The origins and focuses of adult education across Western countries are often about meeting adults' needs, and for purposes they have nominated, not those compelled by others. Unlike other sectors (e.g. schools, vocational colleges and universities) that were mainly initiated and sustained by church or state, adult education has long been grounded…

This paper first reviews the developmental history and status quo of Business English Program in China. Then based on the theory of needs analysis, it researches on 226 questionnaires from Business English Program students from Guangdong University of Foreign Studies to investigate the problems encountered and current situation of Business English…

The authors argue that attempts to establish more placements to meet the growing demands of undergraduate medical students in North America for international experiences may be outweighing critical reflection on the ethical issues, curricular content, and pedagogical strategies necessary to support equitable engagements with countries of the…

Using an inclusive definition of "demand side," case studies of two industry sectors and three regions in Australia identified how the needs of industry, enterprises, regions, and individuals were being met by vocational education. Local decision making and curriculum development were keys to reconciling the diverse sets of needs. (SK)

Attempts to update chronology of events in noncompulsory upper secondary education in Australia since 1987. Identifies key differences among trajectories for Australia's conservative, progressive, and "common culture" states and territories as they deal with increased demand for higher level of schooling. Highlights some underlying…

An examination of internal and external forces on Belgian higher education suggests that the system is too closely controlled by economic and political forces in the labor market, which threatens to distort university life and higher education in general. (MSE)

The rationale for and development of off-campus studies at Deakin University, Australia, are described. Based on the determination that Victoria had substantial demand for off-campus studies, Deakin University planned to admit to its off-campus program approximately 1,000 students in 1978 and anticipated 2,500 to 3,000 off-campus students by the…

This paper offers a statistical and policy analysis of the movements of student enrollment in teacher training institutions in England and Wales. (MM)

The purpose of this article is fourfold: first, to report on a university-wide survey assessing demand among bilingual undergraduates for foreign language study in a management university in Singapore; second, to determine those factors influencing students' foreign language choice and also those influencing decisions not to pursue foreign…

The Netherlands has two different types of higher education: university courses that take 6 to 9 years and higher vocational courses that take from 3 to 4 years. The flow of students into universities and higher vocational institutions is so great and the demand for education so varied that a new system of higher education is needed. A proposal is…

Claims millions of middle school graduates are unable to assist in meeting the nation's needs in economic development. States that educational and the economic sectors are not working together to solve the urgent task facing rural education. Provides plan for curriculum development with the stress on vocational education. (NL)

This paper examines the adjustment of Napier Polytechnic of Edinburgh (Scotland, United Kingdom) to educational change. Discussed are: the historical development of the school; Napier's role in today's higher education; the school's shift from external to internal quality control of Council for National Academic Awards courses; the school's…

Canada's national educational system elicits diverse curricular demands and requires discreet, sensitive responses. In spite of perennial funding shortfalls, Canada's schools have been remarkably successful in meeting those demands. During and after the 1960s, educational change came as a result of two very strong sets of expectations. One broad…

In Spain, social change and crisis, and the need for higher education reform, have been particularly intensive. However, it was not until the recent University Reform Act that a framework for reorganization based on the principles of the public university was established. (MSE)

Collectively, Pakistanis, Indians, and Bangladeshis form the largest ethnic minority group (4,129) in Edinburgh, Scotland (43% according to 1991 Census figures). Current local provision of education for adult members of the three communities was reviewed. Needs and preferences in terms of educational content, approach, and location were identified…