Discusses some emerging discourses on environmental education and how "sustainability" has been used within different discourses. Asserts that the contested nature of the concept does not mean that it cannot be usefully adopted within environmental education processes. Focuses on how the concept has been adopted by students in a preservice science…

Examines reasons for the rapid growth of private colleges, the visible lack of sustainability for most, and their subsequent impact on local institutions. Investigates trends and events that have led to the establishment of both South African and overseas private colleges. (EV)

Examines the assumption that recognition of prior learning (RPL) is an undemanding way of receiving credit in higher education, and identifies the demands of a portfolio development approach in RPL. (EV)

Examines the most important internal and external environmental influences directing or hampering national and institutional quality assurance and management developments, as well as their implementation, in the South African higher education system. (EV)

Aims to contextualize recognition of prior learning (RPL) as a principle and to show the implications of recent developments in education for implementing RPL in higher education in South Africa. (EV)

Discusses the proposal by South Africa's grant-making National Research Foundation (NRF) to introduce a ratings system for the humanities and social sciences comparable to that which pertains in the natural sciences. Welcomes this development and argues for full and open consultation with the research community regarding appropriate ratings…

Describes research aimed at developing a theoretical framework for Further Education and Training (FET) options within South African higher education. These alternative options could broaden the scope, value, and outcomes of current programs designed to increase access to further education by lower achievers and other unprepared students. (EV)

Potchefstroom University for Christian Higher Education evaluated the usefulness of a model created to predict the success of distance education course facilitators. The model identified eight key attributes based on performance measures from the 1999 Facilitator Customer Service Survey. The evaluation accredited the model while suggesting…

Triggered by the poor performance of historically-disadvantaged students in a South African distance education course, examined students' perceptions of their self-directed learning (SDL). Also examined the SDL support contained in their study materials. Found that the students generally lacked readiness for SDL, suggesting several changes needed…

Surveyed students about their decision to enroll at the Unitersity of Transkei in an attempt to determine causes for declining enrollment. Found that career directions and affordability were main criteria. Public image and stability, staff quality, facilities and resources, administrative efficiency, staff friendliness, admissions/registration…

Surveyed 414 university lecturers teaching language modules about their concerns in teaching distance education. Uncovered broad themes: time and workload, teaching versus research, promotion, training and support, and factors affecting quality. Offers recommendations to address these concerns. (EV)

Surveyed graduate distance education students at the University of South Africa about faculty supervision, including individual styles of supervision, the most rewarding and frustrating aspects of their studies, and their recommendations. Found that students' expectations are not entirely met. Offers recommendations. (EV)

Discusses how the University of South Africa became involved in rural areas to improve residents' understanding of the environment and create pathways to sustainable living. Activities were undertaken in schools to try to create improved sustainable living in communities in general. (EV)

Surveyed employers about their perceptions of graduates from master's of business administration (MBA) programs. Found a disparity between employers' ideal and actual MBA graduates. They were not satisfied with liaison between employers and business schools nor with graduates' proficiency in leadership, interpersonal, entrepreneurial, and…

Examined students' reasons for enrolling in higher education. Found that they mentioned the opportunity to develop as individuals, to develop knowledge and useful skills, and to get a good job. Students were mostly positive about their preparation for higher education, but mentioned a lack of secondary school career guidance. (EV)