Are cheats prospering at universities?

Article Abstract:

A senior academic at a leading UK university has alleged that several of her colleagues whose research was not considered to be of a very high standard were made to 'vanish' during the 1996 research assessment exercise. They were listed as working in a different department which had not previously existed, as were some researchers from other departments who were not regarded as meeting the highest standards. This led to her department gaining a 5* grade, and thus additional funding. There have been mixed reactions to this allegation, with some observers believing that most institutions would not be able to hide staff in this way.

Research and Testing Services, Scientific Research and Development Services, Research & Development-Universities, Universities and colleges, Research, Ethical aspects, University research

---

The best and the brightest

Article Abstract:

The headaster of Saffron Waldon County High School, Essex, UK, a grant-maintained comprehensive school, David Boatman, has launched an able students initiative to ensure that brighter children are stretched to potential. The initiative is aimed at ensuring that brighter children continue to apply for admission to the school to maintain standards, and to avoid losing students to local schools which are selective. A grant-maintained school in Bishop's Stortford had wanted to raise selection to half of intake, which made Boatman take the initiative.

United Kingdom, Education, College admissions, Schools, School admissions

---

A slippery slope or a level playing field?

Article Abstract:

The GCSE exam, introduced in the UK in 1988, was designed to move away from the academic emphasis of O-levels and to assess skills as well as knowledge. It has been widely claimed that GCSEs are easier than O-levels were, and some observers feel that there is now too large a gap between GCSEs and A-levels. However, others believe that GCSEs genuinely test understanding and that they also have the advantage of bringing average and below average children into the educational mainstream.

All Other Publishers, Book publishing, Educational Tests, Schools, British, Public opinion, Educational tests and measurements

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: The casual approach to teaching in our universities. What price a degree? What price freedom for your children?
• Abstracts: Here's a game that's truly infectious. A battle for the sonic boom. Brian Eno's generation game
• Abstracts: Defining the attraction of factory outlet centres. Variety stores retailing. The development of factory outlet retailing
• Abstracts: The New approach to old problems. Into the fast lane: sixth-formers may get a taste of university. How to eat, sleep and stay solvent
• Abstracts: Are you getting too much sex in your ads? Honest, legal ... but decent? It may be flat, but it sure isn't boring

This website is not affiliated with document authors or copyright owners. This page is provided for informational purposes only. Unintentional errors are possible.