Welfare Reform on the Web (April 2003): Education - Overseas
THE ACTIVIST TEACHING PROFESSION
J Sachs
Buckingham: Open University Press, 2003
This book examines the complexities of teachers' identities and work, and acknowledges the tension between accountability and autonomy from a worldwide perspective. It explores the issues of teacher professionalism in transition; the rethinking of the practice of teacher professionalism; and politics of professionalism.
ADULT EDUCATION IN GREAT BRITAIN, NORWAY AND SPAIN: A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF PARTICIPATION, MOTIVIATION AND BARRIERS
E M Skaalvik and L Finbak
Trondheim: Tapir Academic Press, 2001
This book presents the results of a study of adult education in Great Britain, Norway and Spain. The study analysed psychological processes involved in participation and non-participation in adult education. It looked specifically at the scale of participation, in particular focussing on:
- which group of adults participated the most
- barriers to learning
- conceptions of learning and perceived benefits of adult education.
THE BIG SQUEEZE
J Budd
Guardian Education, February 18th 2003, p.10
In the US there is talk of another recession. The entire higher education system is already feeling the pinch.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT IN SCHOOLS: FROM CONCEPT TO PRACTICE
M G Sanders
Education and Urban Society, vol. 35, 2003, p.161-180
Article reviews current theoretical and empirical literature on community involvement in US schools. Identifies four major forms of school-community partnerships:
- partnerships with business;
- partnerships with universities;
- service learning partnerships which provide opportunities for students to assist in addressing social or environmental needs;
- school-linked service integration which seeks to break down barriers between education, health and social care.
MODERNISING EDUCATION IN BRITAIN AND CHINA: COMPARATIVE PERSPECTIVES ON EXCELLENCE AND SOCIAL INCLUSION
P Potts
London: Routledge Falmer, 2003.
This comparative study demonstrates the similarities and differences between eastern and western culture and society. Through the contrasts it identifies patterns in the two societies which might otherwise have been overlooked. Looking at the education systems of Britain and China, this book shows that the two countries share certain goals, priorities and challenges. It covers a wide range of educational environments from kindergartens to teacher training colleges.
RESEARCH STUDIES IN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION
C Nutbrown (ed)
Stoke on Trent: Trentham Books, 2002
This book explores early childhood education on the context of change. It investigates issues of learning and assessment in the foundation stage and looks at working with difference and diversity in pre-school settings. Contributors describe approaches which have been developed in England, Scotland, Cyprus, Trinidad and Tobago and the United Arab Emirates.
THE ROLE OF THE UNIVERSITIES IN THE EUROPE OF KNOWLEDGE
Commission of the European Communities
Brussels: 2003 (COM(2003) 58 final)
Document aims to start a debate on the role of universities within the knowledge-based society and economy in Europe. It focuses on key issues such as funding, autonomy, professional standards, attainment of excellence, contribution of universities to local and regional growth, and creation of European higher education and research areas.
WORKING CONDITIONS IN CHARTER SCHOOLS: WHAT'S THE APPEAL FOR TEACHERS?
C L Malloy and P Wohlstetter
Education and Urban Society, vol. 35, 2003, p.219-241
Charter schools in the USA are given freedom to make decisions about teachers' pay and conditions locally. In general, charter school teachers work longer hours and have less job security than colleagues in state schools. In some areas they even earn less. In spite of this evidence suggests that teachers in charter schools enjoy their professional lives.