This paper considers the appropriateness of introducing formal learning agreements in a higher education institution (HEI). It begins by examining the current legal nature of the student/university relationship and the legal status of formal learning agreements. The paper then explores the impact of such agreements on student satisfaction by…

The goal of autonomous learning as preparation for being-in-the-world-of-change has clear advantages for both individuals and society. Tomkins and McGraw declare, rather inspirationally, that the challenge for academics is leading "students to the wisdom of their own minds and setting them free on their own learning". In this paper, the…

At the time of writing, UK Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) have either completed, or are part way through, implementation of the Framework Agreement (JNCHES 2003). This process was born out of the recommendations of the National Committee of Inquiry into Higher Education (1997) developed by Bett in his report two years later (Bett 1999). …

Through partnerships with a university, employers sponsor employees in work-based learning. Employee-students negotiate learning agreements that customize their studies for maximum work relevance that benefits them and employers. (SK)

Evaluates the UK government's performance-management initiative for teachers. This measure, which aims to modernize the teaching profession, raise standards, and provide financial rewards for individuals, teams, and whole-school performance, has been soundly criticized. However, the initiative is flawed, as it neglects some important school…

Discusses the development and use of negotiated written contracts between Ph.D. degree students and faculty supervisors to alleviate many of the problems inherent in the student-adviser relationship. Interviews with 89 supervisors indicated that the most fundamental problem encountered by them was students who displayed inadequate motivation to…

The six articles in this issue tackle topics that relate to the role and function of numeracy in adult life. "Reading Comprehension in Written Mathematics Problems" (Sue Wareham) examines the levels of reading ability required of numeracy students and offers strategies to help students with limited reading skills. "Can Ordinary…

In today's usage the distinction between open and distance education is often blurred. Indeed, open education and open learning are not synonymous with distance education and distance learning, a fact that is readily discernible by examining the characteristics of each. Teaching and learning in distance education are based on two elements: a…

The papers (from a symposium held at the Fern Universitat) included in this collection focus on distance education in theory and practice. Contributions are written in English or in German, with summaries available for each in the language not used for the paper concerned. Contributions are: (1) "Distance Education as Communication: The…

In recent years, there has been much research on bullying in the United Kingdom. In 1990, the author, a school counselor and teacher, organized an antibullying workshop at a large secondary school. Since then, the school has been developing a schoolwide antibullying policy comprising various strategies, including an antibullying contract and a…

The Staff and Educational Development Association (SEDA) organized a conference in May 1994 around the theme of assessment for better student learning. The chapters in this collection constitute a selection of the 32 conference presentations. All have been rewritten for this book, although Dary Erwin's chapter (chapter 3) was especially written…

Taking a how-to approach and a British perspective, with numerous lists and examples, this book presents the concept of learning contracts negotiated agreements between learners and instructors to achieve a specific learning goal for university and continuing education teachers. The book is organized in four parts: Part 1 is an introduction; it…

This collection of 12 essays focuses on issues surrounding the assessment of competence in higher education, providing examples to illustrate the competence approach in practice in the United Kingdom. They include: (1) "The Assessment of Competence in Higher Education" (Anne Edwards and Peter Knight); (2) "National Vocational…

This book contains 15 papers written by contributors from all areas of Great Britain in further and higher education. The following papers are included: "Learning to Be Flexible" (Diana Thomas); "Managing Change: Towards a New Paradigm?" (Mac Stephenson, Timothy Lehmann); "Open Learning: Educational Opportunity or…

This book examines lifelong learning in the Information Age and the role of higher education (HE) in providing the educational services needed by lifelong learners. The following are among the topics discussed in the book's eight chapters: (1) changes in HE (repercussions of globalization in the educational sector; competition in higher learning;…