Potential problems of undergraduate practica in child psychology can be overcome if program developers take special care to arrange meetings involving supervisors, students, and academic advisors at the cooperating agencies; supplement student knowledge of abnormal child behavior; and set specific goals for each participating student. (DB)

In this essay, Cathy Sandeen states that the new postsecondary landscape requires looking at higher education as a system that provides multiple pathways in and through the various parts of the system, all with the goal of helping students complete a postsecondary degree, credential, or certificate. Sandeen observes two strengths in professional…

This article provides an overview of the teaching of evaluation across the disciplines noting changes that have occurred in the last 20 years, identifying common topics covered in a range of program evaluation courses, and discussing issues of course design and content that confront the experienced and novice instructor. (LMO)

Higher education plays a significant role in shaping the culture of societies. As globalization becomes more prominent in all aspects of civilization, higher education must respond and lead in this endeavor. It is incumbent upon postsecondary institutions to train the leaders of tomorrow to lead in a world without boundaries, and to be able to…

Expanding and rethinking the nature of secondary education in Sub-Saharan African countries, traditionally reserved for elites and few others, are becoming crucial to successful individual and national participation in the global economy. As governments and donors turn their attention increasingly to secondary education, policies are being…

A discussion of comparative higher education looks at the types of comparative studies that can be attempted, and whether they must test pre-constructed hypotheses. Some of these hypotheses are outlined. The contributions of a current international comparative study (United Kingdom, Norway, Sweden) are examined. (MSE)

Examines quantitative studies, especially small-scale statistical probes, which have become the dominant mode of inquiry in higher education, but criticisms of this approach are mounting. Describes the presuppositions of this prevailing mode, and several strands of criticism, noting how education and social research have changed over four decades.…

Argues that comparative studies in higher education are helpful in conceptual restructuring and in understanding how higher education is shaped by common international trends, reforms based on comparisons, increasing trans-national cooperation, and some supra-national integration of systems. Recommends a semi-structured research design allowing…

The history of comparative higher education for purposes of policy analysis is chronicled from its origins in comparative political science and public administration. Methodology is discussed, and some recent studies are examined. It is concluded that comparative higher education has not gone far beyond the descriptive stage, and must take…

While most comparative higher education research focuses on the transition from elite to mass education, two other aspects deserve study: substantive academic growth, with roots in the research imperative and the dynamics of disciplines; and innovative university organization, a concern among practitioners as universities seek greater capacity for…

Suggests that the study of contemporary history can provide a vehicle for testing the validity of theories developed in higher education policy studies. Greater attention to the cultural and historic contexts of higher education, particularly in cross-national studies, is urged. (MSE)

Issues concerning the professional development of university administrators in Australia are discussed, including the lack of a body of knowledge about university administration; the need for a well-defined level of expertise, theory supporting administration's role, and political pressures for professionalization; and resistance to change. A slow…

An analysis of the role and functions of the United Kingdom's newly-implemented Higher Education Statistics Agency looks at key features of the data collection and storage system, including its comprehensiveness, new record structure, capability for tracking individuals, data categories and coding, quality of data, and data accessibility. Despite…