OECD S EXAMINATION OF AUSTRIAN HIGHER EDUCATION

For the third time, Austria has been the subject of an OECD survey covering education and science. After the general analysis of the education system in 1966 and the study on research policy in 1970 OECD's experts have turned to the question of evolution in Austrian secondary schools.

We give below a report prepared by the Austrian Federal Ministry of Science and Research on OECD ‘s examination of national educational policies concerning Austrian higher education.     

ACADEMIC SUCCESS AS REFLECTED IN AUSTRIAN HIGHER EDUCATION

As a result of the growth in student population, special attention is being given to the effectiveness of teaching at institutions of higher education.

The following article, written for “Higher Education in Europe” by Dr. Sigurd Höllinger from the Austrian Federal Ministry of Science, and Research, analyses the above problem in the context of the results of the. Seminar “Studienerfolg als Informations ‐ und Orientierungsproblem ‐ Konsequenzeh der OECD‐Landerpriifung” (Academic Success as Determined by Information and Orientation ‐Results of the OECD's Country Survey) held from 25 to 26 April 1977 in Vienna.     

DISTANCE STUDY IN THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY: FERNUNIVERSITAT‐GESAMTHOCHSCHULE IN HAGEN

Distance higher education is one of the characteristic features of changes in the structures of higher education, which took place when demand for study places could not be met by the traditional “non‐distance” institutions of higher education. Further development of this forms is of great interest, especially in view of the tasks and problems facing contemporary and future higher education

In this context, we present below the article written for “Higher Education in Europe” by Dr. Klaus‐Dieter Grunwald from the Federal Ministry of Education and Science, Bonn, which present development and functioning of distance study in Federal Republic of Germany on the example of the Fernuniversität‐Gesamthochschule in Hagen.     

EMPLOYMENT PROSPECTS FOR HIGHER EDUCATION GRADUATES IN FRG

The employment prospects for graduates of higher education are the subject of mounting concern in many countries. In the last issue of the Bulletin we referred to this problem in the United States. (No.1. Vol.II 1977 p.19)

Below we present the main elements of an analysis of this problem as experienced in the Federal Republic of Germany. The analysis was published in “Bildungspolitische Zwischenbilanz” (Intermedium Report on Educational Policy) issued by the Federal. Ministry of Education and Science.     

EMPLOYMENT PROSPECTS FOR HIGHER EDUCATION GRADUATES IN FRG

The employment prospects for graduates of higher education are the subject of mounting concern in many countries. In the last issue of the Bulletin we referred to this problem in the United States. (No.1. Vol.II 1977 p.19)

Below we present the main elements of an analysis of this problem as experienced in the Federal Republic of Germany. The analysis was published in “Bildungspo‐litische Zwischenbilanz” (Intermedium Report on Educational Policy) issued by the Federal Ministry of Education and Science.     

How students perceive teachers’ nonverbal and verbal communication at agricultural universities in Austria,Slovenia and Albania

Purpose: This study attempts to close the research gap created by the fact that existing studies neglect the problem of how effectively agricultural professors from different European countries communicate. The aim is to identify similarities and differences in the numbers of agricultural professors perceived by students as engaging in verbal and nonverbal immediacy communication.

Methodology: An online survey was conducted among students of agricultural universities from Austria, Slovenia and Albania.

Findings: The results show that professors of agriculture from Austria, Slovenia and Albania should generally not be satisfied with their own communication patterns and should thus try to improve their communication. The result also reveals cultural differences in the shares of agriculture professors employing different communication patterns in Austria, Slovenia and Albania. Compared to Austrian and Slovenian students, their Albanian peers perceive that most of their professors use nonverbal immediacy communication. According to Austrian students, the majority of their professors use verbal immediacy. On the contrary, Albanian students assessed that some of their professors employ verbal immediacy.

Practical Implications: The results show the professors of agriculture should improve the way they communicate to students. In particular, the Albanian professors should improve their verbal communication especially in terms of providing timely and quality feedback to students.

Theoretical implications: The study reveals differences in immediacy communication among countries (Austria, Slovenia and Albania) which the scientific literature considers to have a high-context culture.

Originality/Value: Given that no study has yet examined how students perceive professors’ communication in different European countries, this research helps understand the characteristics of agricultural professors’ communication.     

THE SWISS SYSTEM OF HIGHER EDUCATION

We have received numerous requests to present in “Higher Education in Europe”, in relatively short form, the main features of higher education systems in the different countries of the Unesco European Region.

As partial response to these requests, we present below a survey on the Swiss system of higher education, written for “Higher Education in Europe” by Dr. Esther C. Garke from the Swiss Federal Office for Education and Science, and CEPES Liaison Officer in Switzerland.

We also take this opportunity to invite our readers to provide us with papers or documents for similar presentations.     

