissions Testing, Daniel Edwards, Hamish Coates, Tim Friedman Jul 2012

A Survey Of International Practice In University Admissions Testing, Daniel Edwards, Hamish Coates, Tim Friedman

Dr Tim Friedman

This paper explores how admissions tests are used in different higher education systems around the world. This is a relatively new area of research, despite the fact that admissions processes are a key component of university practices and given the ever-increasing globalisation of higher education. This paper shows that aptitude and achievement tests, for example, are used in many developed countries. In some of them, a specific test is nationally instituted and generalised; consequently, the function of the test is well embedded in the education landscape of the country. Elsewhere, tests exist but are administered in an ad hoc fashion …


Evaluation Of The Criterion Validity Of Unitest And Stat, Hamish Coates, Tim Friedman, S Ball, Luc Le Jul 2012

Evaluation Of The Criterion Validity Of Unitest And Stat, Hamish Coates, Tim Friedman, S Ball, Luc Le

Dr Tim Friedman

Published by the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations.


Industry, Employment, And Population Profile: Supporting Analysis: Gippsland Tertiary Education Plan, Daniel Edwards, Paul Weldon, Tim Friedman Jul 2012

Industry, Employment, And Population Profile: Supporting Analysis: Gippsland Tertiary Education Plan, Daniel Edwards, Paul Weldon, Tim Friedman

Dr Tim Friedman

There is considerable interest in the provision and access to tertiary education within the Victoria by the State Government. In 2010, a Tertiary Education Plan was released by the Government, detailing various targets and policy objectives in this sector. Despite a change of Government, the broad objectives in the plan continue to be pursued. As such, a number of more specific plans, based on geographic locations within Victoria are being constructed. One such plan is being constructed for Gippsland. An Expert Panel has been formed to create the plan for Gippsland, chaired by Professor Kwong Lee Dow. This document provides …


The Attractiveness Of The Australian Academic Profession : A Comparative Analysis, Hamish Coates, Ian Dobson, Daniel Edwards, Tim Friedman, Leo Goedegebuure, Lynn Meek Jul 2012

The Attractiveness Of The Australian Academic Profession : A Comparative Analysis, Hamish Coates, Ian Dobson, Daniel Edwards, Tim Friedman, Leo Goedegebuure, Lynn Meek

Dr Tim Friedman

This briefing provides an analysis of challenges facing the sustainability and development of the academic workforce in Australia. It draws together insights from national statistics collections and a number of recent studies, sheds light on current characteristics of the academic profession, and identifies key problem areas. From a review of the evidence, we argue that now is the time for both policy action at the national and institutional level to address these problems, and for further research that can inform workforce planning and development in the years to come.


Graduate Course Experience 2009 : The Report Of The Course Experience Questionnaire., Hamish Coates, Daniel Edwards, Tim Friedman, Bruce Guthrie Jul 2012

Graduate Course Experience 2009 : The Report Of The Course Experience Questionnaire., Hamish Coates, Daniel Edwards, Tim Friedman, Bruce Guthrie

Dr Tim Friedman

Graduate Course Experience is an annual survey about the attitudes of graduates towards their courses and the skills they acquired while undertaking tertiary education. Once again, universities throughout the country participate in the survey.


Establishing The Criterion Validity Of Umat : A Multi-Cohort Study Of Australian Medical Students, Daniel Edwards, Tim Friedman, Hamish Coates Jul 2012

Establishing The Criterion Validity Of Umat : A Multi-Cohort Study Of Australian Medical Students, Daniel Edwards, Tim Friedman, Hamish Coates

Dr Tim Friedman

No abstract provided.


School Connections : Using Ict To Engage Students In Learning, Hamish Coates, Tim Friedman Jul 2012

School Connections : Using Ict To Engage Students In Learning, Hamish Coates, Tim Friedman

Dr Tim Friedman

In 2006, one school team from each of the ten NSW Department of Education regions were nominated to participate in the Microsoft Partners in Learning (PiL) Connected Learning Schools Project. With reference to their unique context, each school developed and implemented a project that involved teachers using Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) in their teaching and learning to engage middle-year students in their education, and to connect more authentically with students’ learning experiences outside of school. The NSW Partners in Learning project was a research and development project. The aim was to investigate how children in the middle years (Years …


Vet Leadership For The Future : Characteristics, Contexts And Capabilities, Hamish Coates, Lynn Meek, Justin Brown, Tim Friedman, Peter Noonan, John Mitchell Jul 2012

Vet Leadership For The Future : Characteristics, Contexts And Capabilities, Hamish Coates, Lynn Meek, Justin Brown, Tim Friedman, Peter Noonan, John Mitchell

