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Descriptors:
Foreign Countries; Human Capital; Educational Attainment; Outcomes of Education; Cost Effectiveness; Education Work Relationship; Health; Child Health; Spouses; Infant Mortality; Mortality Rate; Birth Rate; Parent Background; Cognitive Development; Psychological Patterns; Efficiency; Work Environment; Lifelong Learning; Citizen Participation; Civil Rights; Politics; Poverty; Crime; Conservation (Environment)

Abstract:
This paper estimates the effects of human capital skills largely created through education on life's chances over the life cycle. Qualifications as a measure of these skills affect earnings, and schooling affects private and social non-market benefits beyond earnings. Private non-market benefits include better own-health, child health, spousal health, infant mortality, longevity, fertility, household efficiency, asset management and happiness. Social benefits include increased democratisation, civil rights, political stability, reduced crime, lower prison, health and welfare costs, and new ideas. Individual benefits enhance community-wide development. New "narrow" social rates of return using UK Labour Force earnings correct for institutional costs, longitudinal trends and ability. The paper's objective, however, is to estimate these earnings plus non-market outcomes comprehensively without overlaps and also relative to costs. Non-market outcomes are measured by averaging regression coefficients from published studies that meet scientific standards. New UK "narrow" social rates of return average 12.1 per cent for short-cycle and 13.6 per cent for bachelor's programmes. Augmented with non-market effects on life chances, they are over twice that. Short degrees are found effective for regional development and have potential for developing countries. (Contains 2 figures, 3 tables, and 9 notes.) Note:The following two links are not-applicable for text-based browsers or screen-reading software. Show Hide Full Abstract

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Evidence; Program Effectiveness; Agricultural Production; Developing Nations; Rural Development; Educational Practices; Agricultural Occupations; Knowledge Level; Efficiency; Foreign Countries; Program Evaluation; Seminars; Competency Based Education

Abstract:
Purpose: This study sought to explore how farmers' knowledge attributes influence the technical efficiency of their farms. In addition, farm efficiency was compared to the actual Macedonian Rural Development Programme (RDP) (2007-2013) and instruments considered to improve Macedonian education potential were evaluated. Design/methodology/approach: The three-year (2006-2008) panel data set on Macedonian grape-producing family farms were analysed. A two-stage approach for efficiency analysis was used. In the first stage, technical efficiency scores were estimated using a parametric Stochastic Frontier approach. In the second stage regression, the impact of farmers' knowledge attributes on farm efficiency was assessed. Findings: The results suggest that farmers' knowledge attributes have the potential to influence farm economic performance. Non-formal knowledge sources, such as seminars, and competence-based learning appeared to be key to achieving higher technical efficiency. Within the instruments used for strengthening the knowledge potential of Macedonian farmers, supporting non-formal education and young farmers' enrolment in agricultural production should remain priorities. Practical implications: As the study relates to specific RDP instruments, it is of practical importance for policy-makers and knowledge-providing systems. Originality/value: The study is of value in explaining the knowledge potential of farmers working in transition economies and its importance for attaining higher efficiency. Despite the evidence on the importance of knowledge in strengthening farm performance, the influence of educational practices and potential knowledge attributes on farm efficiency has not previously been analysed in the context of an economy in transition. (Contains 1 figure, 3 tables and 1 note.) Note:The following two links are not-applicable for text-based browsers or screen-reading software. Show Hide Full Abstract

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Teaching Methods; Instructional Effectiveness; Efficiency; Educational Technology; Curriculum Development; Instructional Design; Internet; Electronic Publishing; Hypermedia; Satisfaction

Abstract:
This article describes a new form of instruction called elegant instruction. Generally speaking, educational technologists assert that instruction ought to be effective and efficient. Some educational technologists might add that instruction should also satisfy learners. Incorporating the standard requirements and going beyond satisfaction, elegant instruction is effective, efficient, and inspiring. Elegant instruction arouses an appreciation for exceptional insight, creativity, economy, or beauty, which, combined with perceived applicability, inspires learners and compels them to greater achievement, to apply what they have learned, and to learn more. To ensure efficiency, elegant instruction is 60 minutes at most. Preliminary research into elegant instruction is encouraging; further research continues. After introducing elegant instruction and discussing its theoretical foundations, this article discusses two examples of elegant instruction for inspiring learners to use intriguing computer techniques. A third example seeks to convey the elegance--succinctness, applicability, and wonder--of mathematics. (Contains 1 table and 6 figures.) Note:The following two links are not-applicable for text-based browsers or screen-reading software. Show Hide Full Abstract

