Faculty of Education - Theses
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ItemThe educative role of a parish school and community( 1991)Catholic parishes are undergoing radical changes today. Their mission of education is holistic and embraces a birth to death span. This study focused on the changes which had taken place in families from the time of the initiation of their eldest child into the community until nine years later when that child shared in the first meal ritual of the community. Multiple case studies and the outcomes of interviews were analysed using grounded theory. Interviews were conducted with a population of school families; conclusions were reached and an emergent theory proposed. As expected, the articulation of concepts proved difficult for parents. Growth is related to realms of meaning through which the educative process takes place; to cultural consciousness and to the respective life cycle of parents and their children. Overall, a degree of growth was reported by most respondents especially in terms of self-esteem, positive changes in attitudes towards the church, and access to support systems. The insights revealed by this study indicate that the parish primary school acts as a catalyst for the re-entry of parents into the community; that the climate of the community, the style of leadership, the participative decision-making processes and the pedagogical processes of the parish and the school are determining factors both in the effectiveness of the educational enterprise and in the ultimate survival of the community.
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ItemAn evaluation of fleximode as a mode of provision for the VCE to adult students( 1991)Fleximode is the combination of study on-campus(i.e. attending classes) and off campus (i.e. private study using structured study materials). It is designed for people who cannot attend regular classes, but who prefer more support than is available through off-campus, or correspondence study alone. The study examines literature relating to similar modes of provision overseas and in Victoria. It reveals divergent views about the comparative merits of faceto- face and distance learning. The study reviews the provision of the VCE to adults by Fleximode across Victoria in 1987. Key players identified advantages: flexibility for students in pacing their studies, cost-effectiveness, and providing access to VCE studies for a group of adults who would otherwise not be able to return to study. On the other hand, many commented on the difficulties arising from the small size of groups and the lack of stable class composition in establishing a group identity and support system. Questionnaires from students showed that most chose Fleximode because it was seen as better than correspondence, and that employment prevented more frequent class attendance. Most found on-campus and off-campus components of Fleximode equally valuable. A case-study demonstrated that Fleximode students all achieved less than they would have in a regular VCE class. Small class sizes were valuable for addressing specific needs, but meant that less class discussion was possible, and the mode allowed less time for exam preparation and practice. The evidence suggests that Fleximode is a better option than correspondence in terms of student retention, learning outcomes, and successful course completion. Students have the best chance for success in face-to-face programs, but Fleximode should be developed to replace correspondence study for the new VCE for adults, and for carefully targetted groups who cannot participate in on campus programs.