After reviewing varous methods to evaluate college student learning, it is proposed that U.S. faculty at neighboring colleges could collaborate to construct tests, much like the external examinations used in the United Kingdom, to assess student learning and the quality of education more consistently. In the long term, this method would also…

A comparison of the public debates over higher education quality finds that, despite much common ground, the American concern focuses more on equity, access, curriculum content, and academic standards, whereas the British concern is for value for the money spent. It concludes that each debate can benefit from the other. (MSE)

A discussion of the relationship between educational quality and institutional management in higher education considers such issues as management's part in ensuring high quality educational performance, how closely connected management decisions are to educational decisions, and the means for judging institutional and administrative performance.…

This paper argues that a precondition for good studying and learning in undergraduate study is a reasonable student workload. Ways in which workload can be measured, in advance of presentation, are outlined. Suggestions on how to regulate student workload and some implications for curriculum and course design are presented. (GLR)

The teaching approaches and attitudes toward teaching of University of Queensland faculty rated superior under one rating system are examined, including professional and personal skills and attitudes such as subject area competence, ability to communicate knowledge in various classroom contexts, and commitment to facilitating learning in…

Recent elimination of binary higher education systems in the United Kingdom and Australia have common causes (increased secondary school retention, trend toward government regulation and away from autonomy, academic improvement of polytechnics). However, changes made in the systems are different and will affect educational opportunities, teaching…

A study evaluated a four-year undergraduate curriculum in occupational therapy based on the idea that qualitative differences in the way students approach learning, transferred to the group level, can help diagnose structural defects in a curriculum. Results and methodology are discussed. (Author/MSE)

The extent to which current concern with teaching quality in British universities will enhance serious pedagogical development is examined. Recent government initiatives for faculty development from the Department of Employment are seen as useful but not a replacement for rigorous intellectual training, and improved incentives and funding. (MSE)

This paper examines the background and implementation of the recent Australian decision to move from a binary to a unitary system of higher education based upon the universities and how the federal government's economic and efficiency goals for higher education greatly accelerated the demise of the dual structure. (GLR)

The study interviewed 20 university teachers of architecture recognized for excellent studio teaching. Fourteen factors contributing to effective studio teaching were identified, including teacher vitality, a match between teacher interests and the course, the frequent use of questioning techniques, use of students' interests, encouragement of…