Problems of research for a new open university

During the preparation of new institutes of higher education and adult education, policy makers often ask for needs research, mostly in order to forecast the number of future students. In this paper it is argued that needs research generally is not a good means for deciding whether a new institute should be or can be established: it leads to postponement of decisions and it rests on wrong assumptions about needs and on a misunderstood service orientation in education.

When a decision has been taken to establish an institute, research can help planners and programmers by collecting data about future students. Some examples are given from the activities of the Staff Bureau for Research and Evaluation of the Dutch Open University.

Consideration of the techniques and assumptions of needs research leads to a research program in which more qualitative research techniques are incorporated in counselling and outreach activities and are more oriented at specific target groups than at the general public.     

Teacher Education and Qualifications in the People's Republic of Bulgaria

Summary The education and training of teachers is a current concern in Bulgaria, and a major reform is under way, of both the educational system and its teacher‐training specifically. The goals of permanent education play an important part in the reform, and the emphasis is placed on personal values equally with those of economic production.

Considerable attention is being given to the balance between different contributions to training programmes. Currently, for example, the pedagogical input is viewed as unsatisfactory. Additionally, more opportunity for specialisation is to be given.

In‐service education also receives major attention, and a range of establishments—including those responsible for initial training—contribute to INSET in Bulgaria. Other important contributions come from Teachers’ Qualification Centres and regional Pedagogical Consulting Offices.

Nonetheless, a new system of teacher‐training is required, which will emphasise not only pedagogy but also subject specialisms and interaction with the community. A new institutional pattern is being evolved, which will link pre‐ and in‐service education. To assist with the development of the new structure, a considerable commitment to research has been made at Ministry and Higher education levels.     

Between Tradition and Progress: Oldenburg University's Model Plan for Comprehensive Teacher Training

Since early 1974, a pilot project for integrated teacher training has been in progress at Oldenburg University. This is currently the only extensive teacher training reform which exist in the German Federal Republic.

All plans for this integrated training program are designed to provide training normally encompassed by the traditional two‐stage programm.

The integrated training program includes:

- studies in the areas of education and social science;

- studies in two major subjects which are later to be taught at school;

- practical studies and activities.

The new model leads to the following degrees:

- nine semesters of study for a Certificate of Qualification for primary and lower‐level secondary school;

- eleven semesters for a Certificate of Qualification for higher‐level secon dary school and the education of exceptional children.

Theoretic training in major subject areas and related didactic training as well as education and social studies take place chiefly in the form of projects. A basic assumption is that interdisciplinary projects which are practice‐ and problemoriented permit a highly desirable integration of theory and practice on the whole.

In the project, contact teachers are an essential link between field practice at school and academic training at the university. Contact teachers are under contact to the university for an extended period of time (generally three years). In place of remunation, their teaching loads are reduced by ten hours per week.

In 1978/79 the project will be put to the test as the first generation of students prepares for State Board Examinations.     

Patterns of Teacher Education in Italy

An outline of the organisation of education in Italy stresses its characteristics as a centralised system supported by consultation with grass‐roots levels. Local coordination should be ensured by the so‐called ‘Organi Collegiali’ (participatory bodies).

The system is aware of the need to promote a real change in the pedagogical‐educational approach to teaching and learning, and recent reforms have implemented structural innovations and have required changes in the teachers’ roles and functions.

The new professional profile of the teacher points out the need for initial and in‐service education and training; given the insufficient provisions available, in 1979 the Ministry of Education, in cooperation with OECD, has initiated a project for introducing PRESET pilot projects in a number of Italian universities.

The MPI/OECD Project has gone through a four‐phase preparation process, including a background report, a national seminar, feasibility studies, planning of pilot projects.

The basic ideas were to improve the scientific/cultural and methodological preparation of teachers: curricula of study must ensure an appropriate balance between scientific knowledge in a subject‐matter or in a discipline area and educational studies. Teaching practice is considered as essential all through the course of study.

Starting November 1983 the University of Bologna will start a PRESET course of study for primary school teachers as a joint activity between the Faculty of Education and the Faculty of Sciences.

Other projects are on study at other universities.     

THE GERMAN UNIVERSITY SYSTEM AND CAREER OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUNG SCHOLARS

This essay takes as its point of departure the labour market problems for young academics in the Federal Republic of Germany. All societies which have undergone a comparable expansion in higher education have had to cope with comparable problems. The first part identifies a few features specific to the personnel structure of German universities via a brief historical retrospective and touches on the question of whether these structures are especially suitable for purposes of research. The second part presents selected results of an empirical study on new generation academics, particularly on professional careers and the situation of women. A third part presents normative conclusions drawn from the situations described.

     

Goal Aspects of Teacher Education

Despite the central role of teachers in any education system, teacher education is frequently the weakest of the links in the process of educational reform.

In examining this problem, the author focuses on the question of the goal aspects of teacher education. Examples from the Federal Republic identify some of the constraints affecting goal achievement; these include legalistic, traditionalist and socio‐economic constraints. The more open the society, the more visible are these difficulties.