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Older Adults; Foreign Countries; Economic Progress; Health Insurance; Aging (Individuals); Resource Allocation; Retirement Benefits; Public Policy; Efficiency

Abstract:
Population aging in Korea is projected to be the most rapid among Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries between 2000 and 2050. However, social spending in Korea remains low, reflecting Korea's relatively young population, limited health and long-term care insurance coverage, and immaturity of its pension system. As these factors evolve in coming years, social spending in Korea is likely to rise toward the OECD average. Sustaining economic growth requires policies to mitigate the impact of rapid population aging by providing social protection for the elderly population. Korea confronts difficult challenges in balancing economic growth and social protection for the elderly population, whereas also ensuring efficiency in social spending. Note:The following two links are not-applicable for text-based browsers or screen-reading software. Show Hide Full Abstract

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Majors (Students); Mass Media; Personality; Personality Traits; Differences; News Media; Public Relations; Advertising; Collegiality; Cooperation; Efficiency; Reliability; Undergraduate Students; Creative Thinking; Extraversion Introversion; Student Surveys; Comparative Analysis

Abstract:
A study of news media and strategic communication majors (n = 273) revealed differences in regard to personality indices and impetuses for selecting to pursue degrees. Showing overall agreement in the importance of openness, agreeableness, and conscientiousness, strategic communication students were significantly higher in their ratings of agreeableness. News media students were significantly higher in their ratings of openness. In addition, news media students stated a significantly higher rating of the importance of altruistic purposes. Strategic communication students placed higher emphasis on financial gain. Implications for pedagogy and the profession are discussed. (Contains 2 tables and 39 notes.) Note:The following two links are not-applicable for text-based browsers or screen-reading software. Show Hide Full Abstract

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Descriptors:
Educational Policy; Higher Education; Stakeholders; Administrators; Rhetoric; Educational Change; Foreign Countries; Neoliberalism; Ideology; Lifelong Learning; Accountability; Institutional Autonomy; Administrative Organization; Efficiency; Educational Finance; Democratic Values; Skill Development; Educational Opportunities

Abstract:
In the last few years, radical neo-liberal reforms have been introduced in the Greek Higher Education sector. The new "reforms" challenge the traditionally high autonomy of Higher Education (HE) institutions in matters of administrative regulations, study structures, assessment of students and teachers. The new rhetoric of the Greek government is based, on one hand, on a neoliberal ideology which emphasises "decentralisation of decision-making", "consumerism", "accountability" and "efficiency" in HE. On the other hand, it employs a post-modern discourse, which emphasises the multiple identities that individuals carry with them, denies "grand narratives" and promotes a continuous "upgrading" of knowledge and skills through the creation of Life-long Learning (LLL) opportunities. This paper will examine how the configuration of the specific rhetoric is being constantly re-contextualised and supported by the policy makers, highlighting the importance of the immensely "centralist" Greek State, which is assuming a "regulatory" role, but only when it deals with "structures" and "legal framework" and not when it comes to safeguarding the--constitutionally prescribed--"free" character of HE by providing the necessary funding, or when it comes to matters of upholding democratic participation by giving power to the various stakeholders of the academic institutions (faculty, students, administrative personnel). It will also stress issues arising from the globalization of educational policy-making and of the homogenisation of assessment practices in HE (e.g. the so-called common "European Higher Education Area"). Additionally, the paper will link the new post-modern rhetoric of individual "choice" and "emancipation" to global needs of capitalist production, which has witnessed a tremendous transformation in recent decades and is currently in the midst of a financial and fiscal turmoil. In connection to this, the recent austerity measures imposed from March 2010 will be commented upon and possible future consequences on HE structures will be suggested. (Contains 7 footnotes.) Note:The following two links are not-applicable for text-based browsers or screen-reading software. Show Hide Full Abstract

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Prior Learning; Self Efficacy; Cognitive Style; Foreign Countries; Electronic Learning; Student Characteristics; College Students; Multiple Regression Analysis; Individualized Instruction; Efficiency; Academic Achievement

