Since the 1970s an "ethics boom" has occurred to counter the disappearance of ethics education from tertiary institutions. This "boom" appears to be absent from teacher education programs in Australia and the United States. Given persistent calls to enhance teacher quality this is problematic because quality teaching is…

This paper explores the dynamics and outcomes from a collaborative, cross-cultural approach to teaching an Indigenous education elective unit in a Bachelor of Education (Primary) undergraduate degree at University of Ballarat in 2009. The three facilitators, one non-Aboriginal and two Aboriginal were a lecturer, an Aboriginal Centre Manager and…

Universities worldwide are developing peer mentoring programmes to assist first-year students' transition into university life. Awareness of the mentees' experiences in the mentoring programme--the successes and challenges--contributes to ongoing planning for successful transition for first-year students. Also, understanding the mentors'…

A study measured costs and benefits of awarding studentships (scholarships) to teacher trainees who in return "bond" themselves to undertake a period of teaching. Compared with other alternatives, the studentship scheme is found to be "a very expensive method of recruitment." The case against it is found to be very strong.…

The question of student teachers connecting what is learned at university and within school sites has always been considered problematic. At the University of New England (UNE), in New South Wales, Australia, this issue is addressed through an action research project undertaken by fourth year Bachelor of Education (BEd) primary students during…

Stress adaptation research suggests that individuals need not only strategies and skills to solve problems, but also supportive environments in which solutions can be accomplished. A general profile of Australian freshmen education majors was drawn to examine their adjustment to and behaviors in the college environment. Results indicated that 80%…

Outlines some of the challenges facing tertiary education courses in early childhood in Australia, including the competency movement, university and TAFE (technical and further education) restructuring, articulation between courses, and effective communication in a field which spans children from birth through age eight. Notes that outcomes of…

Some sectors of tertiary education face reduced enrollments resulting from a falling demand for teachers. Questions discussed include university participation in teacher training programs, role of colleges of advanced education in teacher training, mergers, and four-year training for all teachers. (MLW)

A survey of 341 graduates of a 3-year bachelor of teaching program, a 4-year bachelor of education program, and a 1-year graduate diploma of education program at 1 Australian university investigated the students' paid employment while attending the program, career aspirations, the extent to which the programs were preparation for teaching or other…

This paper explores the possibilities presented in examining taken for granted aspects of pre-service teacher practicum practices, especially in terms of naming and positioning within teacher education, as they present at a regional university in Ballarat, Australia. The University of Ballarat has introduced a new P-10 teacher education course…