Due to demographic changes, businesses will become increasingly reliant on the skills and capabilities of older workers. Companies can no longer afford to use economic arguments against employing older workers. (SK)

The authors discuss advantages of self-directed learning as a part of the workplace training process. They describe how to plan and implement a self-directed learning program, covering staffing and resources, preliminary work, and general guidelines. (CH)

Training plays a key role in the development of work teams. Seven components of successful work teams are clear goals, talent, understanding of roles, efficient procedures, good interpersonal relations, active reinforcement, and constructive external relations. (SK)

An increasing number of free agent or self-directed learners are getting their education outside their companies. As a result, they demand more of their corporate training departments and expect more from their jobs and companies. (JOW)

The author presents strategies, taken from recent research on effective teaching, that worksite-based trainers may find useful. He covers such areas as (1) course structure, (2) curriculum, (3) classroom climate, (4) structured momentum, (5) guided practice, and (6) targeted individualization. (CH)

Two approaches to conflict resolution in the workplace are described. A systems approach questions the organization's systems rather than the behavior or motives of co-workers. Problem-solving retreats encourage team building and group cohesion and focus on long-term issues. (SK)

New technology and management styles are increasing the level of basic skills required of workers. In a world of global competition and technological change, basic skills education is a survival issue for businesses. (JOW)

Discusses the Workforce Investment Act of 1998, which consolidates more than 70 federal job-training programs and provides states with the flexibility to develop workforce-development systems in partnership with local governments. Describes one-stop career centers, which provide a variety of services to job seekers. (JOW)

The authors focus on issues related to the continual use of video display terminals in the office, including safety and health regulations, potential health problems, and the role of training in minimizing work-related health problems. (CH)