Abstract:
This study aims to develop the core mechanism for realizing the development of personalized adaptive e-learning platform, which is based on the previous learning effort curve research and takes into account the learner characteristics of learning style and self-efficacy. 125 university students from Taiwan are classified into 16 groups according to learning efficiency, learning style and self-efficacy. The learner characteristic based learning effort curve mode (LECM) is developed by conducting multi-factor regression on the corresponding learning effort curves generated by the specific group. The research findings conclude that the learner characteristic based LECM is able to represent the specific learning characteristics of the corresponding learning style and self-efficacy effectively. The core value of the learner characteristic based LECM is to realize the future development of personalized adaptive e-learning platform through taking it as the core mechanism. (Contains 1 table and 4 figures.) Note:The following two links are not-applicable for text-based browsers or screen-reading software. Show Hide Full Abstract

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Descriptors:
Evidence; Foreign Countries; Educational Research; Nonparametric Statistics; Efficiency; Influence of Technology; Outcomes of Education; Educational Improvement; Improvement Programs; Comparative Analysis; Comparative Education; Comparative Testing; Predictor Variables; Outcome Measures; Correlation; Technology Uses in Education; Educational Technology

Abstract:
The purpose of the paper is to review some previous researches examining ICT efficiency and the impact of ICT on educational output/outcome as well as different conceptual and methodological issues related to performance measurement. Moreover, a definition, measurements and the empirical application of a model measuring the efficiency of ICT use and its impact at national levels will be considered. For this purpose, the Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) technique is presented and then applied to selected EU-27 and OECD countries. The empirical results show that the efficiency of ICT, when taking educational outputs/outcomes into consideration, differs significantly across the great majority of EU and OECD countries. The analysis of the varying levels of (output-oriented) efficiency (under the VRSTE framework) shows that Finland, Norway, Belgium and Korea are the most efficient countries in terms of their ICT sectors. Finally, the analysis finds evidence that most of the countries under consideration hold great potential for increased efficiency in ICT and for improving their educational outputs and outcomes. (Contains 5 tables, 1 figure and 6 footnotes.) Note:The following two links are not-applicable for text-based browsers or screen-reading software. Show Hide Full Abstract

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Descriptors:
Academic Achievement; Foreign Countries; Control Groups; Computer Software; Usability; Student Attitudes; Classroom Environment; Experimental Groups; Pretests Posttests; Computer System Design; Computer Interfaces; Design Preferences; Cultural Relevance; Efficiency; Participant Satisfaction; Questionnaires; Courseware

Abstract:
This study examined whether using localized interface designs would make a difference in users' learning results and their perceptions of the interface design in a classroom learning environment. This study also sought to learn more about users' attitudes toward the localized interface features. To assess the impact of using localized interfaces on students' academic achievements, a 2 x 2 two-way factorial ANCOVA was used to evaluate whether there was a significant difference in students' post-test scores between students in a control group and experiment groups. A two-way MANOVA was applied to examine whether localized icons and layout would bring changes in users' perceptions of interface design. Descriptive statistics were used to evaluate the participants' reaction to localized user interface features. Findings indicated that applying a localized user interface improved neither software usability and adaptability nor the cultural representations and conveyance although culture could affect Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) and software usability. (Contains 2 tables.) Note:The following two links are not-applicable for text-based browsers or screen-reading software. Show Hide Full Abstract

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Descriptors:
Competition; Public Schools; Efficiency; Private Schools; Geographic Information Systems; School Location; Elementary Schools; High Schools; Educational Change

Abstract:
Advocates for educational reform frequently call for policies to increase competition between schools because it is argued that market forces naturally lead to greater efficiencies, including improved student learning, when schools face competition. Researchers examining this issue are confronted with difficulties in defining reasonable measures of competition within local educational markets. We approach the problem through the application of Geographical Information System (GIS) tools to the development of a school competition index (SCI) for the state of Mississippi. The SCI captures the degree of competition each public school in the state faces from peer private schools spatially located within their local market area. We find that higher degrees of competition from private schools significantly increase public primary and high school efficiency, as measured by the proficiency rates on high-stakes examinations. It is anticipated that the current results will inform policymakers regarding the viability of competition-based reforms. (Contains 3 figures and 4 tables.) Note:The following two links are not-applicable for text-based browsers or screen-reading software. Show Hide Full Abstract

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