This study investigates the nature of the mathematical understanding possessed by preservice teachers as they enter Early Childhood and Primary Teacher Education Programmes. The subjects comprised thirty students divided into groups of ten to represent three levels of mathematics competency as measured on a mathematics competency test. Evidence of mathematical understanding was gathered from videotaped interviews in which students were required to provide solutions for a set of six tasks. The analysis of student performance included monitoring students' ability to provide multiple representations for tasks as well as the students' demonstration of connections between mathematical ideas. The results show that preservice teachers entering the Early Childhood and Primary Teacher Education Programmes at the University of Canberra do so with weak understanding of many of the mathematical concepts that are fundamental to primary level mathematics curricula. The type of understanding demonstrated by these students was predominantly instrumental in nature. Differences between groups were found with reference to the amount of confidence and interest displayed during tasks. The implications of these results on mathematics teacher education are discussed. The study identifies the need for alternative assessment protocol for mathematics screening of preservice teachers. Discussion of appropriate techniques for the reconstruction of mathematical understanding is also considered.

This research identifies those practices and/or conditions that facilitate (or hinder) school and/or system based innovation in ACT high schools. It examines teachers� ways of making meaning of change in their working lives. It draws on narrative inquiry and teacher in-depth interviews. The work story is used to engage teachers� individual agency as a way to conceptualise the requirements of innovation. The data is represented as teachers� narrative categorized as the Red Hots and Unfreezables. The primary themes or motifs emerging in the teachers� talk�teacher agency, resistance and leadership�provide collective insight into teachers� working lives and the capacity of schools to cope with change. Analyses of the �lived experiences� of teachers suggest that innovative practice is linked to teacher agency and the presence of professional learning communities, and that those leading change must focus on the realities of the teachers implementing change. This study also explores the culture of teacher resistance, supporting the research that school cultures are characteristically and strongly resistant to change from within the organization. As a result of this study, we have an improved understanding of the conditions that contribute to effective school change, and the importance for teachers to conduct their own research. This study contains important recommendations for governments and education systems implementing change initiatives.

In this thesis, teaching and learning issues involved in end-user information retrieval from electronic databases are examined. A two-stage model of the information retrieval process, based on information processing theory, is proposed; and a framework for the teaching of information literacy is developed. The efficacy of cognitive psychology as a theoretical framework that enhances the understanding of a number of information retrieval issues, is discussed. These issues include: teaching strategies that can assist the development of conceptual knowledge of the information retrieval process; individual differences affecting information retrieval performance, particularly problemsolving ability; and expert and novice differences in search performance. The researcher investigated the impact of concept-based instruction on the development of information retrieval skills through the use of a two-stage experimental study conducted with undergraduates students at the University of Canberra, Australia. Phase 1 was conducted with 254 first-year undergraduates in 1997, with a 40 minute concept-based teaching module as the independent variable. A number of research questions were proposed: 1. Wdl type of instruction influence acquisition of knowledge of electronic database searching? 2. Will type of instruction influence information retrieval effectiveness? 3. Are problem-solving ability and information retrieval effectiveness related? 4. Are problem-solving ability and cognitive maturity related? 5. Are there any differences in the search behaviour of more effective and less effective searchers? Subjects completed a pre-test which measured knowledge of electronic databases, and problem-solving ability; and a post-test that measured changes in these abilities. Subjects in the experimental treatment were taught the 40 minute concept-based module, which incorporated teaching strateges grounded in leaming theory. The strategies included: the use of analogy; modelling; and the introduction of complexity. The aims of the module were to foster the development of a realistic concept of the information retrieval process; and to provide a problem-solving heuristic to guide subjects in their search strategy formulation. All subjects completed two post-tests: a survey that measured knowledge of search terminology and strategies; and an information retrieval assignment that measured effectiveness of search design and execution. Results suggested that using a concept-based approach is significantly more effective than using a traditional, skills-demonstration approach in the teaching of information retrieval. This effectiveness was both in terms of increasing knowledge of the search process; and in terms of improving search outcomes. Further, results suggested that search strategy formulation is significantly correlated with electronic database knowledge, and problemsolving ability; and that problem-solving ability and level of cognitive maturity may be related. Results supported the two-stage model of the information retrieval process suggested by the researcher as one possible construct of the thinking processes underlying information retrieval. These findings led to the implementation of Phase 2 of the research in 1999. Subjects were 68 second-year undergraduate students at the University of Canberra. In this Phase, concept-based teaching techniques were used to develop four modules covering a range of information literacy skills, including: critical thinking; information retrieval strategies; evaluation of sources; and determining relevance of articles. Results confirmed that subjects taught by methods based on leaming theory paradigms (the experimental treatment group), were better able to design effective searches than subjects who did not receive such instruction (the control treatment group). Further, results suggested that these teaching methods encouraged experimental group subjects to locate material from more credible sources than did control group subjects. These findings are of particular significance, given the increasing use of the unregulated intemet environment as an information source. Taking into account literature reviewed, and the results of Phases 1 and 2, a model of the information retrieval process is proposed. Finally, recognising the central importance of the acquisition of information literacy to student success at university, and to productive membership of the information society, a detailed framework for the teaching of information literacy in higher education is suggested.

