|
 | Frequently Asked Questions |
Listed below are some of the most frequently asked questions about education and training statistics.
If you cannot find the answer to your question here, please contact the National Information and Referral Service.
THE ABS ROLE IN EDUCATION AND TRAINING STATISTICS
FOR TEACHERS
USING THESE WEB PAGES
THE ABS ROLE IN EDUCATION AND TRAINING STATISTICS
How does the ABS measure education and training?
Statistics on education and training are arranged into three broad groups, formal learning, non-formal learning and informal learning. Formal learning, provided by schools, colleges, universities and other formal institutions, refers to structured education that leads to a formal qualification. In Australia these qualifications are provided within the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF). Non-formal learning, such as workplace training and adult education courses, involves a structured learning process but does not lead to a formal qualification (AQF). Informal learning is unstructured and non-institutionalised education related to work, family, community or leisure.
For further information see Information Paper: Measuring Learning in Australia - A Framework for Education and Training Statistics, 2003
Back to top
Who collects information about education and training in Australia?
In Australia, statistics on education and training are organised largely according to sector: early education and care; schooling; vocational education and training (VET); and higher education. Data come from a diverse range of agencies including government departments, education providers, and statistical and research organisations.
The ABS produces population-based statistics on education and training from the Census of Population and Housing, a wide range of household surveys, administrative data compiled from the Commonwealth/state/ territory governments and other providers.
· Early childhood education and care statistics are compiled by the ABS from data received from state/territory governments.
· School statistics are developed and compiled by the ABS under the auspices of the Standing Council on School Education and Early Childhood (SCSEEC).
· Higher Education statistics are compiled by the Department of Industry, Innovation, Science, Research and Tertiary Education (DIISRTE)
· Vocational Education and Training is the responsibility of the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) in association with state/territory governments, and statistics in this area are collected through arrangements with the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER).
· Government Finance statistics on education and training related expenditure are compiled by the ABS from data received from Commonwealth and state/ territory governments.
Other statistical contributors in Australia include the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER), Universities Australia (formerly the AVCC), and Graduate Careers Australia (GCA).
Back to top
How can I request additional statistical data about education and training?
For additional statistical data not included in a publication (or datacube) please contact the National Information Referrals Service for a detailed quote.
Back to top
How can I request an email notification when an ABS publication is released?
To receive an email alert when an ABS product is released, simply subscribe to the free ABS Email Notification Service or the ABS RSS Feed.
Back to top
Where can I find education data about Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander peoples?
The National Early Childhood Education and Care Collection and National Schools Statistics Collection both collect administrative data on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. Relevant tables can be found in associated publications. Links to further publications can be found and in the Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander Peoples: Education data web page and the Archive of Education and Training Publications.
Information about policies and programmes are available from the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR).
Back to top
FOR TEACHERS
What datasets are suitable to use in the classroom?
Specific ABS Datasets suitable for students are available through the dashboard on the Education services homepage under the heading, 'Data'. Alternatively, the complete range of ABS products are available via the Statistics page.
For more information on statistics for teachers and students, visit the Education Services page.
Back to top
Where can I find information about a career in statistics?
Education Services has an online Careers page for students who wish to find out more about the opportunities offered by a career in statistics. This page includes an interactive ‘careers wheel’ showing the range and diversity of roles open to a graduate who has studied statistics.
The Career Advisors page provides various resources for teachers to assist students interested in a statistical career. This page includes the ABS careers brochure Statistics … it all adds up, which is available as a hard copy or a downloadable PDF file.
Back to top
USING THESE WEB PAGES
Are all publications on the ABS website free?
Yes, soft copies of all ABS publications are available for free on the ABS website.
Back to top
How do I access ABS publications on the web?
To access ABS publications, go to the Statistics page. This page lists the complete subject range of ABS data by catalogue number, release date, topic and title. Alternatively, you can use the main search function and enter key words for the publication.
Back to top
How do I access ABS Microdata products?
Clients can access Microdata through a number of ABS products. The latest product is Survey Table Builder, an online tool that allows the user to create tables and graphs from ABS survey data. Also available are Confidentialised Unit Record Files (CURFs), which contain very detailed responses from ABS surveys while protecting the confidentiality of individuals. The Remote Access Data Laboratory (RADL), a query service that allows the user to interrogate CURF data and the ABS Data laboratory (ABSDL), a data analysis tool for high end users.
To request access to ABS Microdata services call: 02 6252 7714 or email microdata.access@abs.gov.au
Back to top
Is there an easy way to find education and training related publications?
The easiest way to find current and past education and training publications is to go to the Archive of Education and Training Publications where publications are categorised by educational theme and/or sector.
Back to top
Can I still purchase hard copies of publications?
All soft copies of ABS publications are available for free on the ABS website. Hard copy versions may be purchased through the National Information Referrals Service (NIRS). The ABS recognises that some clients prefer hard copies, particularly of ABS ‘flagship’ publications such as the ‘Year Book Australia’ and ‘Australian Social Trends’.
For more information, contact National Information and Referral Service or please visit Help: FAQ's on purchasing.
Back to top
How do I cite ABS sources?
Information from the ABS must be acknowledged responsibly whenever it is used. Please visit Help: How to Cite ABS Sources for details.
Back to top
|
 |
|
This page first published 6 September 2010, last updated 19 June 2012 |
