After some attention to the what and why of open learning in general, aspects of learning situations in open learning systems in Melbourne and Manchester are raised for discussion. These aspects include mode of attendance, mode of learning, pace of learning, interaction with others, resources for learning, and content of learning. (CT)

This paper discusses the individual, family, household and area level characteristics associated with preschool attendance for Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians (aged three to five years who are not at school). Controlling for these factors explains all of the difference between Indigenous and non-Indigenous attendance rates for…

This paper reports issues arising from a longitudinal study of 1991 to 2002 Australian higher education equity data. The national equity framework uses an empirical performance indicator system to monitor access, participation, success and retention of six designated equity groups. The paper examines three possible approaches for defining new…

Non attendance of lectures and tutorials appears to be a growing trend. The literature suggests many possible reasons including students' changing lifestyle, attitudes, teaching and technology. This paper looks at the reasons for non attendance of students in the Faculty of Commerce at the University of Wollongong and identifies relationships…

A national study in Australia compared characteristics of students entering nursing education directly after secondary school and those delaying entry, for two cohorts (n=1,551 in 1987-90, n=2,295 in 1995). Results show significant differences in direct vs. delayed entry patterns between males and females, in geographic location (rural/urban) of…

The effects of Australia's increased postsecondary education attendance and some educational policy changes on the labor market are examined. Whether postsecondary education should be expected to provide vocational skills and delay labor market participation, or secondary school vocational preparation should be improved, is discussed. (MSE)

A study analyzed the performance of undergraduate students overall and by discipline in all Victorian (Australia) universities and identified key determinants of student progress in undergraduate courses. Data were drawn from 1990 student files. Findings and their implications for college admission policies and future research are examined.…

Forty-eight toddlers aged 17 to 31 months attending long-day childcare participated in this project, which examined some of the influences of the day-care context on their emerging pretend play. Ninety minutes of video-taped observations were collected for each participant as they engaged in free play with their same-age peers and their…

Using data from an Australian longitudinal survey, a study investigated the relationship between part-time employment and the decisions to pursue higher education and to persist after the first year. Results show employment was not critical to persistence. However, employment during secondary school reduced the likelihood of college attendance for…

Characteristics of the American university are examined as they are relevant to the concerns of Australian higher education. Aspects discussed include diversity of institutions, methods of governance, tenure and academic freedom, external peer review of programs and projects, research funding, and curriculum design and patterns of attendance. (MSE)

This paper presents an alternative view to the pedagogical needs relating to literacy for Aboriginal students. The question posed is how to utilize this knowledge to lessen the impact of perceived failure in early schooling of entrenched non-attendance patterns for Aboriginal students of compulsory school attending ages. The potential for…

An estimated 80%-90% of all Aboriginal students enrolled in the primary and secondary schools of Victoria, Australia, were tested and surveyed to determine their numbers, distribution, attendance, achievement, attitudes, and school leaving patterns. Most of the 1244 Aboriginals surveyed attended state schools and 75% were schooled in rural areas.…

A study of the transition of students to higher education in Victoria, Australia, is reported based on data supplied by the Victorian Universities Admissions Committee (VUAC), a mail survey of 1,300 applicants in 1980, and a series of extended interviews with a small number of applicants. A basic causal model for enrollment decisions (college…

Schools today are faced with increasing numbers of students with chronic illness. Medical advances, which improve health and prolong life, and increased incidence levels among some illnesses have led to this increase. Children with a chronic illness are more likely to encounter academic, social and emotional difficulties. The challenge facing…

Despite some improvements over time, national statistics point to a continuing gap in the average English literacy and numeracy achievement of Australian indigenous students when compared with non-indigenous students. A longitudinal study by the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) has been monitoring growth in the English literacy…