Prior to 2003, virtual universities were being created at a rate that would question the usual perception that higher education rarely changed, or changed (if at all) at a glacial speed. No comprehensive study of what was actually being created had been done; nor had anyone tapped the experiences of the developers in the states to see what was…

This case study reviews the emergence and evolution of eCore (the University System of Georgia's electronically delivered undergraduate core courses) over eight years and summarizes the issues, ongoing challenges, and lessons learned from interinstitutional collaboration in offering and administering a "virtual" shared core. The bulk of…

Provides a definition of policy research in education. Identifies categories of policy makers and researchers, reviews models and content of policy research, and proposes a mechanism for setting policy research agendas. (JDH)

Reviews the school reform efforts that took place in Sweden between the mid 1940s and late 1960s. Draws four conclusions regarding school reform efforts, among them that: (1) reforms must be conceived in a wider socio-economic context and may not substitute for social and economic changes, and (2) reforms must take into consideration educators'…

Provides a policy statement for the education of migrants in Europe. Covered are: definition of migrant population, general policy goals, curriculum structure, teacher qualifications, education of adult migrants, recommended research directions, and the provision of information to potential migrants prior to their arrival in the host country. (JDH)

This report outlines three aspects of research and innovation in higher education. First, the relevance of social science research methods to educational policy is discussed in relation to the bureaucratic and democratic distribution of power in higher education. Second, research and innovation are discussed and applied toward determining the…

This evaluation of an attempt by the Papua New Guinea Department of Education to establish Generalist Teaching (GT) in provincial secondary schools from 1973 to 1977 is based on survey and case study data. Generalist Teaching was introduced to schools by means of two department circulars proposing reorientation of grades 7 and 8 curricula from…

Analyzes the introduction of productive work into the Brazilian schools in the 1980s. Explains that productive work is a form of vocational training that combines general education and productive work in one institution. Concludes that the production school is not a feasible alternative in improving education for the lower classes. (RW)

Following an introductory description of the structure, administration, and general character of the Soviet system of education, this document discusses the status of educational research and innovation in the USSR. The system of research is outlined, and the organization and areas of inquiry of the major research institutions, including the…

Advocates revamping the British educational system from technical-rational content model to student-centered process programs designed to promote critical thinking, individual initiative, and communication skills. Discusses obstacles to this educational reform, emphasizing research orientation. Urges the British Educational Research Association to…

The United Kingdom must invest in a comprehensive system of post-18 education that is broadly inclusive and that offers a broad range of educational opportunities to meet the needs of both the increasing numbers of 16-year-olds choosing to pursue postsecondary education and the many older individuals needing additional education throughout their…