The objective of this paper is to describe and analyse the role that study groups might play in improving the entrepreneurial competencies of farmers. The most important competencies are described. Emphasis is placed on group learning processes and participatory approaches. Theories of adult learning and extension paradigms in relation to our…

A considerable amount of current research on teaching and teacher education focuses on teacher collaboration. Teacher collaboration is presumed to be a powerful learning environment for teachers' professional development. However, empirical research about how teachers actually learn in collaborative settings is lacking. In this study, learning…

On December 7, 1988, the director of the Regional Pedagogic Centre of the Netherlands, Dook Kopmels, presented a workshop that focused on primary education in Ireland. Contents concerned: (1) official aims of primary education in Ireland; (2) responsibility for organizing primary education at national, regional, local, and school levels; (3) the…

Interviews in five Dutch printing/communications firms, survey responses from 462 of 1069 managers, and a DACUM (Developing a Curriculum) process identified technical changes, skill needs, and management tasks in the industry. A new structure was developed for training managers in these roles: producer, innovator, motivator, administrator,…

Building on the tradition of agricultural extension, this article discusses several changes in thinking regarding the relations between communication and innovation. Starting from the idea that network building, social learning and conflict management are key processes to be supported by communication professionals, the article makes critical…

This publication discusses plans for an experimental "middenschool" program, which is being considered for adoption in the Netherlands. The middenschool program would extend the period of basic education beyond primary school into the first stage of secondary school, serving students in the 12-16 or 11-15 age bracket. This booklet…

To reduce the multiplicity of secondary schools, broaden students' educations, allow later career choices, and increase educational equality, the Netherlands in 1975 established several experimental comprehensive secondary schools. Opposition at the time led to the separation of the schools from the regular school system. Development of the…

It is a long and winding road from invention to innovation. Starting from this observation, this paper presents a historical perspective on the capabilities engineers should possess to do their work. The importance of the "communicative competence" involved in creating a social base for innovation is underpinned. We will present a…

Describes the process involved in the adaptation of a German multimedia package developed and produced by FWU Munich for the geography curriculum in the Netherlands. (CHC)

Two case studies were conducted: (1) linear innovation through technology diffusion in Dutch agriculture and (2) knowledge sources and learning processes of Dutch farmer- entrepreneurs. Learning and innovation were central to entrepreneurship. Innovative learning involved balancing the chaos of uncertainty and the status quo of experience.…

Freedom of educational choice has existed for over 85 years in the Netherlands. Despite the system's excellent quality, it is expensive and features a relatively uniform curriculum. The Dutch experience suggests that choice will not result in an open, competitive market in education, because professional, political, and public interests will…

Describes, in a case study, the growth in reasoning ability with fractions of one student in a newly developed program of 30 lessons during one whole school year. Indicates that the program and its teaching stimulated the progress of an average performer in mathematics. (Author/MM)

In 12 brief chapters, a view is provided of elementary school improvement efforts made by participants in the Contact School Plan of the Council of Europe's Council for Cultural Co-operation. The Contact School Plan created a network of 12 schools implementing innovative educational practices in as many nations. Chapters 1 and 2 describe the…

During the 1970s, evaluation researchers realized that adoption of a curricular innovation does not ensure its implementation. This paper asks which strategies of educational policy and external support are relevant for implementing curricular innovations, particularly in the Netherlands. The first three sections discuss why and for whom…

Application of a knowledge and information systems perspective shows how agricultural innovation can be enhanced through networking. In the Netherlands, a number of alternative systems of inquiry and learning are infused with this perspective: participatory technology development, participatory rural appraisal, soft systems methodology, and rapid…