While active citizenship education programs are assumed to have positive benefits for the active citizenship practice of participants (UNESCO, 2009, p. 4), there is actually little evidence that programs do (de Weerd, Gemmeke, Rigter & van Riji, 2005, p. vii). This paper discusses a research project that aimed to determine and increase the…

There has been a recent surge of interest in cooking skills in a diverse range of fields, such as health, education and public policy. There appears to be an assumption that cooking skills are in decline and that this is having an adverse impact on individual health and well-being, and family wholesomeness. The problematisation of cooking skills…

The primary purpose of this project is to produce a set of guidelines on how to deliver adult literacy and numeracy education and training using a social capital approach. Social capital in this project refers to the networks that operate during resourcing, course design, recruitment, teaching and evaluation. The study focused on three specific…

This paper focuses on issues which affect the capability of technical and further education (TAFE) providers to meet their clients' and stakeholders' needs and draws extensively on the reports of the consortium research program which examined ways to help build vocational education and training (VET) provider and workforce capability. The paper…

Between 1937 and 1952 three differing philosophies for the reform of NSW schooling found expression in three successive ministers for education. David Drummond, the Country Party minister during the Great Depression, wanted to extend the well-established democratic principle of equality of opportunity and the formation of character. He emphasised…

Examines research issues in adult, community, and further education: the role of government in the research agenda; the questions of what is researched, which truths, and whose knowledge; ethics and values; the politics of research and research management; and research methods. Evaluates the state of Victoria's research strategy in terms of these…

Features of the Australian educational system are examined: the evolution of postcompulsory education, continuing education and training within employment from 1950-80, issues and options faced in the mid-1980s, and decisive changes in the structure of higher education at the end of the 1980s. (SK)

The author attempts to reflect accurately the present dichotomy in adult education many Australians feel between established institutions, especially universities, and the processes of change emanating from both government and ground-swell activity and need. A perpetual tug-of-war between "Federal" and "State" elements is…

After describing the political context and history of Australian adult education (termed, "depressing"), the author briefly discusses the reports, delivered or impending, of three government-sponsored committees on recommended future policy: on open tertiary education, on technical and further education, and on retraining. He predicts…

Notes that the introduction of competence-based training (CBT) into Australia was a tripartite initiative of government, industry, and unions. Relates this policy initiative to wider international trends; outlines some main features of CBT as it has been implemented in Australia; and considers advantages and limitations. (10 references) (Adjunct…

The article presents a comparative analysis of educational policy and provision in Sweden and Australia, with particular emphasis on the relative investment in continuing and further education in both countries. The authors investigate the extent to which further education opportunities provide a "second chance" at learning for adults…

The Council of Adult Education in Victoria, Australia, is one of a number of government adult education providers in the traditional adult education model which is now experimenting with new forms to deal with a growing diversity of adult student needs. Changes in organization, programs, and services are discussed. (MF)

This kit, the first of four learning circles on civics and citizenship, addresses a series of broad issues about the way in which Australia is governed. Introductory materials include a synopsis of the six sessions; lists of 51 references, 29 Internet sites, and 13 videos and CDs; glossary; and list of 19 resource materials. Session guides are…

A project identified strategies to increase participation by community members who traditionally have not used adult and community education (ACE) in Australia. Methodology included a focus group, literature research, and interviews with 70 people. Government-supported ACE was seen as having a broad role in supporting lifelong learning. ACE…

The objectives of this review of multicultural and migrant education in Australia were to survey nationally current activities; assess whether programs can be improved and, if so, make recommendations for change; and identify areas requiring further research. The review covers the following topics: (1) patterns of Australian multiculturalism; (2)…