Abstract This paper discusses the future of continuingeducation programs for higher education institutions. It includes an assessment of adult learner outcomes plus several other trends. The author also explores the factors that are expected to impact higher education programs and future policies.
From the Paper "Continuing education consists of educational programs usually non-credit courses offered by colleges and universities to adults in the community usually during the evening ..."
Abstract This paper presents a report on online education, or distance learning, as the wave of the future. It explains what the topic is, discusses the merits of continuingeducation, tuition and reimbursement of employees.
From the Paper "Online education is a rapidly growing phenomenon on the Web and the technology of the Internet is reshaping schools and universities worldwide. It was originally designed to cater to students disadvantaged by their geographical remoteness from university campuses. Distance learning existed before the advent of the Internet and replaced the face-to-face necessity of teacher and student. The Internet has extended this concept technologically. It was originally limited to technological fields such as mathematics, engineering and design but now covers everything from linguistics to..."
Abstract This paper looks at the field of nursing and how nursing productivity is affected by continuingeducation for nurses. The paper first presents a definition of the term productivity and then looks at the three stakeholders involved; nurses, management and the government. The paper explains that while these three entities may not agree on a single definition of productivity, they do tend to acknowledge that professional development can lead to an increase in productivity. The paper outlines the history of continuingeducation for nurses in contrast to today's continuingeducation. The paper describes the stress in the modern nursing environment and goes on to discuss how professional development is geared at reducing the impact of these stressors so that nurses can perform tasks more quickly and efficiently, without sacrificing patient care. The paper further explains that continuing training ensures that nurses are complying with state regulations, reducing the likelihood of malpractice suits based on nurse conduct. Therefore, the paper concludes that continuededucation for nurses is something that all stakeholders in the health care community should support.
Outline:
Introduction
Defining Productivity
History of ContinuingEducation for Nurses
Modern ContinuingEducation Modern Nursing Profession
Professional Development as Part of a Healthy Work Environment
Human Resources
Stakeholders
Nursing View of Productivity
Management View of Productivity
Government View of Productivity
Conclusion
From the Paper "The nursing community stalwartly emphasizes the importance of continuing education and suggests that it should be an important part of the nursing profession, whether legally required or voluntary. This emphasis is shared by the majority of the medical community. One of the primary reasons that nurses, nurse managers, and nurse educators believe that continuing education is important is because they link continued education to an increase in productivity. However, the study of productivity is very difficult, with one of the main problems being that managers and nurses tend to measure productivity in very different ways. However, they do seem to agree that an increase in productivity means being able to increase the same tasks in less time, without also increasing mistakes or stress. Therefore, while defining productivity is important when seeking to determine whether or not continued education does result in increased productivity, increased productivity is clearly meaningless unless it is a sustainable increase."
Abstract This paper discusses the importance of quality continuingeducation. It describes the value of quality continuingeducation to educators, students and future employers. The paper suggests that educators might consider developing an international standard of excellence for all continuingeducation courses in order to ensure that continuingeducation is always of a high quality.
From the Paper "Continuing education still has much to offer participants. Continuing education programs that are accredited and those that provide high quality programs with up-to-date information are most likely to attract new participants. Potential students must recognize the value in taking advantage of continuing education programs. Employers can help add value by attaching rewards to graduates that complete certain certificate programs. With all of these functions in place, continuing education will do what it is supposed to; that is, continuing education will enhance learning and create a greater desire for learning among service professionals and employees. Quality and value are important considerations for people involved in the continuing education field. Good quality programs are not hard to come buy. Educators might consider developing an international standard of excellence for all continuing education courses. This way, all students and professionals that take part in these courses will understand just how valuable the programs are, and can be assured of the quality of continuing education programs."
Abstract This paper explores the barriers and obstacles faced by adult students with families in continuing their education. It discusses the common practice of the institution giving primary focus to the traditional students' needs and its failure to give due consideration to the needs of the adult student who is also juggling the responsibilities of a career and a family.
Table of Contents:
Statement Of Thesis
Chapter One - Introduction
Chapter Two - Literature Review
Non-Traditional Students Comprise 75% Of Enrollment
Academic Challenges Of Institutional And State Policies
Chapter Three - Sources Of Data And Research Methods
Chapter Four - Analysis And Results
Chapter Five - Summary And Conclusion
From the Paper "Given the fact that the non-traditional adult student comprises approximately two-thirds of all college enrollments, it is critically important that the educational institution focus on the needs of the adult student, specifically those who are also juggling work and family along with the demands of college courses. Further challenges exist in obtaining funding for college due to the fact that the adult student has not typically or traditionally been given consideration in college funding access. This seems to be somewhat an oversight whether intentional or not again, when consideration is given to the percentage of college students that the adult student comprises on the college enrollment roster."
Abstract The paper explains that adult education occurs in two forms; adult basic education (ABE) and continuingeducation. ABE is delivered to students who are adults and have not received a certain level of proficiency in areas corresponding to computation or literacy. Continuingeducation is available to adults who have completed basic education and are seeking to engage in an enhanced learning process, such as post-secondary education. This paper explores the history of adult education and demonstrates that the availability of both ABE and continuing adult education have improved the overall quality-of-life for its participants.
