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…

Outlines details of key pilot projects on quality assessment in the higher education sector in Ireland. Discusses how the Universities Act of 1997 can ensure that emphasis is placed on the highest standards in teaching and research. (DDR)

Attempts to collate various approaches that have been made around the world to first-year issues in engineering education. Reviews the literature and discusses the results of a survey. Contains 54 references. (DDR)

Shows how education has successively benefited from traditional information processing through programmed instruction and computer-assisted instruction (CAI), artificial intelligence, intelligent CAI, intelligent tutoring systems, and hypermedia techniques. Contains 29 references. (DDR)

Describes how an introductory course in database management is enriched using the Internet and how students encounter problems with sociotechnical systems. Concludes with observations concerning conditions that must be in place for Internet-augmented systems. (DDR)

Discusses matters that arose from the implementation of a national scheme to provide better career management for research staff. Proposes recognition of a role for researchers in the wider educational functions of a university. (DDR)

Traces the economic growth of embedded software in industrial products and explains that there is a shortage of engineers in this field. Proposes a different view of engineering education. (DDR)

The development of assessment criteria for undergraduate project work in engineering design is perceived as a difficult task. Describes an innovative course that has been developed at the undergraduate level. (DDR)

Describes measures adopted in Austria to help ensure school success for all, examining measures taken at the structural and school levels. Discusses indicators for success and failure, changes in Austria's education system, and the monitoring and evaluation of change. Argues that coherent educational, social, and economic policies are a…

Fighting against school failure has become a priority in Italy. This paper examines criteria for reorganizing the problem of school failure, and its incidence in Italy's primary, lower secondary, and upper secondary schools. Discusses some initiatives for fighting school failure that are contained in current legislation and pilot projects. (SM)

Discusses the current problem of school failure in Luxembourg. Examines school failure in general and describes the main characteristics of Luxembourg's school system, highlighting possible remedial solutions to the situation that are being recommended by the government, and examining pertinent developments in the field of teacher training. (SM)

Examines principles and practices of the Dutch educational system, emphasizing the process of implementing new educational concepts in schools and teacher education. Discusses school failure among students at all levels and examines the failure of schools to prepare students for social, economic, and political responsibility. Notes governmental…

Examines the complex social and educational problem of school failure in Portugal. Defines school failure's place within the Portuguese educational system and traces its causes. Explores forms of assessment in elementary and secondary education, analyzing them in terms of student achievement rates and dropout rates. Discusses measures currently…

In examining Sweden's problem with school failure, the paper notes the importance of understanding the problem on both the educational-political level and the economic, practical, and organizational levels. Discusses the criteria for defining school failure and examines the magnitude of the problem and investigates solutions. A statistical…