Discusses current issues in quality assessment in higher education in the United Kingdom especially the development of discipline based generic threshold standards to ensure that graduates have the requisite levels of skills. Considers the necessary characteristics of such standards and suggests that standards should be part of quality assessment.…

Soon there will be national occupational standards of competence for managers of outdoor education and recreation centers in the United Kingdom. Charlotte Mason Management Services has mounted a competence-based residential course for outdoor and environmental center managers. Fewer than half the participating managers have had any previous…

This issue looks at competency-based vocational training, especially in Germany, the United Kingdom, and Sweden, as well as the definition of and difference between worker qualification and competence. The need for organizational and political changes in training and the issue of skills versus competence are examined. (JOW)

Use of a competency-based framework for initial teacher training in Britain was studied in one institution. Students felt that both competency-based training and reflection on practice generated self-assessment and monitoring. However, time pressures in implementing competence frameworks sometimes limited opportunities for reflection. (SK)

In the first decade of the 21st century, the nation, the states, and colleges and universities began to grapple with the challenges of globalization, changing demography, the implications of the digital era, and of a less expansive public sector. Although not a transformative period for higher education, the decade saw significant innovations in…

This article discusses similarities in educational trends in the United States and the United Kingdom, and criticizes the back-to-basics movements in each country. The need for further research in education and its application to the fullest development of children is suggested. (BH)

The author argues that the behaviorist approach to learning inherent in competency-based education is inappropriate for teaching and learning at the higher education level, because it both prescribes and restricts content, methodology, and learning options. Discussion is in the context of a current British postsecondary education policy…

Traces the history and philosophy of core skills. Suggests that, although the way they are used in training and vocational education has positively changed the way skills are viewed, the approach is narrow in outlook, especially the General National Vocational Qualifications, and may not serve the best interests of industry or society. (Author/JOW)

This paper outlines research findings about the future of work in the United Kingdom and discusses the implications for the future of education. A 2-year study sponsored by the Royal Society of the Arts predicts that in the next 20 years, conventional full-time, permanent jobs will almost disappear; flexible working, in every sense, will be the…

Part 1 of this document suggests a curriculum framework and strategy for vocational education and training provision for youth over age 14 in the United Kingdom. Section 1 describes vocational preparation as a supportive process of education and training necessary to accompany vocational change. Section 2 discusses the aims and themes necessary to…

At the heart of the Royal Air Force's revised basic engineering training is competency based assessment. Discusses the need for: new technologies, different skills, new competences, appropriate expectations, systems awareness, and skills integration. Examines training requirements; approach used (task analysis, final criterion test, interim tests,…

Looks at the "Passport to Success" scheme introduced by the Sheffield Chamber of Commerce in a bid to address the employability skills problem among young people. States that the scheme was launched in September 2001 in partnership with a local comprehensive school with the intention of helping pupils make the transition from school into…

Describes a new competence-based engineering doctorate proposed by the Science and Economics Research Council (United Kingdom). The Parnaby Report mandated expert knowledge; appreciation of industrial engineering and development culture; skills in: project and program management, teamwork and leadership, communication, technical organization,…

A research study examined what competence-based management training (CBMT) is, how organizations are using it and why, and what impact it has had. It drew on evidence from a survey and case studies conducted among large employers in Britain (United Kingdom). General findings from 377 respondents indicated that the use of competencies was…

The Graded Objectives in Modern Languages (GOML) approach has contributed to the reform and development in the teaching of modern languages in the United Kingdom during the past 10 years. The introduction of shorter-term goals has revolutionized the way in which large numbers of teachers think about what should be taught to their students, and how…