The article then examines in depth five separate goal aspects of teacher training: the economic (income), social (status), formal‐legal (position), professional (everyday activity) and socio‐educational (system); these factors interrelate one to the other.

Some desiderata for the development of teacher education are identified. These include a view of the teacher as reformer, recognition of the realities of teacher employment, and also a realisation that the ‘school of tomorrow’ poses a challenge to ‘the school of today’.     

WOMEN AND HIGHER EDUCATION IN SWITZERLAND: ACCESS TO UNIVERSITIES/ STUDY PREFERENCES AND JOB OPPORTUNITIES

Using statistical analyses, the following article describes the present situation of women in Swiss higher education, the difficulties met by women to succeed in universities as well as in the job‐market where employment conditions are not always satisfactory. The reader might also refer to the article of Mrs. Wiederkehr‐Benz where a different aspect of the problem is presented.

Mrs. Esther Garke is attached to the Swiss Federal Office for Education and Science, Bern and she is also the liaison officer for CEPES in Switzerland.     

Assessing pre-service science teachers’ technological pedagogical content knowledge (TPACK) through observations and lesson plans

Background: Technological pedagogical content knowledge (TPACK) is critical for effective teaching with technology. However, generally science teacher education programs do not help pre-service teachers develop TPACK.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess pre-service science teachers' TPACK over a semester-long Science Methods.

Sample: Twenty-seven pre-service science teachers took the course toward the end of their four-year teacher education program.

Design and method: The study employed the case study methodology. Lesson plans and microteaching observations were used as data collection tools. Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge-based lesson plan assessment instrument (TPACK-LpAI) and Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge Observation Protocol (TPACK-OP) were used to analyze data obtained from observations and lesson plans.

Results: The results showed that the TPACK-focused Science Methods course had an impact on pre-service teachers’ TPACK to varying degrees. Most importantly, the course helped teachers gain knowledge of effective usage of educational technology tools.

Conclusion: Teacher education programs should provide opportunities to pre-service teachers to develop their TPACK so that they can effectively integrate technology into their teaching.     

Academic Values And Academic Practice In The New Universities

This paper reports some data of an ARC funded study of academic staff in a number of disciplines in colleges of advanced education and universities. Generally, more university than college academics scored high on academic motivation, on teaching‐research synergy and promotion of student independence, with college academics scoring higher on good teaching practice. There are disciplinary differences, too.

Slightly more than an average proportion of staff in the Social Sciences report good teaching practices. They are highly committed to promoting student independence, experience a fairly high level of teaching‐research synergy and have high intrinsic academic motivation. There is large‐scale consensus among Arts staff with university Arts academics scoring highest on promoting student independence, academic motivation, and teaching‐research synergy, and academics in CAE Arts departments scoring highest of all on good teaching practices.

Science staff seem to have different academic values and practices. Their academic motivation is about “average”, and fewer science academics report good teaching practices or practices that promote student independence. In their own work they also experience less teaching‐research synergy. Engineering staff show the lowest academic motivation, least commitment to student independence, experience least teaching‐research synergy, and report below average good teaching practices.

Health Science staff are akin to staff in Arts and Social Sciences in areas concerned with students, e.g. good teaching practices and promotion of student independence. In the areas which tap into their values as academics, e.g. academic motivation and teaching‐research synergy, they seem to be more like science and engineering staff.

Commerce/Law staff were on all aspects somewhere in the middle.     

Practical Experience in Teacher Education: the Norwegian case from a mid‐Norwegian perspective

After numerous debates and discussions over the last century Norway decided in 1992 to extend the half year GCE‐course at the universities to a one year study. Due to this decision it was for the first time written National Guidelines for these kinds of studies.

This paper seeks to show how this change is carried out at one of the four universities in Norway—the Norwegian University of Science and Technology in Trondheim. The author presents this reform under the heading practical experience in Teacher Education. This is done because the National Guidelines for Norway underline that all theory in the GCE‐studies must be school‐based. Practical classroom experience is, in other words, supposed to be the starting point for all theory being taught as a part of the GCE‐program.

This paper also tries to view the Norwegian change in the GCE‐course from international trends within teacher education.     

The Contributions of Enrichment Activities Towards Science Achievement

This study investigated whether enrichment activities would improve achievement in science.

One hundred and eighty subjects took part in the study. They were assigned to two experimental, two control and one Hawthorne control groups. Experimental subjects participated in enrichment activities held outside the school. Control subjects were not given these activities while the Hawthorne control group was taken out on excursions unrelated to their science lessons.

The Cooperative Science Test (COST) was used to assess the acquisition of science concepts while science achievement was based mainly on school science examination scores.

The results indicated that the experimental subjects showed significantly greater improvement in concept attainment and science achievement. Correlations between science concept attainment and science examination scores were positive and significant.

The study concluded that participation in enrichment activities relevant to school science would improve science achievement.