This document contains five papers examining evaluation concepts and practice in selected distance education (DE) institutions. "Preface" (Harish Rathore, Rudolf Schuemer) defines evaluation in DE and provides an overview of the evaluation philosophies, agendas, and methodologies discussed in the five papers. "Evaluation Practices at the Indira…

This report discusses the use of performance indicators (PIs) in higher education, focusing on definitions, frameworks, examples, and implications for universities. It notes that demands for accountability have led to intense interest in university performance measures, and that early indicators simply described the university or the system and…

This issue of the Coordinator's Notebook focuses on the quality of Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) programs. The bulk of the issue is devoted to an article "Quality in ECCD: Everyone's Concern" (Judith Evans), which reviews the need for a definition of high quality in ECCD programs and discusses how diverse stakeholders…

The search for indicators of quality for colleges and universities was initiated during the past decade and many variants of these efforts have emerged in Europe, Australia, and on the North American continent. In the financial squeeze of the 1980s and 1990s, demands for quality and excellence in the conduct of higher education have continued to…

This paper summarizes the proceedings of a conference held to discuss evaluation in vocational education. The agenda included welcome speeches and the introductory address by Robert Savy, President of the Regional Council of Limousin (France); an opening session with statements from representatives of the Commission of the European Communities…

This publication reports on a conference concerning postsecondary (post-compulsory) education in the United Kingdom in light of current dramatic changes in education and society with particular focus on vocational qualification structures. Individual sections provide summaries of the following topics considered at the conference: (1) the…

The English version of a Polish journal on higher education is presented. Included are 19 articles on the problems and experiences of these institutions, three articles on teacher's workshops, and three review articles. Titles and authors include: "Polish Science in 1973-1986" (Benon Miskiewicz); "The Humanism of the Contemporary…

This handbook, which is intended for further education (FE) practitioners and decision makers in Britain looking to develop high-quality information and learning technology (ILT), presents practical guidelines for conducting the self-assessment, analysis, prioritizing, and action planning required to make strategic decisions about ILT at their FE…

The Major Project in the Field of Education in Latin America and the Caribbean resulted from a consensus of the countries of the region concerning the necessity for a renewed, intensive, and sustained effort to meet unsatisfied basic educational needs between now and the year 2000. The five articles in this bulletin explore innovative alternatives…

Seven papers present international perspectives on the relationship between education and child development. Conclusions reached in research on developmental genetics, cognitive development, and classroom instruction are considered, characterizing the current state of knowledge with respect to the influence of education on achievement outcomes.…

Recent national policies and legislation have made it imperative for the United Kingdom's further education (FE) institutions to adopt strategic approaches to the management of quality, change, and organizational development. It is necessary that any strategic approach developed by an FE college integrate processes, culture, and structure into a…

A 1993 study examined the range of opportunities that Open College Network (OCN) accreditation offered to learners with learning difficulties and disabilities in Great Britain. It examined OCN quality processes, including recognition panels, moderation, and internal quality systems. Information was gathered from the National Open College Network,…

This paper reviews the research on the effects of class size on educational quality in higher education, and discusses the characteristics of the students and kinds of course organization that facilitate effective large-class teaching. It notes that while early research found that class size mattered, newer studies have shown that factors other…

Five articles on historical developments in higher education are presented. In "Oxford Dons and Professional Men in Victorian England," Arthur Engel discusses how 19th century Oxford dons sought to make university teaching into a profession, as well as the trend toward specialization in other developing professions. In "'Western' Colleges,…

This newsletter reports on significant events organized by the European Information Centre of Charles University, Prague, and on activities in the field of further education of teachers in Europe. Reports on the following topics are included: (1) new trends in teacher education in the contemporary world; (2) perspectives on the life-long education…