In a case study of over three hundred students in one Canberra high school, the attitudes to science of boys and girls in Years 7-10 were investigated using the Test of Science-Related Attitudes (TOSRA). From this survey population, forty students were selected and interviewed to explore in more detail students' attitudes to science. Parents of the interviewed students were also surveyed to explore possible relationships between students' attitudes and parental expectations and aspirations. For the seven areas of attitudes investigated, students had positive attitudes to science in the areas of social implications of science, normality of scientists, attitudes to scientific enquiry and adoption of scientific attitudes. They displayed neutral to negative attitudes in the areas of enjoyment of science lessons, leisure interest in science and career interest in science. There was a significant difference between boys and girls in two of the seven areas with girls being more negative than boys to a leisure interest in science, and girls more positive than boys towards the normality of scientists. When analysed for year at school and achievement in science, the data indicates that older students and those with higher grades in science generally have a more positive or less negative attitude to science. However, as a group, Year 8 girls were more negative than other groups about the enjoyment of their science lessons, about a leisure interest in science and about a career interest in science. The interviews with students revealed that in general, they liked science and their science teachers but that they would not choose science for leisure activities or for a career. Parents are shown to have high aspirations and somewhat lower expectations for the career prospects of their children. Both parents and students display stereotypical views about certain careers based on gender. Strategies to improve the attitude to science of boys and girls are suggested. These strategies focus on activities for teachers, parents and the students themselves.

This Report examines the history of the planning of Canberra with emphasis on the systems devised for determining land use, development control and public participation. Part One covers the periods during which various authorities and Departments have been responsible for planning and development. The long term effect of autocratic attitudes of the early planners and the subordinate position of the employee/tenant/lessee on the ordinary rights of the community to participate in planning is considered. The single minded objective of creating a monumental city, the determination to preserve at all costs what each generation of planners regarded as the original plan, the overriding concern with physical planning and construction, and the determination of the bureacracy not to share power or responsibility is noted. Part Two examines those places in Australia and elsewhere which have developed democratically and have devised systems to make planning responsible to the community. A number of common characteristics are noted. The limitations on the extent of public participation is acknowledged. Part Three examines a statutory planning system for the ACT. The conclusion is reached that the existing system, relying as it does on antique NSW laws adapted fifty years ago when the town was in its infancy are totally inadequate for a medium size city. The existing legislation is particularly defective in providing for the town planning process and development control needs of the Territory. The deficiencies of the latest planning review are noted, and although the retention of the existing planning authority is supported, its compulsory democratisation through a Planning Act providing statutory requirments for plan making and public participation, is advocated.

This study considered the influence of exotic shrubs on birds in urban patches of Yellow Box- Blakely's Red Gum (E. melliodora-E. blakelyi) woodlands in the Australian Capital Territory, Canberra. The aim of this research was to identify native and exotic birds that have their abundance influenced by exotic shrubs. The purpose of this work was to provide more information to managers of this woodland about the potential impacts of weed control on birds living in woodland reserves adjacent to suburban areas. Birds were sampled between 1996 and 1998 using the twenty minute area-search method to derive estimates of bird abundance. Around 680 twenty minute area-searches were completed, with 665 of these undertaken at 12 two hectare plots with varying levels of exotic shrub cover over a period of ten months. The abundance of birds for each of the ten months sampled were compared by pooling sites into four classes of exotic shrub cover. Classes of exotic shrub cover were nil, light, moderate and dense. Seasonal inferences were drawn from non-parametric analysis of variance. Non-parametric measures of association were used to test for correlation between the mean abundance of bird species at different woodland sites and percentage foliage estimates of exotic shrub cover. Percentage foliage estimates of native shrub cover were included in tests for correlation between bird abundance and exotic shrub cover by applying partial measures of association. To support statistical information, observations of birds in exotic shrub cover were also recorded. In one woodland site birds were sampled before and after the removal of exotic shrub cover. No statistical tests were applied to these samples because of a lack of replication; however, descriptive graphs of the abundance of selected birds following weed control are presented. To investigate the effect that exotic shrub invasion may have on the composition of bird assemblages in woodland cluster analysis and ordination of the 12 sites using the mean abundance of the 75 species recorded between July 1997 and June 1998 were also undertaken. The presence of exotic shrub cover in E. melliodora-E. blakelyi woodland in Canberra was found to have differential effects on bird abundance. Wrens, finches, thornbills, whistlers and pigeons were more abundant in woodland sites where exotic shrubs were present when compared to sites with no or little exotic shrub cover. Fruit-eating birds, such as Silvereyes (Zosterops lateralis), Pied Currawong (Strepera graculina) and Crimson Rosella (Platycercus elegans), were more abundant in woodland with exotic shrubs in winter and autumn when these shrubs provided food in the form of berries. The abundance of fruit-eating birds, and wrens and finches was reduced in a single woodland site following the removal of most of the exotic shrub cover. The Common Blackbird (Turdus merula) was the only exotic bird which showed a strong association with exotic shrubs in woodland, while the Laughing Kookaburra (Dacelo novaeguineae) was negatively correlated with exotic shrub cover, possibly because prey is harder to detect and capture in woodland with a shrubby understorey. Cluster analysis and ordination of the 12 woodland sites did not group sites into the four experimental classes used to undertake analysis of variance. Multivariate analysis, however, did reveal that seasonal peaks in the abundance of fruit eating birds affected the composition of bird assemblages by increasing the mean abundance of these birds in densely invaded sites. Similarly, structural differences in the understorey resulted in some birds being more abundant in woodland sites invaded by exotic shrubs when compared to sites lacking a shrubby understorey. The distance between some sites confirmed this stark difference in bird life when plotted in three dimensions. The results of this study suggest that exotic shrubs add food and structural complexity to woodland habitat. Benefits of structural complexity for small native birds in woodland include nest sites and protection from predators. These benefits may operate at certain thresholds of invasion, as the woodland site with the densest level of exotic shrub invasion showed a slight decrease in the number of wrens and finches. Adverse impacts from exotic shrub invasion may include reduced open ground in which to forage and loss of floristic diversity in the understorey. In effect, exotic shrubs add and remove resources in woodland habitat, benefiting some bird species and limiting others. These findings suggest that the removal of exotic shrub cover in woodland located in urban landscapes simplifies the structural complexity of the understorey, reducing the quality of habitat for some birds. Thus, adverse impacts on biodiversity arising from the invasion of exotic shrubs in woodland need to be considered against the important role that a diverse bird population has in maintaining ecosystem function.

