"Best practice" is currently being used to enable modernisation within the National Health Service (NHS) in the United Kingdom. One element of this is the Beacon programme where examples of hospitals that exemplify local "best practice" are supported to develop and disseminate learning across the wider NHS. The aims of this…

We welcome you to the International Conference on Education and New Developments 2014, taking place in Madrid, Spain, from 28 to 30 of June, 2014. Education, as an important right in our contemporary world, began since we exist. Knowledge and skills were passed by adults to the young, and cultures began to extend their experiences through various…

What happens to opportunities for learning when some of the structures of schooling are remodelled? What do children and young people do with these new opportunities? Drawing on research into creative projects in a primary and secondary school, and an after-school club for looked-after children, this paper examines a different way of working in…

This paper looks at the implications of Web 2.0 technologies for university teaching and learning. The latest generation of undergraduates already live in a Web 2.0 world. They have new service expectations and are increasingly dissatisfied with teacher-centred pedagogies. To attract and retain these students, universities will need to rethink…

This paper examines the use of digital resources by academic staff in a single UK University and its influence on academic practice over a two to three year period. The paper describes two linked studies that address several of the themes regarding the impact of electronic resources identified in this special edition. In particular it provides…

Is the United States getting it wrong when it comes to educating tomorrow's innovators in critical fields? It has been known for years that the only way to compete globally in information technology, engineering, nanotechnology, robotics and other fields is to give students the best educational opportunities possible. But do individuals have a…

There is a large literature on the productivity of universities. Little is known, however, about how different types of leader affect a university's later performance. By constructing a new longitudinal data set, I provide evidence that the research quality of a university improves after it appoints a president (vice chancellor) who is an…

Innovation can be as much a matter of process and content as of structure. Innovation in Australian higher education will be necessary in the next few years, but without the growth or structural change that usually accompanies it. (MSE)

Examines propositions for professional development of teaching in higher education. These propositions are analyzed through two models of innovation processes, and recommendations are provided for practices that need to be implemented in higher education if priority is to be given to development of teaching. (MBR)

This book, based on in-depth qualitative research in 15 universities in the United Kingdom, tells the stories of those who have been involved in rapid institutional changes in higher education. The chapters are: (1) "Introduction: 'Innovation'"; (2) "Researching Innovation"; (3) "The Experience of Innovators"; (4)…

Describes a program organizing curriculum in modules to train skilled workers in the United Kingdom. (BH)

To teach creativity to business students, a framework was used that involves bridging the intuition gap between knowledge/skills and application and providing simulations that enable students to experience chaos and uncertainty. Students enjoyed scenarios but found holistic learning uncomfortable. Peer support through group reflection helped…

Research conducted to identify challenges associated with inclusion of information and communications technologies (ICT) in construction curriculum in a British college. ICT had the potential to provide cost effective and efficient training. However, human issues, including staff training, student access to equipment, and communication across the…

A study of human resource practices in 18 automobile factories in the United States and Britain showed that manufacturing innovations are placing greater demands on line managers and workers. Training is being refocused to develop their interpersonal, team, and leadership skills. However, lack of time and suitable training facilities are barriers.…

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to report a work-based learning innovation developed in response to the skills agenda affecting post-registration continuing professional development for nurses. Design/methodology/approach: The experience of learners, mentors and assessors using the "Skills Bank" are illustrated as part of an…