Sociological and Political Concerns about School Effectiveness Research: Time for a New Research Agenda

In recent years school effectiveness research (SER) has become increasingly criticised for being a socially and politically decontextualised body of literature which provides support for inequitable educational reforms. This article demonstrates that SER proponents have not responded much to these criticisms and suggests that this is primarily because they do not share the same epistemological commitments as their critics. Nevertheless it is argued that the concerns of critics should be taken seriously by SER proponents because they speak powerfully to a number of key problem areas within the SER field. Three such areas are discussed: the overclaiming of SER; the continued undertheorising of SER, and the inability of SER to control the political use of its findings. The article concludes by noting that some SER researchers are attempting to connect more with the sociological and political concerns of their critics and argues that this has to be the key SER agenda for the future.     

The Florida teletraining project: Military training via two‐way compressed video

Abstract

The Florida Teletraining Project tested the feasibility of using community colleges as providers of various types of military training to personnel in the Reserve Components (RC). Training was delivered via the Army's TNET system, which employs two‐way interactive video. Five courses were produced, delivered, and evaluated during the project. Results showed that effective military course reconfiguration can be accomplished by civilian institutions, that the delivery system was technically reliable, that students performed well using specially reconfigured courseware, and that students rated the video teletraining approach as effective. The project demonstrated the potential of two‐way video teletraining for a variety of military training applications for several different levels of military personnel.     

International library program to prevent nuclear holocaust

The main focus of this paper is the funding of libraries in Nigeria. The sources of funds for libraries, which include the government, grants, donations and bequests, are discussed. The factors affecting the funding of libraries in Nigeria are highlighted. Finally, alternative sources for funding are also discussed.     

No yoga for Eric: lifelong learning from a small firm's perspective

An emphasis on lifelong learning as a route to economic competitive advantage forms the basis for current governmental policies directed at both firms and individuals. Since small firms are seen as vital for economic growth and development, this sector is a major target for lifelong learning based programmes. However, the views of those in this sector on lifelong learning are less well known. This study of 128 small firms explored the views of owner managers and key staff in these firms about lifelong learning. Despite the hype, owner managers still seemed unsure about the concept, showing the same resistance to embracing learning for all staff seen in earlier studies. However, whilst not recognizing its value for their company to achieve business needs, it was described as important in their own lives, particularly to achieve personal rather than business aims. Examples were also given of transfer of ideas and skills from leisure to work environments. Staff designated as ‘key’ by their managers saw learning as a continuous process, vital for their own future development. These staff had been the main participants of formalized firm learning and had also taken part in learning outside work for personal development. Further research would be needed to identity whether non-preferred staff shares this positive view of learning.