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…

Examines reasons for the shift from binary to unitary systems of higher education in Australia and Great Britain, and problems encountered with that change. Argues for retention of the binary system in South Africa and urgent restructuring of the ailing technical college sector as the main focus of a initiative for change in South African higher…

Examination of the employment situation of South Africa's recent university graduates finds many are taking jobs of lower status and income than graduates of previous periods, resulting in underemployment. A study of employment levels and labor demand in 812 companies suggests strategic enrollment management could play an important role in…

A study in one traditionally white South African university suggests that in such institutions, demographic realities, political pressures, educational necessities, and moral imperatives now work for, rather than against, a shift from a historically Eurocentric, male-dominated curriculum to an inclusive one. These universities are challenged to…

The University of the Orange Free State (South Africa) is testing effectiveness of group work with tutors as part of independent study modules. The method is based on an experiential learning cycle including pre- and post-testing, self-evaluation, reflective observation, active experimentation. Early indications are that most deficiencies of…

Describes the current South African university curriculum and degree structure, and proposes a new, more flexible model of academic progression that aims to improve articulation within the university system and between vocational/technical and higher education. The model is also intended to satisfy an emerging labor market need for more graduates…

An experiment in English-as-a-Second-Language pedagogy in a South African university's teacher education program looked at the effects of students' participation in construction of the course syllabus. Results are discussed from three perspectives: learning theory; the culture of learning; and cognitive style. The metaphor of mental…

Argues that radical constructivism addresses an age-old paradox in philosophy: that the knower must construct for himself a true representation of the real world, but the only access to that world is through the act of knowing. Discusses contributions of several epistemologists to this theory of knowledge and outlines current criticisms of it.…

Argues that student assessment plays a crucial role in the academic life of college students, and assessment arrangements embody the purposes of higher education. Reviews research suggesting learners' perceptions of course testing procedures is the single most important influence on learning. Outlines six guiding principles of test development to…

Compares radical and social constructivism, noting that in radical constructivism the role of the teacher in inducting the learner into existing discourse is inadequately explained, while social constructivist theory offers more to the practitioner. Argues that the former's overemphasis on personal construct theory and almost dismissive attitude…

Discusses problems in creating the information retrieval mechanisms used in constructivist computer-based learning environments to support knowledge discovery: (1) subject can not always be pre-specified and the learner may not know what to seek; (2) retrieval strategies differ considerably from conventional ones, with the search including data,…

Discusses issues in bringing about change in a higher education institution, including required changes in organizational culture, processes involved in effecting them, and continued management of organizational culture. Constructs a conceptual framework for such change, and discusses actual changes and management practices at the University of…

Considers the rationale and possible design for a university-level general language education curriculum in South African universities. Suggested components include language awareness (metalinguistics), cultural context, knowledge about language acquisition, and language learning strategies. Identifies practical, implementation issues of such a…