TOWARD A SEMIOTIC THEORY OF CHOICE AND OF LEARNING

A bstract .  In this essay, Andrew Stables and Stephen Gough explore some of the implications for educational policy and practice of a view of living (and, therefore, of learning) as semiotic engagement. Such a view, Stables and Gough argue, has the potential to displace or circumvent essentially Cartesian models currently dominant within learning theory (cognitivism and responses to it) and within neoclassical economics (rational choice and responses to it). It thus enables synergies between theories of learning and of economic behavior, allowing for greater consistency in thinking about (but not necessarily prescribing for) both educational policy and provision, on the one hand, and curriculum and pedagogy, on the other. In addition, the authors claim that giving semiotics a foundational role in educational thinking provides a basis for the broader development of liberal political thought within a postmodern cultural context.     

IMPACT EVENTS AND THE MAXIMIZING OF EDUCATIONAL AND EMPLOYMENT FUTURES

The author is concerned with the possibilities and limits of forecasting and maximizing models and the possible use of impact events in such models. His proposal on how and when to implement such models is of direct concern to administrators and decision‐makers in higher education.

Benjamin Hoffman is an educational planner specialized in forecasting models and survey tools applicable inside and outside of higher education system. Presently he is planning officer at the University Grants Commission, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.     

基础教育改革与中国教育学理论重建研究

本书是叶澜教授主持的教育部重大攻关项目结题成果。该书包括总述和总报告两大部分。总报告由三大部分组成。一为基础教育改革的宏观研究，二为学校改革研究，三为中国教育学理论的重建。第一，在关于当代中国基础教育改革的整体认识上，提出了一些新视角和新认识，丰富了关于教育与社会关系，教育系统内部相互关系的复杂性，     

公平与效率:高等教育决策的依据

公平与效率 ,是人类社会永恒的理念 ,但在现实中 ,则是适时的行动准则。高等教育当前许多重大的改革与发展问题 ,都应当根据公平与效率的原则作为决策的依据。公平与效率 ,是两个密切相关的概念 ,在一定情况下产生矛盾。需要在两者之间寻求它们的平衡点 ,进行适度的协调。在经济与社会转型期 ,对改革与发展问题 ,一般采取效率优先、兼顾公平的原则。但公平的价值高于效率的价值 ,效率优先 ,最终是为达到更高层次的公平。对公平与效率的认识是主观的 ,但有其相对的客观标准 :公平的标准是大多数人的公平 ,效率的标准是国家的、社会的、个人的长远效益。两者在发展中得到统一