Discussion of illiteracy in Australia: (1) statistical evidence on the incidence of adult illiteracy, (2) explanations for illiteracy, and (3) possible solutions to combat illiteracy. (ABM)

This compilation of one new article and 11 previously published articles from the Australian Literacy Educators' Association offers diverse perspectives on critical literacy. The articles explain the principles of critical literacy from a theoretical perspective, illustrate the comparative changes between theories of literacy development, detail…

Research in the form of a case study explores the factors that influenced physics enrollment in year 11 of a group of students taught over three consecutive years, from year 8 to year 10 in a New South Wales country school. The findings reveal that students who enjoyed their learning experiences in junior science and achieved good results in…

Talk remains by far the most used medium of instruction and classroom action. Classroom talk is typically dominated by triadic dialogue or an I-R-E (Initiate-Response-Evaluation) pattern of talk noted in the literature as consistent across grades and subjects. Studies seem to indicate that teachers utilize traditional forms of talk, even though…

This paper acknowledges the efforts of classroom teachers in preparing the next generation of language teachers; compares the roles of classroom and university teachers sharing the task of assisting a beginning teacher; and encourages teachers involved in teacher education to continue their involvement and invite others to join them. (three…

As engineering technician training developed in New South Wales in the 1950s-1960s, technical educators were marginalized by power struggles over apprentice recruitment and the complications of industrial legislation. However, educators and professional associations took a leadership role in the development of technician training in the metal…

Addresses some of the key issues likely to dominate U.S. and Australian higher education during the first decade of the 21st century, such as costs to students, technology and instructional delivery, and faculty roles and rewards. (EV)

Contends that having the responsibility to develop and implement curriculum is crucial to teachers' professional identity. Proposes that teachers are currently marginalized in the curriculum development process. Describes the opportunity presented to English teachers in 1986 to develop a Study Design for the Victorian Certificate of Education.…

Investigates changing teacher roles associated with two teachers' use of innovative mathematics materials at Grade Six. Findings indicate that one teacher demonstrated little change in either espoused beliefs or observed practice while the other teacher demonstrated increasing comfort in posing non-routine problems to students and allowing them to…

Provides vignettes of three Australian gifted elementary students who attended a grade 2/3 class of gifted and talented students and discusses the class's curriculum and activities. The role of the teacher in challenging, motivating, and encouraging the development of each child's individual interests is highlighted. (CR)

Evaluates the efficacy of tip sheets for teachers (n=20) that offer strategies for classroom management related to student behavior problems. Explains that the teachers chose students with behavior problems and used the suggestions from the tip sheets. Presents the results in detail. Includes references. (CMK)

Examines the preeminence of research in higher education. Reviews the modern university's history. Suggests that as most academics desire recognition, funding bodies are besieged by people seeking money for research. Argues that university staff members should be expected to contribute to, and should be evaluated for, teaching, research,…

Reports on a study of 24 Australian secondary teachers before and after an inservice program on the whole-school approach to discipline. Finds that higher principled teachers provided more perspective and guidance than those in the low moral judgment group. Recommends more joint decision making by teachers in developing a school's discipline…

Discusses the formulation of the Australian Literacy Benchmarks for Year 3 and Year 5. Suggests they (1) lay claim to designating a minimum standard; (2) represent "fuzzy" standards; and (3) are a composite based on a number of underlying criteria. Claims teachers' knowledge of student literacy achievement is a richer source of valid…

It is argued that university faculty, in their involvement with students, have the most direct impact on educational quality, and that impingement on their autonomy leads to reactive curriculum design, decreased motivation, and skewed values concerning research and publication. Australian university administrators are called on to use available…