This research aimed to examine the strategy effectiveness of the Integrating Inquiry-based learning and Student Teams Achievement Division (INSTAD) compared to other strategies: Inquiry; Student Teams Achievement Division (STAD); and conventional learning, in order to narrow Upper Academic Ability (AA) and Lower Academic Ability (AB) science students’ learning outcome gap. As many as 136 research subject, consisting of AA and AB 7th grade students in equal numbers were selected using stratified random sampling from 27 State Junior High Schools in Surakarta, Indonesia. This research employed 4x2 factorial design as a method. Students’ learning results were measured with an essay test, then analyzed using Anakova. Findings demonstrate that INSTAD is the optimum strategy to constrict AA and AB students’ science grade point average, compared to Inquiry, STAD, and conventional learning.

The use of Team Based Learning (TBL) as an instructional strategy in undergraduate health science curricula has been identified as a  way to improve student learning outcomes. However, comparative studies of the use of TBL in business subjects in different countries are rare. This research is a first step to provide comparative quantitative empirical evidence for the usefulness of TBL, leading to continuous improvement in the learning process. It compares the results of Indonesian and Australian students in two different business classes. The finding reveals that TBL has some usefulness in enhancing student learning outcomes in business subjects.

There is growing evidence that the traditional “instruction-centered approach” to learning is not producing the desired learning outcomes in students. Many institutions of higher education in Thailand make it their main thrust to enable their students to become critical, independent thinkers and have the sense of ownership in the learning process. Most schools have shifted the focus in the classroom from conventional teaching to facilitating effective learning. This study centered on the impact of adopting the “learner-centered approach.” Fifty students studying Industrial and Logistics Management at North Bangkok University took part in the assessment. The case study method was utilized and quantitative as well as qualitative data were generated with the use of a questionnaire and semi-structured interviews. Findings revealed that the implementation of “Learner-Centered Education” enhanced the learning outcomes and contributed to the attainment of quality education for the university.

Celem artykułu jest zaprezentowanie obowiązujących podstaw programowych przedszkola i edukacji wczesnoszkolnej w perspektywie problematyki dotyczącej różnorodności kulturowej. Znajomość własnego środowiska lokalnego i kanonu kulturowego regionu stanowi ważny element edukacji międzykulturowej. Stąd przeglądu podstaw dokonano przez pryzmat założeń zarówno edukacji regionalnej, jak i międzykulturowej. Przedstawione zostały ustanowione w podstawie zadania i cele, jakie stoją przed współczesnym przedszkolem i szkołą, ale i efekty kształcenia, za pomocą których określono w podstawie programowej treści przewidziane do realizacji w procesie uczenia się i nauczania. Teoretycznymi podstawami rozważań uczyniono koncepcję tożsamości międzykulturowej opracowaną przez Jerzego Nikitorowicza.

The paper’s topic refers to phenomenographic research with the participation of adult educators. The paper reflects educators’ concepts regarding expected learning outcomes or the learning process. These individual concepts were identified based on reconstructions of adult educators’ experiences. The purpose of the paper is to demonstrate the variety of approaches which educators apply in the educational process and the learning outcomes that adult learners are expected to achieve – according to the educators’ assumptions. Reference to selected theoretical models included in the paper allows looking at the theoretical context.

Informal Conditioning of the Development of the Achievement Accumulation and Transfer System in the Polish Vocational Training and Continuing Education

This paper reports from a qualitative study on informal conditions for the implementation credit transfer system in vocation education and training (VET) in Poland based on European Credit System for Vocational Education and Training (ECVET). The study was conducted just before the new law of VET (October 1st 2011) came into force. It introduced: (1)new vocational core curriculum which includes 200 school occupations, in which 252 qualifications are distinguished, (2) learning outcomes approach, (3) the examination requirements based on learning outcomes specified for the qualifications, and other tools supporting credit transfer and accumulation. The main purpose of the paper is to analyse the VET stakeholders knowledge, understanding and opinion on these new solutions and general on credit transfer and accumulation concept which aims at supporting development of lifelong learning. On the very general level respondents support all solutions that could improve learners employability and education opportunities. However part of them do not perform in-depth knowledge and reflections on such concepts as learning outcomes approach. They indicate also a number of drawbacks of the VET reform in Poland that is implemented in a hurry without sufficient support for schools, teachers and learners.