This pilot study examines the problem, "Has adult input into children's library services, resulted in services that children perceive as not relevant to their own recreational and information needs?". In examining this problem a questionnaire survey was conducted of a specific population of children, parents and teachers. In addition to the questionnaire survey, structured record sheets were used to record children's use of the public library serving the specific population, and children's services actually provided by the local library. The population consisted of middle and upper primary school children, from Holt Primary School, Canberra, and their parents and teachers. The study indicated discrepancies in what children perceived as important library services for children and what parents and teachers perceived as important. Discrepancies were also found between what children wanted and what was actually provided by the local library service for children.

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This study traces many of the highlights which occurred during the first decade of the history of the School Library Association in Canberra and District (SLACAD). The roots of this association lie deep in the history of school libraries and teacherlibrarianship in Australia. Many SLACAD members belonged to other state school library associations and to the Australian School Library Association (ASLA) confederation since the establishment of these associations in the 1960's. These teacher-librarians have been dedicated in their attempts to further the cause of school libraries and their teacher-librarianship profession. The decade covered by this study embraces the greatest period of expansion in the development of school libraries seen in Australian history. During this decade the A.C.T. established an independent education system and it took many years for the A.C.T. Schools Authority administration to finalise its organisation. SLACAD members were anxious that school libraries in the A.C.T. should keep pace with school libraries in other Australian states and this study documents the constant efforts of its members to obtain improvements in school librarianship. Teacher-librarians in the A.C.T. have continued to maintain a close liaison with ASLA and many A.C.T. teacher-librarians have held executive office in ASLA. SLACAD has hosted seminars and conferences and this study documents numerous submissions and reports which were a necessary feature of the expanding A.C.T. school library association milieu.

Both tourism destination marketing and the characteristics of holiday travellers have recently undergone radical changes driven by the rapid progress of computer technology. In particular, the advent of the Internet has had a great impact on holiday travellers as well as on the development of tourism promotion and distribution channel strategies. While holiday travellers benefit from the characteristics of Internet use, for example, unlimited information retrieval, flexible accessibility, and direct interactivity with destination marketing organizations (DMOs), the Internet provides DMOs with the critical factor of an increase in operational costs incurred by running all possible online promotional activities and online distribution channels. This paper attempted to discover which Internet functions are popularly used by existing/potential online travellers or which ones are not by testing the Canberra Tourism & Event Corporation (CTEC) web site. As a result, this research intends to provide CTEC with a way to operate its website cost-effectively, which can also lead to increasing the usage satisfaction of CTEC web visitors. Online travellers visiting the CTEC website were surveyed through non-probability self-selected web survey by using segmentation procedure; two key online travel groups: direct and indirect online access groups. Based on the research methodology, this study has discovered several findings. Firstly, CTEC web visitors preferred to use the CTEC website for the purpose of gathering travel information rather than that of online booking or reservations for travel products on the CTEC website. Secondly, comprehensive travel information tailor-made to online individuals was found to be desirable through interactive online activities, while the multimedia, booking, and comparability function were not significant in helping the CTEC online visitors choose the travel destination. Based on their preferences for particular Internet functions, it is evident that web visitors wish to have comprehensive and tailormade online travel information and interaction with the CTEC. Finally, it was revealed that the demographics of the CTEC web visitors were very similar to Internet users identified by previous researchers. Therefore, this study provides insights into website development strategies.