Abstract This paper addresses the problems African Americans had in the past and continue to have in the present. The writer discusses the specific difficulties of African Americans then and looks at whether this continues to hold true for African Americans today. The writer examines the specific issues of minorities today. Further, the writer points out that when it comes to the education of African Americans and other minorities, the struggle has been long and difficult, ranging from the early years of slavery and segregation and continuing with the present issues of diversity, standardized tests, and educational funding.
From the Paper ""Does segregation of children in public schools solely on the basis of race, even though the physical facilities and other 'tangible' factors may be equal, deprive the children of the minority group of equal education opportunities? We believe it does". This question was asked before the Supreme Court in the Brown et al vs. Board of Education in the 1950s. While many people believe that Brown vs. Board of Education was the first school segregation case, this simply is not true."
Abstract The writer discusses the importance of continuing studies after high school by going on to get a college education and eventually a degree. He explores the various reasons for students deciding to continue their education. According to the author one of the major benefits of a college education is learning how to think outside of the box. He further states that other benefits are impossible to anticipate as the true value of education is unique to each individual.
From the Paper "Take responsibility! Everyone is responsible for their own actions and their own education. You will have no one else to blame but yourself if you fail.
This is life! The values established and the interests acquired during college will last you a lifetime. Students never forget a good learning experience, so make the most of all of them.
Learn from others. Seek out advice and knowledge. Don't be afraid to ask questions. Remember the only stupid question is the one that isn't asked.
Take advantage of the opportunities you have! Don't wait to get involved with other activities. Chances are, the more involved you are in college, the more involved you will be in life."
Abstract This paper examines how misunderstandings and misconceptions about potential job vacancies can, in large measure, be prevented by using some of the tools from project management improvement that focus on providing iterative changes and corrections. It looks at how such a continuous improvement process relies on the collection of accurate data about how people are performing a task, which are then used to design training programs that better prepare people for the work expected of them. In particular, it focuses on education and shows how schools that have been the most successful in implementing continuous improvement models into the overall management of personnel have been those that have been most willing to allow a high degree of democracy in their workings.
From the Paper "At each of these stages ? from initial interview to later promotions ? information can be gathered about what each individual does well and where his or her weaknesses are and so where he or she needs additional help and training. There is an inherently good fit between a continuous improvement process and a project management perspective because a continuous improvement process provides the kind of detailed, accurate step-by-step data that is essential to implement any project management methodology. However, simply because there is such an inherently (or potentially) good fit between the two does not mean that the potential that continuous improvement processes have to inform a project management perspective is necessarily always carried out in the world of the real workplace."
Tags: project, management, education, tasks, training
Abstract This paper queries the sustainability of the educational methods of Cuba, South Africa and Sudan in terms of creating egalitarian and socially equal societies that empower the masses. Furthermore,the paper continues with Anders Breidlid's ideas about Cuba saying that "The social capital injected into communities over generations has paved the way for the possession of cultural capital, not only for a small elite, but for the majority of the population." The paper further discusses this in conjunction with Carnoy's concept of "state-generated social capital" in Cuba and compares them to South Africa's ideological educational system as seen by the declarations of its curriculum and Sudan's education system being Islamic. Pertinent questions are raised and discussed by the paper. The paper further asks whether the Cuban model is replicable without an authoritarian, coercive environment to ensure its success.
Outline:
Introduction
A Mechanistic Vs. an Ecological Approach to Sustainable Education Cuba's Educational Discourse and Equality
The Educational Discourse of South Africa's C2005
State-generated Social Capital in Levelling the Field
Language in Education in South Africa
Sudan's Islamic Educational Discourse
Education Towards a Theocracy?
Ideology and Ideological State Apparatuses in Sudan
The Discourse of Inclusion/Exclusion, Gender and Sustainability
Critiquing Cuba's Paternalistic Educational Discourse
Conclusion
From the Paper "Civil society is now questioning the revolution's legitimacy in providing access to knowledge. For instance, the Biblioteca Independiente Felix Varela was established by Mexidor and her husband Ramon Castillo with the aim of providing other sources of information and knowledge other than that promoted by the government through voluntary donations. Within a year, 13 such independent libraries operated in the island. However, they were soon subjected to government harassment and persecution to the extent that the couple had to seek asylum abroad in 2001 (Cruz-Taura 2003: Online). With reference to Sterling's (2001) table above, Cuba's educational ethos is clearly a mechanistic one of manipulation, control and dependence with a centralized power-base hierarchy that aims at standardization and homogeneity. "
Abstract In this article, the writer notes that achieving universal education is one of the UN's 8 Millennium Development Goals agreed to in 2000 by all the world's countries and the world's leading development institutions. The writer points out that although some progress has been made in increasing the level of education in most countries, a number of third world countries have fallen behind in their effort and are unlikely to achieve the goal by the target date of 2015. The writer outlines the benefits of education and discusses the co-relation between illiteracy and poverty. The writer then reviews the status of education in the third world countries. Finally, the writer enumerates the reasons for high levels of illiteracy in these countries and looks at how they can be overcome.
