In light of recent developments in educational policy and the positioning of vocational education and training (VET) across the European Union, it was timely to explore these new directions and the lessons for Australian VET. A striking feature both in the European Union and Australia is the wide scope of issues that governments are addressing and…

This ethnographic, cross-cultural study used a dialogic, sociolinguistic framework to describe learning processes in portraits of three immersion summer camps in the eastern US. Using the data collection techniques of in-depth interviewing, participant observation and textual analysis, the study examined the process of second language learning and…

In this article the authors tell the story of their separate but related journeys toward "coming of age in methodology," journeys that brought them, as non-indigenous women, into relationships with indigenous peoples, who challenged them to unlearn their taken-for-granted notions about research. The first study highlights the pervasive…

The Portuguese came to Macau in the 16th century, Macao has become part of China again since 1999. Under the strong economic growth in recent years, the Macao government has invested substantial human, material and financial resources for the implementation of IT in education in Macau since 2001. This paper reviewed the development of IT in…

Background/Context: New technologies have been largely absent in arts education curriculum even though they offer opportunities to address arts integration, equity, and the technological prerequisites of an increasingly digital age. This paper draws upon the emerging professional field of "media arts" and the ways in which youth use new…

Computer retailers and manufacturers have found providing appropriate instruction to be an essential part of marketing and selling their products. Most computer stores have classrooms in which courses are offered, providing an informal, interactive atmosphere for the instruction. The microcomputer market has split into two major segments: the…

Despite growing need, geriatrics education has been slow to develop in higher education. Much of it is conducted in informal frameworks--for example, a study center of a national service organization for the elderly in Israel and a geriatrics institute in a hospital. Both formal and informal programs are needed. (SK)

Highlights the importance of using verbal and nonverbal neurolinguistic programming to maximize the potential of interactions between interpreters and the general public and to improve long-term interactions. Discusses the power of mirroring and representational systems. Contains 29 references. (JRH)

Interviews in four worksites with tiling teachers, educational planners, human resources officers, and off-campus trainers found that learning was strongly influenced by the nature of the work and workplace. However, only some of the learning networks fit the concept of communities of practice; other conceptualizations are needed to reflect the…

Discusses the importance of matching informal learning projects to the cultural contexts of participants. One way to analyze and understand a culture is to examine how it distinguishes itself from others in terms of relationships with people, time, and nature. Presents relevant factors to consider within each of these dimensions. Introduces "Prime…

Although workplace learning is frequently characterized as informal, it usually involves structured, goal-directed, intentional activities. Instead, learning should be seen as interdependent between the individual and the social practice. Tensions arise between the need for continuity and work practices and individual needs to realize goals.…

Surveys completed by 794 of 1,276 employees in 12 small/midsized businesses provided strong evidence of formal, informal, and incidental workplace learning; incidental was the most frequent. A positive significant relationship was found between workplace learning and overall job satisfaction, recognition, work enjoyment, and supportive work…

Cartoons illustrating scientific concepts were used in the London Underground and informal learning sites to raise adult awareness of science and promote lifelong learning. They are also being used in formal learning situations such as adult-literacy classes. (SK)

Graffiti is a form of literacy practice in which writers transgress and transform conventions of formal education. Graffiti texts constitute a constant rereading and rewriting of the context or environment. (SK)

A survey of 400 workers elicited opinions on the effectiveness of leader behaviors on informal learning. All three of Senge's leader roles (designer, teacher, steward) were present; the designer role was rated the weakest. Levels of agreement varied by occupational group and duration of employment. (Contains 69 references.) (SK)