There is an identified shortage of mathematics and science teachers across Australia and many of these teachers leave the profession within 3 to 5 years of graduating. This paper provides important insights on what motivates people to become science and mathematics teachers in Australia. Data drawn from two surveys, one investigating why students…

The state of language education in Australia has long been described as paradoxical. Oscillating between periods of increased attention and seeming invisibility, over the last thirty years, the language learning sector has been punctuated by a succession of aspirational declarations and funding injections with little long-term impact on its…

Some universities rely on their élitism as one mechanism to attract and retain talented faculty. This paper examines two groups of élite and non-élite universities and the mediating effect that work engagement has on affective commitment and intention to quit. Findings indicate partial support for the mediating effect of work engagement in the…

This paper suggests that as university missions have adapted to accommodate major developments associated with, for instance, mass higher education and internationalisation agendas, university workforces have diversified. They now, for instance, incorporate practitioners in areas such as health and social care, and professional staff who support…

A study measured costs and benefits of awarding studentships (scholarships) to teacher trainees who in return "bond" themselves to undertake a period of teaching. Compared with other alternatives, the studentship scheme is found to be "a very expensive method of recruitment." The case against it is found to be very strong.…

Two suggestions are offered for alleviating the apparent stagnation of departments in Australian universities: a higher proportion of limited term appointments, and interchange of staff between universities and other agencies. Implications for recruitment and promotion are discussed. (LBH)

Appointments to all universities in Australia are examined for the years 1961 to 1974, during which time nearly 40 percent of academic appointees came from overseas. The proportion was inversely related to university size, but unrelated to institutional age or total appointments. Implications of the flow patterns and directions for research are…

The ageing of the Australian population and its implications are now well-established on the Australian public policy agenda. Part of this interest is in its impacts on the Australian workforce. It is less well known that different segments of that workforce have quite different age structures. The academic sector has one of the oldest workforces…

Focuses on the "E Course," a teacher recruitment and training program from Australia's colonial education delivery in Papua New Guinea (PNG). Discusses the context of post-war education in PNG. Explores the E Course program addressing issues such as the experience of E course teachers and the syllabus. (CMK)

Twenty-three second-year education students at Charles Sturt University (New South Wales) participated in a three-week practicum program at remote rural schools. Participants offered generally positive comments about the value of the teaching and living experience and willingness to teach in such schools in the future. (SV)

This paper examines seven variables or issues regarded as central to improving the recruitment, training, and retention of rural teachers, doctors, and other professionals, as well as efforts to overcome related problems in rural Australia and Canada. First, selection practices should identify professionals from rural backgrounds and those with…

This report presents projections on teacher supply and demand in Australia. Section 1 introduces the report. Section 2 examines the nature and scope of the projections. Section 3 discusses uses and interpretations of such projections and their findings, offering constructive responses. Section 4 outlines the historical context of school…

This paper examines trends in the supply and demand for elementary and secondary teachers in Australia, concluding that, overall, a sufficient supply of qualified teachers should be available to meet the expected slight increase in demand for teachers from 1998-2001. Data come from a mandated monitoring of and annual report on the supply and…

During 1985 and 1986, the Queensland Board of Teacher Education undertook a major review of teacher education and certification in Queensland. The report analyzes the social and educational trends emerging in Australia and formulates a view of the desirable roles and competencies of teachers in the future. Full recognition of teaching as a…

Examines the need for better preparation of teachers to live and work in rural Australia. Uses responses from a rural Queensland community meeting to discuss preparation needs related to multiage classrooms, cultural differences, and school-community involvement. Describes a new internship/mentor program at Queensland University of Technology that…