Outline:
Benefits of Education Responsibility of Governments in Education and its Social Benefits
Individual/ Private Benefits
Co-relation between Poverty and Literacy
The State of Education in Third World Countries
Reasons for the Continuing Low Education Levels
Overcoming the Barriers
References
From the Paper "There is a strong correlation between poverty and illiteracy. Wherever literacy rates are lower, poverty rates are invariably higher and vice-versa. The relationship between the two is a vicious circle as poor countries do not have sufficient resources to invest in education; most of the people who survive on incomes of less than 2 dollars a day cannot afford to send their children to school. On the other hand, a low literacy rate is a major barrier against personal improvement and prevents the poorest people to lift themselves out of the poverty trap.
"For example, in third world countries such as Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Ghana, India, Mozambique and Nepal, 78% or more of the population lives on incomes below US$2 per day, adult literacy rates are below 63%, and the number of adult illiterates exceeds 5 million in each country."
Abstract The paper discusses the United States' serious nursing crisis and predictions that this trend will only get worse in the future, showing that the changing demographics of an aging population are largely to blame. The paper also shows that nursing shortages are greater in areas requiring higher levels of education, such as Masters or Doctorate Degrees and that not enough nurses are pursuing educational paths to fill this need. Congress has offered tuition reimbursement and grant programs to help fund higher education and Nursing Associations are working to create faster tracks to a careers in nursing. Other methods discussed are media campaigns which have highlighted the advantages of nursing. This research examines the factors that influence a nurse's decision to pursue higher education and gives insight as to how to eliminate some of the barriers that prevent them from entering into higher education.
Table of Contents:
Literature Review
Scope of the Nursing Shortage
What is Being Done?
Have these Measures Been Effective?
Motivating Factors for Nurses to Pursue ContinuingEducation The Traditional Career Path
Distance Learning and the Nursing shortage
What this Research Hopes to Answer
Methodology
Data Collection
Subject Selection Criteria
Data Analysis
Assumptions
Limitations
Biases
Conclusion
From the Paper "Distance learning offers many advantages over traditional programs. The first advantage is cost. As distance learning facilities do not have the high costs of maintaining all of those classrooms as in a traditional setting, they have lower over head costs and can offer their services at a much lower rate. Convenience is the biggest advantage. Many nursing students start families and must begin working as soon as they obtain their license. They often have many job and family responsibilities that would prevent them from having a career and going to school, without sacrificing family or professional life. Distance learning allows them to work at home, many times at their own pace, and still enjoy the benefits of family and professional life."
Abstract This paper discusses and recommends two books relevant to higher education practice and innovative leadership strategies in higher education. The books are: "Leadership in Continuing and Distance Education in Higher Education" by Shoemaker, and "Universities in the Marketplace: the Commercialization of Higher Education" by Bok.
This paper reviews E. Weiling's article entitled "Do Returns on Investment for Educating Children in Oaxaca de Juarez, Mexico, Pay Off? A Qualitative Analysis."
Abstract This review of E.Weiling's article addresses issues in the educational opportunities available to children in Oaxaca, Mexico. Weiling's study focuses on the question of why some families go to great lengths to continue their children's education, despite low financial means and economic status. Weiling reports the methods and results of interviews with eleven families in an effort to understand why children in these families received varying levels of education. Additionally, the study is put into context with a historical background on education in Mexico and Oaxaca in particular. Finally, the study also illustrates three theories that discuss how beneficial or possible additional education can be to families such as those discussed.
Outline:
Analysis
Interpretation
Conclusions
Personal Response
From the Paper "A variety of families with children of varying education levels were interviewed, with the number of each chosen to be representative of a larger group. It was found that education was considered to be important by all families, and that family members were willing to sacrifice many things to increase the education of other members. This included effort from the parents and children, as well as other siblings. Family and cultural pride played a role in the decision to continue a child's education, as did a better outlook for upward mobility for the child or family. Families expressed strong collectiveness values that played a part in their decisions. Additional factors found to be involved in preventing or hindering children from attending additional school were school politics, financial barriers, changes in the Mexican economy, and prejudice of poorer families."
Tags:education, Mexico, E., Weiling, Oaxaca, opportunities
This paper examines why a better education means a better job and a higher income, while those with little or no education find it harder to survive, resulting in poverty situations that continue for generations.
Abstract This paper shows several sides of this issue by stating that many believe that by obtaining the right job, education shouldn't matter while discussing the economic values of acquiring a higher education and the many benefits reaped as a result, and conversely, how having little or no education is directly linked to low income jobs, unemployment and poverty.
From the Paper "The status of educated families and non educated families in Indonesia is also an example of how education increases incomes and gives better employment. It also shows how more money will motivate parents to allow their children to have education. In both of these countries, it has been known that many that live in poverty don't really want change. They probably wouldn't mind a little extra money, but they think they can live without it. Also, some don't mind if their children has a college education or not. Some would rather their children not have an education, because they are afraid of their children looking down upon them.
Like the United States, those with little or no education find it hard to get a good job, therefore putting the family in poverty level. As we all know banks do not like to loan money to those who are in poverty."
