The University--A Permanent Factor in the Development and the Advancement of Society: Views from Institutions of Higher Education and Academic Organizations

Universities operate in local, regional, national, and international contexts and need to acknowledge political realities, community expectations, and their own espoused values. This article is written from the perspective of a Vice-Chancellor and looks at the University of New England in Australia as a case study. It is also informed by the author's position as President of the International Association of University Presidents and argues for living our values in a regional and international context.     

Technology for Girls in Sweden

Sweden is placing much greater emphasis on the technical education and training of young people. Since 1982/83, technology has become a required area of study throughout the compulsory school system. This provides an excellent opportunity for girls to learn much more about science and technology at a young age and to become confident in these fields. However, school teachers of young children themselves lack confidence and expertise in technology and are inclined to approach the teaching of the subject in a diffident, somewhat abstract manner

A range of very practical activities are outlined which can be introduced into the training of compulsory school and indeed nursery school teachers, so that they have a much better approach to the organisation of technology classes. The author has direct experience of all the work she describes and has been very active in developing curriculum content for technology classes at nursery and compulsory school level. She has arranged for a number of her engineering students at LinkÖping Institute of Technology, mainly women, to become involved as instructors of trainee nursery school teachers. Other students have worked on special technology projects with compulsory level school teachers. The women engineering students act as powerful role models for young trainee teachers and for school girls alike

The author stresses that quite simple, often home made and inexpensive materials can be used in imaginative ways to intrigue and involve children and especially girls, in technical activities and studies.