The contribution describes a study on the organizational devices and the professional development programs carried out at the Teaching and Learning Center (TLC) of the University of Siena and at the Teaching and Learning Lab (TLL) of the University of Macerata. The focus is on systemic actions capable to elicit innovation at an organizational…

This article describes the experiences of staff responsible for developing and delivering professional development (PD) in online teaching in three universities in the same Australian state. Each university draws on a similar pool of staff and students, and operates under the same government regulations, but has used different models of policy and…

Ever since the first ideas of national independence appeared in Finland, adult education has played an essential role in shaping the destiny of the Finns. With a history of almost 130 years, during which it has continuously increased in quality and quantity, the Finnish adult education system has ensured that Finland stays among the most…

The value of creating an interactive science centre in a school context is explored. Practical advice is given about how to go about this, and its possible impact on the school and the improved perceptions of science are discussed. (Contains 12 figures and 3 resources.)

Since 2004, the National Institute of Education (NIE) in Samtse, Bhutan, has made systematic efforts to introduce information and communication technology (ICT) for learning support into its distance teacher education program. This article describes the early experiences of using ICT for distance education in Bhutan by teachers and students with…

In this article, the author describes Liguria Study Center for the Arts and Humanities in Bogliasco, Italy, which offers a stately perch from which a few lucky scholars and artists can gaze at the Mediterranean and gather their thoughts making it so conducive to the study of arts and letters. The center provides scholars and artists midcareer and…

Outlines a plan for a multidimensional language curriculum consisting of four components--language, culture, communicative activities, and general language education. (EKN)

Australia's Curriculum Development Centre was established by statute in 1975 in order to provide assistance at the national level to groups engaged in curriculum formation. The Centre's activities include the design, production, testing, and dissemination of educational materials and techniques; the evaluative study of school practice and…

In St. Louis, Missouri, the teachers are given excellent opportunities to put their pupils in touch with the world around them. Entering a school-room during a geography lesson, the visitor may find that the children, after a thorough study of the relief map, are transported into the country which is the subject of their lesson. They have before…

Examines findings and practical implications of a study on homework which helped Scottish policymakers, educators and families better understand, improve and build upon home-school relations. The study prompted the creation of study support centers in schools that were staffed by librarians, teachers, and parents. (JPB)

Serious attention should be paid to analysis of the ideological, social, and educational factors that influence Israel's secondary school curriculum. The values of the kibbutz and its educational system are not included in existing school courses and should be integrated into the social studies curriculum. More than 400 curricula, used in schools…

This book provides a retrospective account of the processes of curriculum development and evaluation of the Australian Science Education Project (ASEP), a venture which pioneered large-scale State-Commonwealth cooperation in education in Australia. The processes are described to identify practices for future curriculum initiatives. Important…

Australia's Curriculum Development Centre (CDC) functions within the Federal Ministry of Education to undertake and support curriculum research and development tasks and to develop and disseminate teaching and learning materials. This is accomplished through consultation and cooperation with education authorities at all levels throughout the…

A discussion of contemporary issues in Australian study centers for distance education students introduces six case studies which show how some institutions in Australia have endeavored to set up study centers or "borrow" existing local facilities to provide a measure of support for their students. Attempts to set up a telecommunications…

Study centers for the Open University are described. They provide students with an opportunity to meet other students, tutors, and counselors. Some possible future developments within the study centers are outlined. (JMF)