Sustaining advocacy and action on women��s participation and gender equality in adult education

This article gives an overview of the development of gender equality and women??s participation in adult learning and education in the history of the International Conferences on Adult Education (CONFINTEA). Though the equality of rights was highlighted throughout the various conferences, the first Global Report on Adult Learning and Education (GRALE) observed that a gender gap in the participation in adult learning and education still persisted in 2009. This is especially remarkable with regard to the impact of CONFINTEA V in 1997, because it focused on the issue of women??s participation and gender equality. A review of the CONFINTEA VI programme elements and the national reports prepared by UNESCO Member States in 2008 reveals that gender issues have to some extent moved from the centre of attention to the periphery. This article therefore tries to explore how gender principles are acknowledged in CONFINTEA VI and its follow-up.     

Selling smoke to Asia: An historical analysis of conflicting US policies on cigarette advertising and promotions

Focused on the liberalization of Asian cigarette markets (Japan, Taiwan, Korea, and Thailand), this paper aims to provide an historical analysis of this process driven by the US government and US cigarette companies, and discusses changes in cigarette advertising and promotional environments as a result of market liberalization.

Specifically, this paper addresses three major areas: first, it discusses the process and development of cigarette market opening of three Asian countries Japan, Taiwan, and Korea) and the role of the US government in this process. Second, it examines the outcome of this liberalization, including major marketing strategies employed by US cigarette companies in those markets. Third, by comparing Thailand's market opening process separately with three other markets, this paper discusses what other countries can do with the global public health community to protect public health in terms of the regulation of cigarette advertising and marketing activities.     

An exploration of learner progress and drop‐out in Korea National Open University

This study examines which factors make a difference in distance learners’ achievements and also their continuous enrolment status over one year in Korea National Open University. A path analysis revealed that while learners’ job load had no directly significant effect on grade‐point average (GPA), it had a significant indirect effect on GPA via the study time variable. In addition to study time, social integration and extra face‐to‐face activities were found to be significant variables acting on their GPA. In predicting subsequent enrolment, face‐to‐face activities were the most influential up to a year later. The results of this study challenges the prevalent view that GPA has something to do with drop‐out, suggesting that learner progress toward achievement and drop‐out may be understood better when viewed separately, especially in the case of long‐term distance learning.     

Grounded design of web-enhanced case-based activity

Cases have been used in education through a variety of methods, such as case written analysis, case discussion, and case development. Recent case definitions and uses have extended their traditional uses. In case-based reasoning, cases are considered to represent knowledge, and the use of cases is integral to an individual’s problem-solving process. Case-based activity (CBA) builds on CBR research and theory, emphasizing the transition of novices toward experts’ reasoning and applications. The purpose of this paper is to present the theoretical assumptions and principles for designing grounded, web-enhanced CBA. Findings from recent implementations and implications for design are presented.     

Strength in numbers? Women and mathematics

Two studies were conducted to test the link between numerical distinctiveness, stereotype threat and mathematical performance among women. In the first study, stereotype threat was measured with a stereotype activation task. Women in a solo, non-solo or control condition completed word fragments and a mathematical activity. Solo women, rather than their non-solo counterparts showed mathematical performance deficits. Evidence did not support the mediating role of stereotype activation. In the second study, stereotype anxiety was assessed. According to analyses, solo women reported greater stereotype-related anxiety than non-solo women. A link between stereotype anxiety and mathematical performance deficits was also uncovered. Finally, mathematical underperformance was associated with greater interest in feminine activities. Strategies to buffer the effects of stereotype threat are discussed.