A discussion of second-language curricula in South Australian universities looks at sources of influence on course offerings and content, including institutional administrative structures, institutional approach to organization of the curriculum, the recent reorganization of Australian postsecondary institutions, and government policy. (MSE)

The progress of postapartheid curriculum in South Africa's universities is examined, beginning with examination of the apartheid legacy in higher education and proceeding to the politics of changes in national educational policy. It is concluded that, despite efforts to change policy at the national level, universities have done little to…

A discussion of Dutch higher education looks at whether a 1985 proposal for fundamental changes in the relationship between government and higher education institutions has been implemented with regard to curriculum design. It is concluded that, despite policy intentions for increased institutional autonomy, the government retains relatively tight…

Curricular changes in Romania's higher education system precipitated by the abruptly altered political situation and new decision-making processes are examined. Need for change existed because of political outdatedness of some disciplines, faculty frustration over poor research-curriculum connections, long-standing curricular immobility, and need…

Forces inhibiting change in Greek university education are examined, and trends in university curriculum development are analyzed, using four disciplines as examples: chemical engineering; physics; economics; and history. The extent of influence of government populism and state patronage on the university curriculum is explored. (MSE)

The effects of Norway's government-driven policy changes to improve efficiency and quality in higher education on graduate study are examined, particularly as they affect the social sciences and humanities. Patterns in degree production until 1993 are examined, and the consequences of the recent market orientation are discussed. (MSE)

An Australian study investigated the perceptions of 28 graduate and undergraduate students concerning university teaching and learning, especially with regard to their contact with research projects. The objective was to determine whether students are aware of faculty's research role and whether the conduct of research has an impact on teaching…

A discussion of labor force development worldwide, especially as it relates to use of new technologies, looks at the interplay of such factors as demand for and supply of appropriately trained workers and the world's changing demography. Policy considerations in matching supply with demand are examined. (MSE)

A study undertaken in preparation for reforming the Belgian educational system investigated aspects of educational policy and administration in England, France, and Germany, including curriculum design and content, broad educational aims, student placement and tracking, competition among schools, academic standards, and institutional autonomy vs.…

A discussion of Scotland's new modular approach to vocational education and certification, providing training modules in both secondary and higher education institutions, looks at problems created, particularly in the secondary education system. Unified academic/vocational or dual-track systems are considered as alternatives to the current…

Five reasons, all rooted in Victorian values, are given for liberal education historically having more prestige than vocational education in the United Kingdom. Proposed reform strategies include revival of technical secondary schools; reform of technological universities, including deemphasis of liberal arts; and increased resources for…

A discussion of the precarious balance between general and vocational education in the Netherlands looks at some characteristics of the Dutch educational system, enrollment trends, and individual benefits of each kind of education. It is concluded that status and opportunities provided by general vs. vocational education vary by discipline. (MSE)

Recent reforms in vocational education in Sweden and Finland reflect economic, academic, and practical concerns common to many countries today. Two issues of particular interest are continuity of vocational training after late secondary school and establishment of parity between vocational and general education. (MSE)

Discussion of technical/vocational education in Portugal looks at the system's recent history, characteristics, and the influences of class stratification and industrial demand. Recommendations include reform in college/university admissions policy, universal exposure to technical/vocational education, specialized training for economic…

Analysis of recent vocational education reforms in Poland, Hungary, and the Czech and Slovak republics looks at the nature of modernization efforts and structural changes, and the role of foreign assistance and international cooperation. Current initiatives are seen as an attempt to catch up with the Western world of the 1970s. (MSE)