Compares trends in England and Scotland concerning what young people do at the school-leaving age of 16 (previously 15), whether "stayers" continue in school or go to further-education colleges, qualifications (credentials) achieved by school leavers, and differences between girls and boys. Examines Scotland's postsecondary attendance patterns in…

Draws on Foucault to critically analyze interviews with Scottish preschool teachers. Suggests that, in contrast to preschool education's ideals of individual freedom and self-expression, greater governmentality and actual professional practices may lay the foundation for the production of governable subjects. Compares socialization, "confession,"…

Examination of discipline policies and practices in five large Scottish schools led to the development of a model of a schoolwide behavior support system. Elements include school discipline policy, classroom techniques and strategies, referrals, behavior monitoring, support groups, joint assessment teams, and mechanisms for student suspension and…

Scottish primary teachers are trained via a 4-year Bachelor of Education (BEd) program or 1-year Postgraduate Certificate in Education. A survey of 234 headteachers and review of teacher evaluations revealed that most headteachers did not think that training route affected teaching quality, but a third of headteachers, all BEd-trained themselves,…

At the school-leaving age of 16, most Scottish students who continue with their education choose to remain in secondary school rather than switch to a further-education college. A survey suggests that students view colleges as welcoming places where students are treated as adults but are reluctant to leave the security of the known secondary…

Reviews educational issues arising in Scotland's first Parliament in 300 years. Discusses the debate on teachers' pay and teaching conditions, including proposals to change the management structure of schools, extend teachers' working hours, and increase class size. Describes the proposed Scottish University for Industry, which would be a gateway…

This paper offers precise definitions of distance learning and distance education, and their interrelationship. First, a single definition of learning is proposed, and then the concept of learning is broken down into three subcategories: instruction, exploration, and serendipity. Each is defined and the concepts of distance learning and distance…

There is little doubt that due to major advances in information technology, education will certainly become more technology-based. The purpose of this paper is to: (1) consider the models of contemporary universities offering distance programs; (2) analyze how technology changes the model of learning; and (3) explore how the human dimension will…

Presents some of the perceived pedagogical challenges posed by use of the World Wide Web. Proposes that the debate surrounding use of the Web in university teaching should center on learning and not technical issues. Learning issues and challenges discussed in this article include learning approaches, using the technical features of the Web to…

Examines benefits and drawbacks of laptop programs in higher education, and gives examples of universities that have implemented laptop programs. One such university, in the United Arab Emirates, is considered a pioneer in the Middle East. The university's approach to implementing laptops in teaching and learning and the reactions of its faculty…

Focuses on the advantages and the necessity of infusing instructional technologies in higher education by: exploring the assumptions about teaching and learning with technologies; identifying changes and reforms in higher education, from tradition to transformation; and summarizing necessary components for seamless student services, convenience,…

Examines the effects of classroom acoustical problems on children, including those at risk for underachievement. Suggests ways to optimize classroom listening, especially through sound-field classroom amplification. (SK)

Interviews exploring the work experience of 11 boys and 13 girls in British high schools showed that they exhibited different levels of mature judgment and endowed their experience with different meanings. Most believed the placements' primary function was to prepare them for transition to work. The educative potential of work experience remained…

Interviews with 160 children aged 6-9 from varied backgrounds showed that they acknowledge the importance of parents in their lives but have a pragmatic view of the relationship. What parents do seems to be more important than what they say. Children appeared to understand more than adults may want to acknowledge. (SK)

The National Curriculum in Australia is based on outcomes in eight key areas: English, math, social studies, science, technology, languages, arts, and health. In a study of four New South Wales primary schools, teachers linked the benefits of outcome-based education to facilitated assessment and reporting, although it did increase demands in other…