Moderation is a quality assurance process that plays a central role in the teaching, learning, and assessment cycle in higher education. While there is a growing body of research globally on teaching, learning, and, to a lesser degree, assessment in higher education, the process of moderation of assessment has received even less attention. In a…

Over the past decade in Australia, a neo-liberal political climate has delivered to universities and schools increasing expectations concerning accountability and conformity within professional standards frameworks. This has contributed to growing pressure around Professional Experience programs within teacher education. In light of such…

There has been a steady decline in the number of secondary and tertiary students studying mathematics and science. Rural schools also report a shortage of qualified teachers in these disciplines. This paper describes the steps taken at the University of New England (UNE) to improve the provision of mathematics and science education (MS) in rural…

The major aim of this study was to examine the relationship between teachers' curriculum preferences in the primary school and the relative value they place on PE compared to other key learning areas (KLAs) of the primary curriculum. Data were collected from 422 pre-service and 63 in-service classroom teachers. Results suggested that most…

This paper explores the formative basis of the professional reflective practice of in-service science teachers through their reconstruction of their pre-service interaction with lecturing staff. It reports through the voice of graduates of the Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Teaching double degree program of Avondale College, NSW who are currently…

Argues that the responsibility for the productivity of teachers must be shared by preservice institutions, professional teachers' associations, the school, and the individual teacher. Lists in-service activities used in a specific school district and presents a brief account of a review of reading-related language activities undertaken in that…

This booklet summarizes results of a conference in Queensland (Australia) concerning the implications for teacher education of integrating students with special educational needs into local schools. The conference arose from two earlier reports of the Advisory Council for Special Educational Needs. Key principles were identified and prioritized.…

A study traces changes in teachers' views of inservice education during the first three years of a state-administered teacher development program in Australia. The findings are compared with those of another national study recommending increasing the availability of inservice education. Strengthening current information systems of professional…

A group of 26 nurses working with families from non-English-speaking backgrounds collaborated in the development and testing of problem-based learning packages. Their usefulness for graduate nursing programs and inservice education was demonstrated. (SK)

This paper reports on research into the professional development practice of principals in the Diocese of Parramatta, which administers a system of approximately 75 schools in the west of Sydney, Australia. A survey of 46 principals gathered data on respondents' qualifications, association membership, participation in Catholic Education Office…

Characteristics of a minicourse developed at Macquarie University in Australia, its application in Australia, and potential for countries in the Asia-Pacific region are discussed. A minicourse is defined as an entire course of studies for a group, similar to a conventional course but compressed into a few hours. The Australian minicourse is…

The main purpose of this paper is to outline the ways educational administrators are prepared in Australia. Universities and Colleges of Advanced Education (CAEs) provide the formal preparation programs in educational administration. An analysis is made of the types of programs generally offered and the role of the universities and the CAEs. The…

The Rural Extension Centre at the University of Queensland (Australia) Gatton College provides accredited education and training for practicing rural extension professionals, from certificate to masters level, through a workplace-based program of adult learning projects and workshops. Action learning and the application of adult learning…

This report on Australia is one of a series of reports on the development of recurrent education in member countries by the Center for Educational Research and Innovation. The report outlines the Australian educational system, surveys official views and policies in education and government, and compares these to a checklist of the basic principles…