Long-Term Student Experiences in a Hybrid, Open-Ended and Problem Based Adventure Learning Program

In this paper we investigate the experiences of elementary school children over a two-year period during which they engaged with a hybrid Adventure Learning program. In addition to delineating Adventure Learning experiences, we report on educational technology implementations in ecologically valid and complex environments, while drawing inferences on the design of sustainable and successful innovations. Our research indicates that the Adventure Learning experience over the two-year period was dynamic, participatory, engaging, collaborative, and social. Students eagerly became part of the experience both inside and outside of the classroom, and it quickly became apparent that they saw themselves as valued members of the unfolding storyline that mediated their learning. Our recommendations for future research and practice include a call to evaluate "authenticity," focus on the learner experience and narrative, and consider the interplay between pedagogy, technology, and design.Center for Learning and Memor

Funded pension schemes: Economic effects and policy implications

This paper reviews alternative pension systems and examines the arguments in favour of funded pension schemes. The benefits of the latter derive mainly from long-term economic efficiency gains rather than from the immediate relief of pressures on the fiscal balance. Indeed, the transition towards a funded scheme could imply an increase in government expenditure in the short run. Fiscal consolidation and the attainment of equilibrium in the external balance are essential prerequisites for a move towards a funded pension system to be conducted successfully.pension reform, funded pension systems, economics of ageing

Assessing the sustainability of pension reforms in Europe

Spurred by the ageing transition, many governments have made wide-ranging reforms, dramatically changing Europe's pensions landscape. Nevertheless there remain concerns about future costs, while unease about adequacy is growing. This study develops a comprehensive framework to assess pension system sustainability. It captures the effects of reforms on the ability of systems to alleviate poverty and maintain living standards, while setting out how reforms change future costs and relative entitlements for different generations. This framework differs from others, which just look at generosity at the point of retirement, as it uses pension wealth - the value of all transfers during retirement. This captures the impact of both longevity and changes in the value of pensions during retirement. Moreover, rather than focusing only on average earners with full careers, this framework examines individuals at different wage levels, taking account of actual labour market participation. The countries analysed cover 70% of the EU’s population and include examples of all system types. Our estimates indicate that while reforms have decreased generosity significantly, in most, but not all, countries the poverty alleviation function remains strong, particularly where minimum pensions have improved. However, moves to link benefits to contributions have made some systems less progressive, raising adequacy concerns for women and those on low incomes. The consumption smoothing function of state pensions has declined noticeably, suggesting the need for longer working lives or additional private saving for individuals to maintain pre-reform living standards. Despite the reforms, the size of entitlements of future generations should remain similar to that of current generations, in most cases, as the effect of lower annual benefits should be offset by longer retirement. Though reforms have helped address the financial challenge faced by pension systems, in many countries pressures remain strong and further reforms are likely.Social Security and Public Pensions; Retirement; Poverty; Retirement Policies

Employment and the labour input in the Maltese economy

In this paper, the total number of employed and the full-time equivalent employment in Malta are estimated for the last three decades. These series give a new picture of the historical development of employment and productivity in Malta. The estimated full-time equivalent time series, in spite of its limitations, is a first step on the way towards a comprehensive statistical measure of labour input in Malta.employment, productivity

Estimating the output gap for the Maltese economy

An attempt is made in this paper to arrive at an estimate of the output gap for the Maltese economy on a quarterly and annual basis. Two approaches are adopted, namely the Hodrick-Prescott filter and the aggregate production function method, with their results being benchmarked with the results of two other studies. The methods adopted in this paper indicate that the Maltese economy passed through three separate business cycles during the last three decades, with the size of the fluctuations moderating over time. Potential output growth is estimated to have declined significantly during the nineties, as factors of production are growing by a smaller margin. This indicates the importance of carrying out structural reforms that would boost productivity growth.potential output, output gap

Pension policy in EU25 and its impact on pension benefits

This article provides a brief summary of the most recent changes in public pension policies in the countries of the European Union and describes how they affect pension benefits for future pensioners. The pension systems in Europe have been changing fast. The common trends are that the generosity of public pension benefits is on the decline, the changes are likely to shift more risks towards individuals and there are fewer possibilities of redistribution. Our analyses point towards the importance of a more comprehensive assessment of these reforms so as to reduce the risk of pensioner poverty in the future.pension reform, elderly poverty

Elderly poverty in EU25

The prevention of social exclusion and poverty of elderly people is one of the key objectives of the national social policies. Bearing in mind the variety and diversity of national pensions and social assistance systems, the Open Method of Coordination (OMC) in the field of pensions was introduced by the European Commission, principally to promote cooperation on national policies and to support transnational exchange of learning and good practices. The research undertaken by researchers at the European Centre Vienna for the European Commission are presented in two reports: the first report provides a concise description of poverty risks faced by the current populations of elderly people in the enlarged EU25, and the second report analyses the possible impact of recent pensions reforms on the future populations of the elderly. This SPA-conference paper provides a synthesis of our findings in the two reports.pension reform, elderly poverty, social exclusion of the elderly

Assessing employment in Malta

In this paper the total number of employed and the full-time equivalent employment in Malta are estimated for the last three decades. These series give a new picture of the historical development of employment and productivity in Malta. The estimated full-time equivalent time series, in spite of its limitations, is a first step on the way towards a comprehensive statistical measure of labour input in Maltaemployment trends, productivity

The Framework of Monetary Policy in Malta

This paper describes the monetary policy framework of Malta preceding EU accession and its entry in the EMU. It reviews the rationale behind the fixed exchange rate regime that constituted Malta's monetary policy framework and argues that entry in the EMU consolidates this framework and gives additional benefits.monetary policy

The adoption of the European System of Accounts 1995 framework in the national accounts of Malta

The release of ESA 1995 GDP data for Malta has ushered in great changes in the way in which the Maltese economy can be analysed. Indicators computed from the new national accounts reveal that the Maltese economy has achieved a relatively high degree of convergence with the European average, especially when compared with other new Member States. However some industries which are less subject to competitive pressures under-perform compared with their European counterparts, while employment rates remain very low.national accounts, productivity, sectoral analysis