This publication presents information on how different equity groups fare in their VET journey. The featured equity groups have historically been disadvantaged in accessing and benefitting from education in Australia. The focus is on their participation, achievement in and outcomes from VET. Data on the following equity groups are presented: (1)…

The number of mixed-ethnic adolescents from multicultural families in South Korea has rapidly increased over the last several years. Although traditionally ethnically homogeneous, Korea has recently shifted toward multiculturalism, yet little research has compared mixed and single-ethnic youth on adverse outcomes in Korea and, to date, no research…

Farmer field schools (FFSs) originated in Asia as a means of achieving several objectives, of which key was to deliver training on 'integrated pest management' as an alternative to intensive pesticide spraying, which was severely damaging farm production, the environment and farmers' health. Integrated pest management (IPM) was developed in the…

The recent release of the Gonski Review recognises the decline in Australia's schooling performances over the last decade, noting in particular a distressing increase in the "achievement gap" affecting students from low SES backgrounds (Gonski, 2012). The report details the need for more quality in teachers throughout the schooling…

Lower socioeconomic strata in Russia have their origins in both the former Soviet lower strata and economic decline of the 1990s. Part of the reason for their persistence is the geographic mismatch between jobs and the labor supply, in addition to lack of education, skills, and social support. The situation cannot be solved by just providing…

In a period of student loan scandals and U.S. financial market instability impacting on the cost and availability of student loans, this paper looks at alternative models of higher education funding. In this context, it also considers the level of financial support that the government should provide to higher education.

Teachers make up one of the lowest income groups in Turkey. Research tells us that with their large class sizes, poor structural and physical characteristics of the classes, and the inadequate professional conditions offered to teachers, education at the university level is not up to modern standards. The aim of the study reported in this paper is…

Based on the several surveys conducted since the 1990s onward, this paper aims to demonstrate that in terms of the access to higher education, social class differentiation is far starker than that of urban/rural income in contemporary China. According to the investigation that focused on students enrolled in 37 universities, the chance of farmers…

Explores the reasons rural women have become elementary school teachers in the state of Oaxaca (Mexico), and examines how recent economic changes may be changing the female population that wants to become teachers to an even poorer segment of society. Ethnographic research was conducted with 35 Oaxacan teachers or teacher candidates. (SLD)

The report describes the development and operation of a communal laundry center, or housewife club in Netivot, Israel which provides laundry facilities, a social meeting place, and a variety of classes and services for users. The proposal for the club grew out of the difficulties facing the district social welfare bureau in solving the laundry…