Students` perceptions of study modes

This paper reports on a survey of how Australian undergraduate students perceive the benefits of broad study modes: face-to-face classes, web-based study, and print-based study. Two benefit types were identified through factor analysis: engagement and functionality. Respondents rated face-to-face classes highest on engagement and print-based study highest on functionality. However, they distinguished only marginally between the engagement and functionality benefits of print-based and web-based study. Two variables associated with differences in students\u27 perceptions of study modes were attendance mode and student tenure. The findings raise questions about the learning and marketing rationales for offering web-based delivery of educational programmes at the expense of both the traditional face-to-face experience and the traditional &ldquo;distance&rdquo; experience in Australia using print materials. <br /

Advancing the STEM Agenda for Education, theWorkplace and Society (2012)

In educational research and quality management alike, models for under­standing the underlying system are required. Assessments and results can better understood within the context of a model. It was a challenge to establish the order of the chapters in this publication since all include important concepts and information about advancing the STEM agenda; however, we decided to start with the collaborative models because we recognize the importance of models in defining systems thinking and developing appropriate thought processes. Furthermore, in other ASQ Education Division publications, we have discussed the importance of successful transitions from one education system to another in the overall P-16 system; from K-12 schools to college and universities and from universities to the workplace. In between we see the work of the university faculty in improving the delivery of STEM education in their college classrooms. In addition, we had a special interest in gender issues in STEM education, which had its own section