Trainee teachers' conceptions of teaching and learning,classroom layout and exam design

The objective of this study centres on identifying and classifying the conceptions of teaching and learning held by future secondary school teachers, and on analysing the relationship between these conceptions and the way classroom space is organized and exams are designed. The test instruments used were applied to a sample of 138 graduates, who were all following the Pedagogical Aptitude Course (CAP) during the academic year 2002/03. Results show that the more traditional teaching/learning models are related to a more vertical classroom layout. Significant correlations between beliefs and exam demands were also found.     

Public relations: The process of communication between a higher education institution and its environment: The case of the Wroclław university of economics

This article presents the practical application of the public relations process through an analysis of its consecutive phases with reference to the Wrocl?aw University of Economics, Poland. The author examines the four phases of the process (research, action, communication, and evalu ation), concentrating on the first phase, situation analysis. The diagnostic phase is based on research that was carried out among students of the university that gave rise to a sample consisting of 1,123 respondents to a questionnaire. The main aim of the research was to identify the opinions and attitudes of students in regard to their university, their evaluation of the way it functions, and their perceptions of its image.     

Closing the Gaps and Filling the STEM Pipeline: A Multidisciplinary Approach

There is a growing demand for degreed science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) professionals, but the production of degreed STEM students is not keeping pace. Problems exist at every juncture along the pipeline. Too few students choose to major in STEM disciplines. Many of those who do major in STEM drop out or change majors. Females and minorities remain underrepresented in STEM. The success rate of college students who are from low-income background or first-generation students is much lower than that of students who do not face such challenges. Some of those who successfully complete their degree need help in making the transition to the workforce after graduation. A program at Lamar University takes a multidisciplinary approach to addressing these problems. It is designed to recruit, retain and transition undergraduates to careers in STEM, focusing its efforts on five science disciplines and on these “at-risk” students. The program was supported by a 5-year grant from the National Science Foundation and is supported through August 31, 2016 by Lamar University and a grant from ExxonMobil. A formal assessment plan documents the program’s success. The program received an award from the Texas Higher Education Board for its contributions towards Closing the Gaps in Higher Education in Texas. This paper describes the program’s theoretical framework, research questions, methods, evaluation plan, and instruments. It presents an analysis of the results achieved using these methods and implications for improvements to the program resulting from lessons learned.     

The Changing Face of Teaching in England and Portugal: A study of work experiences of secondary school teachers

This paper reports research into the perceived effects of educational reform among secondary school teachers in England and Wales and Portugal. While the two countries have different education histories, as in most countries across the world teachers' lives and work are being affected by increased centralised interventions in the name of raising standards of achievement. In the case of England, interventions since the late 1980s have touched every facet of school government, curriculum and assessment, whereas in Portugal, this process did not begin until the late 1990s. The paper focuses upon teachers' experiences in these two communities, which are in different transition phases. By doing so it is possible, even within the different cultures, to identify common problems experienced by teachers within the reforms and their management which challenge existing identities, values and commitments and which are creating new forms of compliant professionalism.     

Asian Perspectives on European Higher Education

Asia and Europe have long influenced each other by means of international trade, technology transfer, and foreign policy. Today, Asian countries are searching for more competitive answers in an increasingly competitive world. Educational mobility among countries, especially between Asia and Europe, is the key to unlocking the answer. To achieve the desired educational mobility requires bilingualism (English as the common medium for learning and instruction) and quality education with internationally recognized diplomas and degrees in higher education. A future Asian/European Credit Transfer System is imminent and possible with the implementation of ERASMUS ECTS (European Credit Transfer System) and UCTS (UMAP Credit Transfer System) frameworks. The path to success hinges on the application of knowledge management and risk management to this international challenge for improved educational management. By this means, the prospects for greater understanding and greater economic potential and prosperity can be achieved for both Asian and European nations.     

The Role of Preschools and Preschool Teachers: Icelandic preschool educators' discourses

The purpose of the study was to investigate how preschool teachers in Iceland view early childhood education and the professional preschool teacher. Focus groups consisting of early childhood educators in Iceland were interviewed. Each of four focus groups comprised educators who held similar positions. They were: (1) preschool teachers; (2) preschool directors; (3) preschool consultants; and (4) educators of preschool teachers. Data were analyzed using strategies of qualitative inquiry. The analysis revealed dilemmas concerning the use of concepts such as teaching and care, cooperation with the primary schools, the organization of the preschool day, and the role of preschool teachers in children's learning. The results were interpreted in the light of postmodern perspectives of the child and early childhood institutions.     

The conservative response to the 2011 Chilean student movement: neoliberal education and media

This paper focuses on the relationship between the media and educational policies in the context of the ‘neoliberal newspeak’, which has characterized the current circulation of ideas in cultural production. Using framing theory, this article presents a critical discourse analysis on the editorials published about the 2011 student movement by El Mercurio, the most influential newspaper in Chile. El Mercurio is more than a newspaper. It is an institution; an institution that supports conservative ideas. El Mercurio framed the public discussion about educational policies and defended neoliberal education based on three discourses: the neoliberal system is absolute, public education is valued less than private and education is a technical issue, not political. By invoking this rhetoric strategy, these discourses attempted to maintain the neoliberal education system in Chile, which in turn rejected the social struggles of the student movement.