Rather than a distinct vocational education and training (VET) system, Swedish institutions include VET as part of an educational philosophy stressing equity, integration, and comprehensiveness. The VET system forms part of a comprehensive model of education stressing active citizenship, work life orientation, and preparation for further studies.…

The Danes and the Swedes have perfected a form of true community education--the study circle. Sparked by social and political issues, these discussion groups have become an integral part of the democratic process in these countries. The history, theory, and possibilities for American use are outlined. (Author/MLW)

Autonomy in Swedish universities is investigated. A new approach to the analysis of the concept of university autonomy and an outline of a theory on university autonomy are presented. Autonomy is viewed as a vital characteristic of higher education; its role in Swedish education throughout history is analyzed. (Author/SF)

Introduces articles from a symposium about arts education in three Scandinavian countries (Norway, Sweden, and Denmark). Explains that the articles portray the relevant contexts for arts education, including the prevailing movements in arts education over the past century, general contents of the educational system, and the values and traditions…

In Sweden, working with young children in institutions outside the home dates back to the late nineteenth century when public child care provision developed in a context of industrialization, urbanization and democratization. Out of the charitable work of unmarried women in these early institutions, pre-schools and teacher education programmes…

This document is a report of a visit to the United Kingdom in May 1981, to research the types and functions of the adult education guidance and counselling services available there. The report is organized in five sections. The first two sections provide a rationale for educational guidance and counselling for adults and describe the adult…

Variations in the number of doctoral degrees awarded by Swedish universities since 1890 are being studied. Within a certain field of study, variations are found both at a national level between different periods, and at an institutional level between different universities. The focus is on the faculties of liberal arts, divinity, social science,…

The intent and results of the establishment of universities in the northern regions of Sweden and Ontario are examined, along with academic, financial, and geographic problems faced by each. (MSE)

The seven articles of this special issue comment on the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Assessment Reading Literacy Study conducted from 1989 to 1991 in 31 countries. Project design and test instruments are reviewed, and results from the Nordic countries are presented and explored. (SLD)

The research project has been funded by the Swedish National Board of Education (NBE) since 1983 and will be formally concluded and reported on in 1987 and 1988. This project forms parts of the NBE's work on the teaching of science and social subjects in compulsory school and is to include the analysis and testing of the feasibility of integrating…

Examines the history of two Swedish pre-school institutions: (1) the child-crib, a full-day institution for supervision of children of poor parents and (2) the kindergarten, a pedagogically-based half-day activity for children of wealthier parents. Explores the social contexts in which these family and childcare institutions belonged. (CMK)

When Egil Johansson began his work in the parishes of northern Sweden, women's history, in common with the history of literacy, was in its infancy. Demographers did not ask questions of their sources specifically about gender relations. In the succeeding quarter century women's historians have begun to ask key questions about processes such as…

This study focuses on the subject of PE in state texts and how the PE teacher and gender are constructed. The study is based on discourse analysis of state reports and curricula. Three teacher positions are identified: the body, the character and the lifestyle constructor. At the beginning of the studied period the state explicitly designed the PE…

This essay outlines the major changes in Swedish educational policy that occurred during the 20-year period from 1976 to 1996, with a focus on key issues in the development of the comprehensive school. Effects of the policy changes on Swedish curriculum research over the last 20 years are examined. Educational researchers neglected or were slow to…

The study circle concept, now almost a century old, is by far the most popular form of adult education in Sweden. Swedish study circles are sponsored by 10 national educational associations that receive substantial annual subsidies from the national government. Together with 140 folk high schools (residential adult programs), university short…