The impact on higher education equity and diversity of Australia's recent shift from elite to mass higher education is assessed. Among the issues discussed are institutional role and autonomy, changes in regulation, market forces in higher education, and competition among institutions. (MSE)

This article argues that in the current competitive environment of higher education, both students and colleges will benefit if the institutions make their admissions and financial aid policies explicit, helping students and parents understand the variety of factors involved in policy formation and decision making. Carleton College (Minnesota) is…

Examines issues affecting the future of rural libraries, including change in rural populations; shifts in rural library users; factors affecting their ability to deliver service, including funding and staffing; technological developments; private sector competition; changing user expectations; and leadership needs. (LRW)

Presents eight techniques for teaching undergraduate mathematics whose main aims are (1) learning how to pose problems in an easier and more attractive form; (2) fostering usage of mathematical symbolism; and (3) checking the level of comprehension of the principal ideas. Examples illustrate each technique. (Author/MDH)

Describes the team selection process and the organization of the mathematics component of the Environmental Studies Academic Pentathlon. The mathematics component consisted of environmental research, research methodology, and statistics. Groups submitted papers on seven environmental issues, and individuals designed and reported research studies…

A high school sophomore exceptionally talented on the violin is enraged and indignant when a less accomplished senior is given first chair in the school orchestra. After reacting rudely to the orchestra director and the principal, the girl discusses the situation with her supportive parents and resolves the problem. (JDD)

Current reform movement is stuck in a worsening negative cycle that bruises human spirit. Teacher-centered reform movement is needed. Challenging dominant assumptions about professional educators and students is necessary to generate a new sense of purpose. Metaphor for tomorrow's schools should be the successful home guided by mature, caring…

Examines a number of trends in higher education that threaten to undermine the status, role, and even existence of liberal arts colleges. Looks at competitive marketing, merit-based student financial aid, private support for state schools, and the heavy influence of price on student choice. Keeping these factors in mind can allow universities to…

Today's competitive climate is pressuring public school educators to improve schools in an environment dominated by parent and consumer choice. This article draws on two studies involving Australian principals that illustrate difficult ethical situations. Most participants found the values of marketing and economic rationalism to be inconsistent…

Examines the school choice movement in the United States, which advocates claim will make schools more efficient by allowing parents to select the best schools for their children. Argues that the school choice movement is a surreptitious plan to gradually put the functions of public education in private hands, with public funds going to support…

A high school biology teacher studied the use of both competitive and noncompetitive games in classroom learning. Students were surveyed to find out how they felt about the games and what they learned from them. Results indicated that games helped students improve self-esteem, peer relationships, and learning. Competition provided motivation but…

The "Chinese College Stress Scale" was developed to ascertain stress in university students. Results suggested that the psychometric properties of the "Chinese College Stress Scale" were satisfactory. Overall, student stress was primarily related to academic, personal, and negative life events. Approximately 8% of Chinese…

In New Zealand the most important institutions that are responsible for the delivery of vocational education and training programs are the government owned and operated tertiary education institutions known as polytechnics. The New Zealand polytechnics deliver programs at the certificate, diploma and degree level. During the course of the 1990s,…

Throughout the early 1900s, the United States could either find technically skilled workers based upon their backgrounds or was able to train workers quickly. Farmers, military personnel, and other sources of skilled workers were available to fill the needs of the workforce. These sources of readily available skilled workers are no longer as…

Recent developments making more urgent the need for second language skills among the United States' population are examined. Specifically, a meeting of representatives of service professions and U.S. trade representatives concerning the ramifications of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade…