This timely book takes up the challenge of maintaining programs in the arts in the face of unrelenting pressure from two directions; the increasing focus on literacy and numeracy in schools, teamed with the cut-backs in public funding that often affect the arts most severely. Drawing on the wealth of evidence already available on the impact of the…

The value of portfolios as an assessment tool is thoroughly researched and their use in education is well documented ( Woodward, 2000). Research on the introduction of digital portfolios is substantially based on general portfolio research; however, additional specific factors and features need to be considered. One of the inherent dangers with…

A survey investigated the Australian federal research grant process from the perspectives of unsuccessful 1991 applicants (n=222) from four universities. Findings include a number of limitations in the peer review process and information dissemination by the funding agency and raise questions about external evaluator selection. (Author/MSE)

The Queensland (Australia) Board of Secondary School Studies developed a geography syllabus for senior classrooms which was implemented in 1980. Revisions of the syllabus took place in 1982 and 1986. Based on the 1986 evaluation, this report provides an evaluation, a summary of the findings, and advice to principals and teachers. Twelve case…

A library instruction program has been instituted in civil engineering at the Queensland University of Technology (Australia) in an effort to improve the research skills of fourth year students working on research projects. Students with extended library instruction were found to have better information-seeking behavior than others. (Author/MSE)

This handbook brings together information on the who, what, where, when, why, and how of adult basic education (ABE) research in Australia. Chapter 1 describes the ABE Research Project that developed this handbook. It summarizes the rationale and context for the project, describes its aims and content, provides details of the information gathering…

Summarizes two examples of cooperative activities developed in Australia between teachers and teachers and other professionals. Discusses what has been learned from the examples. (YP)

This article examines changes in Australia's higher education system (institutional mergers, market forces, expansion of enrollment) that threaten the quality of graduate-level research and comparability of Australia's standards internationally. The role of the research supervisor, the process of supervising research, and students' perceptions of…

Purpose: The intention of this paper is to encourage debate among ethical researchers on this very important issue. Research necessary to underpin health education and health promotion is often controversial and often involves vulnerable populations such as young people and children. It is essential that the rights of these respondents are…

The resource guide, designed for Australian educators in need of information about or skills in cross-cultural communication, lists print and audiovisual materials, personnel, and current projects in intercultural communication. Its contents were gathered by database search, survey, and interview. Introductory chapters describe the guide's…

This publication presents reports on four small-scale research projects conducted by educators that helped them explore ways of "doing literacy" and "doing literacy research." Focus of the projects was to learn more about how to do research by completing a work-based project related to literacy. "Teaching and Researching…

This digest summarizes the contents of the more than 50 separate items that were published by the Technical and Further Education (TAFE) National Centre for Research and Development in 1986-87. These items include major research reports, video programs, newsletters, clearinghouse reports and textbooks. The first section provides an overview of the…

This compilation of 137 document abstracts provides technical and further education (TAFE) teachers, counselors, researchers, and administrators with resumes of materials that have been accessed by the TAFE Clearinghouse. The following types of materials are included: research and technical reports, evaluation studies, curriculum materials, and…

The question of what makes 'good' literacy and numeracy provision was examined by reviewing interview data from a project on the role of vocational education and training that was conducted by the University of Tasmania's Centre for Research and Learning in Regional Australia. The study dataset included the findings from 541 structured interviews…

The volume and scope of research into adult and community education (ACE) in Australia have increased significantly over the past decade. Studies designed to map, reevaluate, showcase, and promote ACE have been funded by Australia's federal and state governments and by bodies such as Adult Learning Australia. Practitioner-generated research has…