A study in England and Australia suggests that in science and engineering, where researchers within a research unit of any size re-form themselves into smaller groups (5-12), communication is efficient and productivity optimal, with little economy of scale for larger groups. In less tightly-organized disciplines such as mathematics and social…

Data from 10 Australian universities' payrolls indicate that while women constitute a majority of general staff, they are concentrated in lower-level positions. While general staff are more likely than faculty to hold permanent positions, women disproportionately hold nonpermanent jobs, even when age and length of service are controlled.…

It is suggested that Australian higher education must change as student exchange increases. Issues discussed include a broader array of delivery methods for instruction, cooperative learning, teaching of generic skills (critical thinking, weighing evidence), curriculum design, teaching location, student communication skills, computer-assisted…

A survey of 736 graduate student supervisors in 37 Canadian universities investigated aspects of the relationship between student and supervisor, including types and quantity of assistance given in thesis development and research; assistance in preparation of publications, presentations, and grant applications; and help in developing teaching…

A survey of 4,084 Canadian continuing education students investigated patterns of library service use and factors influencing them, including student characteristics, perceptions of problems limiting library use (for example, collection adequacy, hours, access to materials), and characteristics of the student's program of study (for example,…

Ontario university admission data for 1983-93 were analyzed for evidence of high school grade inflation and grade-enhancement practices in response to increased competition for university admission. Results show only a moderate increase in entering grades, and suggest that grade inflation must be distinguished from changes reflecting demographic…

A study investigated differences in graduate student supervision across disciplines at a Canadian research university. Most departments reported having some policies or procedures, but they tended not to be explicit. According to program directors, the two most important supervisor qualities were knowledge of research field and availability.…

The history of university research suggests that it has generated a form of social contract, previously implicit but becoming explicit, due in part to the emerging links between government and university. This contract has changed over time and will become even more compelling. Educators are urged to view this as an opportunity for finding new…

Presents results of a meta-analysis conducted on the literature concerning the effects of feedback on learning from computer-based instruction. Effect size, analysis of variance, multiple regression, and posttest data are described, and the critical role of feedback in computerized instruction is discussed. Contains 50 references. (Author/LRW)

Describes a study of 107 sixth graders that investigated the effects of learning strategy training intervention and the incorporation of learner control on achievement, learning efficiency, and instructional choice while subjects learned from a computer-based science tutorial. Principles for instructional design incorporating learner control are…

Describes a study that was conducted to track the effect of candidate response patterns on a computerized adaptive test. The effect of altering responses on estimated candidate ability, test tailoring, and test precision across segments of adaptive tests and groups of candidates is examined. (Author/LRW)

This exploratory study of graduate students attempts to quantify some of the interactions that take place between learners and a computer-based instructional lesson teaching basic memory skills. Variables studied include age, undergraduate grade point average, sex, and standardized test scores. (Author/LRW)

Discussion of the Star Schools distance-learning program focuses on equity issues that were addressed in a national evaluation. Service to elementary and secondary school students in remote rural areas and students in schools serving minority and economically disadvantaged students is examined, and policy implications are considered. (LRW)

Describes research that investigated the effectiveness of computer-based instruction (CBI) in support of mastery learning based on a study of 333 undergraduate students who used a CBI system called Management Information Systems Tutor (MIST). Student performance and time on task are examined. (Author/LRW)

Identifies six stages adult learners pass through as they become confident using electronic mail. Understanding the stages of learning to use technology empowers the learner through the knowledge that feelings of tension and frustration will be overcome. (Author/AEF)