Based on insights gained from an Australian program of adult migrant English language education, it is argued that independent learning centers (ILCs) can be effective in assisting adult learners to develop both independent learning skills and language skills. The principles of independent learning and contemporary understanding about learning…

Many universities and colleges are moving from traditional on-campus teaching to also teaching online courses to distant students. Institutions face many challenges in supporting their distant students and need a holistic view of the support that distant students require. This paper proposes ways that institutions could meet these needs of online…

The document contains proceedings from a seminar on the education of gifted and talented children in Australia. The keynote address, "Expectations for Educating the Gifted and Talented" delivered by R. Strom, is divided into five main sections: school expectations (goal setting and motivation, scope of learning, mental health and…

This report presents an investigation of after-school care for primary school children in Western Australia. The needs of primary school children are discussed, and care provided through schools and communities is examined. The headmasters of 110 primary schools, in response to a questionnaire, reported a strong belief that many children were…

Noting that the increasing concern about violence in schools and society in general is evident in recent initiatives undertaken by the government in Victoria, Australia, this study explored students' conflicts in a Victorian primary school, focusing on the role of the teacher in student conflict. Participating in the exploratory study were 6…

Discusses pertinent issues relating to implementing online learning models in a higher education context. These issues include the changing roles of staff and students as they adopt new learning approaches; the notions of flexible learning and delivery; and the quality of education provided. (AEF)

Considers the schools of thought in language and learning, and examines how their theories and propositions affect teachers. Characterizes the teacher as a professional manager and discusses what it means to be such a person. Investigates what managers and teachers know and need to know-in-practice. (KEH)

Investigates the relationship between school environment and science classroom environment in secondary schools. Reports that the characteristics of the school environment are not transmitted automatically into the science classroom. Concludes that the effect the school-level environment has on student learning is mediated by classroom process…

A study of 16 middle-aged adults undergoing a career change into teaching investigated their relationships with their practicum supervisors, focusing on sources of tension arising from prior occupational identity and self-concept. A strong effect of prior occupational identity on social dynamics of the classroom supervision process was found.…

This study of 750 teachers in 16 Australian secondary schools found that teachers working in different types of schools (government, nongovernment, low socioeconomic, or high socioeconomic) reported different levels of occupational stress. The salience of perceived stressors, levels of role conflict, role ambiguity, and social support differed…

The trend toward unionization of Australia's public university faculty and the redefinition of academic work according to market forces are examined. It is concluded that there are substantial contradictions in subjecting public sector employment to private sector modes of work organization, reward systems, and management models that must be…

Distance education can improve rural education by alleviating geographic isolation of small rural schools and increasing educational opportunities for both students and teachers. In Australia, distance education technologies include telecourses for staff development and an electronic mail and bulletin board system linking schools. (LP)

Thirteen teachers and coordinators of vocational education and training in schools (VETiS) programs in eight Australian secondary schools were interviewed to determine the extent to which their involvement in school-based vocational education and training (VET) was grounded in their contact with contemporary workplaces, to identify the nature of…

This pilot study examined teaching strategies used by experienced early childhood teachers to scaffold their students' learning in pre-primary classes. Five teachers were involved; each was visited three times and videotapes were taken of teacher interaction in a range of classroom settings. The teacher language was transcribed from the videotapes…

Features of the information society are discussed, and implications for education are reviewed. The information society is dominated and even overwhelmed by information. Its future is uncertain, but regardless of the eventual potential for good or harm, information literacy is a precondition of the information society. Young people in Australia…