In today's digital society, computational thinking (CT) is a critical component of all children's education. In "Computational Thinking Curricula in K-12," editors Harold Abelson and Siu-Cheung Kong present a range of professional perspectives on the most effective ways to integrate CT into school curricula. Their edited volume, which…

An interactive, computer-based assessment system implemented at the University of Luton (England) delivers end-of-module examinations, formative assessments, and self-assessment options. Student and faculty response to computer-based objective testing has been positive and suggests the approach is desirable both pedagogically and economically.…

This article summarizes the 1992 British report, "Getting in on the Act," which examines implementation of the 1981 Education Act and recommends provisions for students with special needs. Criticisms of the 1981 Act focus on its lack of clarity, lack of accountability, and lack of incentives. A new relationship between local education…

Describes development of an enterprise education program at the University of Lancaster. Includes the development of business/enterprise awareness, acquisition of transferable personal skills useful in subsequent employment, and completion of a project in a working environment. Concludes that success of the program will depend on how it is…

English-language training projects that are part of the United Kingdom's overseas aid program are usually of fixed duration and have clearly defined objectives. The project framework is examined here as it has been developed as a tool for accountability. A Malawi project is described, and general principles for improving sustainability are…

Part 1 of this document suggests a curriculum framework and strategy for vocational education and training provision for youth over age 14 in the United Kingdom. Section 1 describes vocational preparation as a supportive process of education and training necessary to accompany vocational change. Section 2 discusses the aims and themes necessary to…

This report draws on the first two years' experience, findings, and research of the seven strands of the Raising Quality and Achievement (RQA) Program to draw general conclusions about issues being addressed, progress made, and challenges remaining for colleges in the United Kingdom. It defines quality and achievement, describes the national…

The impact of voucher schools on the further education (FE) curriculum in Britain was examined in a study of the 22 FE colleges and 3 training and enterprise councils (TECs) involved in the initial pilot testing of the 5 voucher schemes: Youth Credits; Gateway to Learning; Skill Choice; Open Learning Credits; and Adult Training Credits. It was…

Designed to raise awareness of the implications of cable television and satellites for the Open University, this paper indicates why cable television developments will affect the university and the wide range of university people and departments who will be affected by such developments. Four main issues that the university will have to deal with…

This booklet is the second in a series of publications written for the United Kingdom adult and community learning (ACL) sector to assist it in improving quality. An introduction covers the rationale for observing teaching and learning in a self-assessment context. Chapter 1 concentrates on the practicalities and processes of observing teaching…

A practical guide is presented to peer tutoring for teachers and others with an interest in promoting cooperative learning. It includes a guide to organizing peer tutoring, as well as a review of research on the effects of peer tutoring, and evidence for social and academic gains for the student and the tutor. The perspective is international,…

This handbook is intended for managers who wish to develop human resources in their organizations, particularly where women are currently underrepresented. It provides a positive model for the successful equal opportunities manager and a checklist of activities that will lead to the successful implementation of equal opportunities. The handbook…

This paper discusses the increasing interest in quality assurance in British education including its measurement and management through the introduction of a quality assurance system. The reasons and benefits of beginning a quality assurance system are discussed, and questions of what constitutes quality, whether it is quality in fact…

This guide on implementation of open learning in Great Britain provides information on resourcing, resource deployment, and costing and pricing. It begins by drawing attention to points of importance to those engaged in forming policy on the provision of open learning. These are presented in a series of flowcharts giving quick reference to…

In January 2006 the Learning and Skills Development Agency (LSDA) launched its draft publication, "A Professional Development Framework for e-Learning" (ePD) for consultation with the post-16 education and training sector. In March 2006 the Learning and Skills Council funded the Learning and Skills Network (LSN) to run a pilot to…