It is argued that well-conceived college and university mission statements can be useful in setting objectives for planning and for public information dissemination and marketing. The experience of the University of Calgary (Alberta) illustrates a successful process of drafting and reaching agreement on such a document. (MSE)

A study contrasted the long-term (one year) retention of material acquired primarily through lectures and assigned independent study readings. Subjects were 16 female 3rd-year medical students. Results indicate the study methods did not differ consistently in knowledge loss or class performance, despite substantial individual differences.…

The use of taxonomies of types and levels of learning for student assessment in higher education is discussed. Five taxonomies designed for a variety of instructional areas are described. The reasons for their use are examined from four points of view: pedagogical, professional, quality assurance, and management. (MSE)

A procedure that allows college faculty to obtain rapid student assessment of lecturing performance is described. A computer program facilitates application of the resulting data for self-evaluation, job applications, promotions, and group discussion. The questionnaire's simplicity and ease of processing have been well received by faculty and…

A study analyzed constructs surrounding 45 Nepalese master's students' approaches to and conceptions of learning. Interviews indicated that few students had more than a low level of insight into their learning processes, most used surface learning strategies, and most achieved low-level learning outcomes. Findings cast doubt on the construct…

A study investigated the quality of teaching in a rural development project in Sierra Leone, based on teacher knowledge of subject matter and beliefs about teaching and classroom management. Focus was on the preservice training of teachers and the attitudes they brought to teaching, rather than on classroom dynamics. Subjects were 100 teacher…

A rapidly-implemented, comprehensive reform of postcompulsory secondary education in Norway is chronicled and discussed. The changes included new curriculum design and content, instructional materials and methods, comprehensive inservice teacher training, and extensive planning and development. Considerations in the approach taken to change are…

The processes and outcomes of the first stage in developing a new vocational education and training curriculum in Poland are discussed. Origins of the change initiative, the system context, and the role of the committee charged with setting standards and evaluating the curriculum are outlined. Implications for modern language training,…

The Welsh approach to comparing educational standards and occupational qualifications is described. The approach identifies a core of occupational competencies and skills underlying training and employment in the field of electrical and electronic engineering, particularly in the motor industry. Origins, economic and educational context, and…

A discussion of the Netherlands government policy on the internationalization of education and training, particularly in the new European Community, looks at the context and evolution of the policy, resource allocation, priorities and management of change, and the issue of international compatibility of educational and occupational qualifications.…

The partnership for reform of Albania's government with several sources of financial support in the system of secondary vocational education is examined. The context of secondary vocational education in 1990-91, a time of turbulent political transition, is outlined and the assessment of educational needs is chronicled. Planning priorities,…

The evolution of the European Forum for Educational Administration, a network for international exchange of staff and ideas on educational administration, is chronicled. The following aspects of its operation are discussed: a four-year strategic plan, articles of association, financing, growth of national memberships, cooperation with other…

An analysis of unemployment rates, wages, and policy initiatives for school "early leavers" in Ireland, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom suggests that early withdrawal from school represents a substantial, transnational problem attributable to basic policy problems. It is noted that no policy initiatives directly address institutional…

Implementation and results of government-mandated "results-oriented planning" in Norwegian universities are analyzed using two approaches: the first looks at the effects of the initiative, and the second views the management reforms as cosmetic. It is found that while academic staff are involved in the new planning system, little effect has been…

Simultaneous trends in student demography, consumer patterns, competition, limited resources, and information technology combine to make possible truly revolutionary change in higher education. The same mix of intelligent planning, risk taking, and technology that has enabled institutions to create change during retrenchment can help address these…