Provides an overview of papers presented at the Scholarship of Teaching Economics conference held at the University of Melbourne (Australia) in July 2000. Considers who should determine the curriculum, what should be taught, and how the curriculum should be taught. (RLH)

Describes course format, materials development, and evaluation of an introductory economics course which stressed problem solving techniques and conceptual skills instead of rote memorization of factual content. For journal availability, see SO 506 029. (AV)

Examines the increasing cooperation between business and education in Australia, discussing some of the initiatives put forth by business leaders and educators. Initiatives undertaken by Deakin University have included a wide range of projects, courses, publications, and associations designed to improve understandings between business and early…

Investigated gender differences in economics education and achievement, using data from a study of Australian secondary school students that collected data on student background and economics achievement (via the Test of Economic Literacy). Results showed few gender differences related to item bias, total performance, and student background…

Presents evidence of a substantial decline in undergraduate degrees in economics from 1992 through 1996 in Australia, Canada, Germany, and the United States. Finds no correlation between decline and degree cost, tightened grading standards, or degree requirements. Finds increased interest in business education to be the predominant cause. (RLH)

This document summarizes health care economics syllabi and programs in English-speaking countries according to target audience, level, and degree of intensity of health care economics training. The report is for teachers of health care economics as well as for general economists interested in this field. The first two sections examine typical…

A study investigated Australian students' reasons for choosing an extra year's study (honors) in economics when good employment opportunities were available without the added training. Factors considered include student background, current circumstances, achievement, course structure, perceived demand for honors graduates, opportunity costs, and…

In 1999, 157,800 overseas students studied in universities, vocational education and training (VET) institutions, schools, and other education and training organizations in Australia. Some 20 percent of all overseas students undertook VET programs; of these, 55 percent were enrolled with providers in the public VET sector. The majority of overseas…

An evaluation of Monetary Economics, a course offered to distance education students of the University of Queensland in 1979 and 1980, was conducted in 1981. Monetary Economics is an innovative course designed and prepared using principles of educational technology specifically for distance education, and for the planning of effective interaction…

This study sought to determine what a group of first-year English as a Second Language (ESL) university students learned from a series of lectures in English, how the students learned what they appeared to learn, and what features of the lecturer's presentation most affected the learning of the students. Twelve international ESL business students…

Highlights the differences between American and Australian undergraduate economics instruction and indicates those aspects of the American teaching model likely to be adapted. Specifically, Australian teachers favored deemphasizing the traditional lecture/tutorial model in favor of a more student-oriented approach. (MJP)

A study examines current approaches to assessing the academic writing needs of non-native speakers of English (NNSs), first by reviewing recent research into student writing needs and then by a survey of students, tutors, and English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) teachers. Critical examination of recent studies finds problems in both their approach…

Asserts that the primary goal of economics education is to help students understand the economic world around them and make more informed personal and social decisions. Reviews comparative studies of economic education and student achievement in the United States, Japan, Germany, Austria, Australia, and the United Kingdom. (CFR)

Thirty-eight projects designed to improve educational opportunities of rural Queensland children were initiated in 1977 and funded through the Disadvantaged Schools Program; the program was renamed the Country Area Program and made a permanent School Commission program in 1982. The program resulted from a 1977-79 Schools Commission report…

Thirty-two projects designed to improve educational opportunities of rural Queensland children were funded as part of the Disadvantaged Schools Program in 1979 and 1980. This program resulted from a 1977-79 Schools Commission report which suggested that students in country areas may be disadvantaged compared to urban dwellers, with respect to…