Research education has been dominated in recent years by policy-driven preoccupations with doctoral completions, funding and contributions to the economy. This has led universities to focus on enhanced institutional support for research degrees, with an emphasis on supervision, in particular the training of supervisors, and provision of a richer…

Examines the use of writing groups as a strategy for research development, asserting that writing is best considered a starting point of the research process and that fostering academic writing is a useful place to do research development work. The article describes the use of various writing groups over 3 years, exploring the responses of leaders…

Argues that while reflective practice is a useful and emerging component in professional education, there are misconceptions about the nature of reflection and inappropriate applications. A discussion of reflective practice looks at the effective use of reflective activities and proposes that reflection needs to be flexible, is highly…

The difficulties of undertaking education development in higher education are explored, using the Educational Objectives in Applied Science project, conducted with the Scottish Universities of Strathclyde and Heriot-Watt to illustrate the problems. This project sought to replan engineering courses within an established system. (JMD)

The professional development and accountability of new staff are discussed, and the University of New South Wales' department-based plan for new staff development is described. The program involves planning sessions and record keeping of responsibilities, achievements, needs for professional development, and the resources provided to assist staff.…

The ability to communicate in group situations is an important skill required by graduates. Discussed are the difficulty of assessing class participation fairly, the potentially negative effects of assessment on the learning environment, how to choose evaluation criteria, when and how to record class participation, and different types of…

The need to change higher education to respond to the demands for continuing education is discussed, and the contributions of three groups to the facilitation of learning through learning-centered and problem-based curriculum design are examined. (MSE)

Assessment of class participation can be used effectively in student evaluation, but it should not become subjective, impressionistic, and unreliable. It provides an opportunity for peer and self-evaluation, but refinements in techniques and criteria are needed. (MSE)

This paper describes an approach to assessment in which university students create a comprehensive and analytical summary, called the self-assessment schedule, of their learning in a given subject. The application of the schedule in postgraduate courses is discussed, and the views of staff and students are reported. (Author/GLR)

Many current assessment practices are incompatible with the goals of independence, thoughtfulness and critical analysis; common forms of assessment are not consistent with the behavior of academics in their own contributions to knowledge; and the assessment policy of many departments undermines approaches to learning. (Author/MLW)