Dr Tim Friedman

This paper examines leadership in Australia’s vocational education and training (VET) sector. VET leaders make a vital and growing contribution to learners, industry and society, yet research on their work is limited. This has direct implications for ensuring leadership is most effective, and for framing evidence-based capacity development. The current research draws together reviews of complex and often competing contexts, analyses of prior research, and results from a national survey of 327 practising VET leaders. Analysis of what VET leaders report doing in their jobs suggests that while they are attuned to the education-focused demands of their roles, they now …


Student Aptitude Test For Tertiary Admission (Satta) Pilot Program: Evaluation Report For The Department Of Education, Employment And Workplace Relations (Deewr), Hamish Bennett Coates, Daniel Edwards, Tim Friedman Jul 2012

Student Aptitude Test For Tertiary Admission (Satta) Pilot Program: Evaluation Report For The Department Of Education, Employment And Workplace Relations (Deewr), Hamish Bennett Coates, Daniel Edwards, Tim Friedman

Dr Tim Friedman

Since 2007 the Australian Government Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) has funded the Student Aptitude Test for Tertiary Admission (SATTA) pilot program. SATTA involves the supply, management and evaluation of uniTEST, and the evaluation of the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT). This report documents the evaluation phase of the program, focusing in particular on various aspects of uniTEST. Seven recommendations are made. Significant policy change is planned for Australian higher education over the next few years, with both government and institutions seeking new ways to make the system larger, more inclusive and more productive. In this context, …


Vet Leadership For The Future: Contexts, Characteristics And Capabilities, Hamish Coates, V Meek, Justin Brown, Tim Friedman, Peter Noonan, John Mitchell Jul 2012

Vet Leadership For The Future: Contexts, Characteristics And Capabilities, Hamish Coates, V Meek, Justin Brown, Tim Friedman, Peter Noonan, John Mitchell

Dr Tim Friedman

This study examines leadership in Australia’s vocational education and training (VET) sector. VET leaders make a vital and growing contribution to learners, industry and society, yet research on their work is limited. This has direct implications for ensuring leadership is most effective, and for framing evidence-based capacity development. To assist the sector, and in particular the people who find themselves running large and complex training organisations, this study paints a picture of what VET leaders do, and of how they can do it best.


Vet Leadership For The Future: Contexts, Characteristics And Capabilities : Research Briefing., Hamish Coates, V Meek, Justin Brown, Tim Friedman, Peter Noonan, John Mitchell Jul 2012

Vet Leadership For The Future: Contexts, Characteristics And Capabilities : Research Briefing., Hamish Coates, V Meek, Justin Brown, Tim Friedman, Peter Noonan, John Mitchell

Dr Tim Friedman

Key insights: Leadership is about managing change and guiding growth in fluid environments. Leadership requires a ‘change capable culture’ that gives space to lead. VET needs strategies for managing the looming succession crisis. Too little is known about leaders and their work. Leaders’ roles and work focus are not clearly defined. Markers of effective performance are not clearly defined and deployed. Produce a framework of key capabilities and competencies. Effective leadership education must be current and shaped by understanding of effective practice.


The Role Of Civic Participation In National And School Curricula, John Ainley, Tim Friedman Jul 2012

The Role Of Civic Participation In National And School Curricula, John Ainley, Tim Friedman

Dr Tim Friedman

Civic and citizenship education is increasingly conceptualized in national curricula within a lifelong learning perspective that encompasses formal curricula (that specify content and approaches in a subject or set of subjects), non-formal curricula (through co-curricular activities in schools) and informal curricula (through a school and classroom ethos that embodies citizenship values). One review of education policies in Europe documents attempts to encourage ‘active citizenship’ supported by ‘democratic schools’ offering a ‘participatory school culture’. However, there is evidence of a gap between declarations of principle and the implementation of these principles in schools as well as between policies and practices. This …


Subtle Cognitive Impairment In Elders With Mini-Mental State Examination Scores Within The ‘Normal’ Range, Tim Friedman, G Yelland, S Robinson Dec 2011

Subtle Cognitive Impairment In Elders With Mini-Mental State Examination Scores Within The ‘Normal’ Range, Tim Friedman, G Yelland, S Robinson

Dr Tim Friedman

The Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) is commonly used as a screening test for dementia, yet MMSE scores above the cut-off for dementia (24–30) are widely thought to have limited utility, particularly in older persons. The study investigates whether scores within this range can be indicative of pre-symptomatic levels of cognitive impairment. Ninety-six community-dwelling older persons aged 62–89 years (mean = 75.2 years), who had obtained MMSE scores between 25 and 30, were tested on the computer-based Subtle Cognitive Impairment Test (SCIT). Compared with individuals who obtained a perfect score of 30 on the MMSE, individuals with scores of 28–29 made …