Whilst educational action research is not unknown in Croatia, its use is not widespread. In part, this might be because action research assumes a high level of autonomy for practitioner-researchers, and a constructivist view of knowledge, neither of which are traditional characteristics of the Croatian system. This article reports on a capacity…

In light of the current policy context, early childhood educators are being asked to have a complex understanding of child development and early education issues and provide rich, meaningful educational experiences for all children and families in their care. Accountability for outcomes is high, and resources for professional support are limited.…

Research suggests effective classroom ICT integration occurs through needs-based, collaborative professional development (Chandra-Handa, 2001; Cuttance, 2001; Figg, 2000; Gibson, Oberg, & Pelz, 1999; Gross, 2000; Haughey, 2002). A community of practice (CoP) (Wenger, 1998; Wenger, McDermott, & Snyder, 2002) can be an effective mode of such…

Teacher renewal and improvements in teaching quality through teacher professional development (PD) have been high on the agenda of many countries for some time. Several principles of effective PD for teachers, based on a synthesis of research evidence, have been espoused by the Centre for Educational Research and Innovation (CERI, 1998). A survey…

Examines implications of the research regarding whether traditional "stand up" training will be replaced by "sit down" computer-based, online distance-delivered sessions. Concludes that they will coexist in the training environment of the next decade, that some organizations will gravitate toward one extreme or the other, but that most trainers…

This four-part report describes a federally funded program at the University of Alabama which provided postgraduate personal and professional development activities to women and minority group scholars. The goals of Project Growth are described: (1) to provide opportunities for advanced study and research of significant educational problems; (2)…

This document consists of two papers on theory building from a conference on human resource development (HRD). Both "Theory Building Research in HRD--Pushing the Envelope!" (Richard A. Swanson, Susan A. Lynham, Wendy E. A. Ruona, Richard J. Torraco) and "The Role of Theory Building in Maturing the Human Resource Development…

This article analyses the nature of learning in three long-term professional development approaches from different disciplines--teacher research as used in educational contexts, action learning as used in business contexts, and problem-based learning as used in medical contexts. The lens used for analysis focuses on three dimensions or influences…

This document contains three papers presented at a symposium on human resource development (HRD) academic programs moderated by Gene Audette at the 1996 conference of the Academy of Human Resource Development. "Revisiting Perceptions of HRD Roles: Implications for HRD Curricula" (Danilo M. Baylen, Margaret L. Bailey, Mary Samardzija)…

This document contains four papers from a symposium on professional development of human resource development (HRD) professionals. "Lifelong Learning and Performance: The Role of Key Qualifications in Human Resource Development" (Simone J. van Zolingen, Wim J. Nijhof) argues that, besides being of interest to employers, key…

This document contains three papers on professional development. "An Inquiry into the Continuing Professional Education of Information Technology Workers" (David D. Branigan) reports on a study in which the model of the critically reflective teacher was used to examine the practice of continuing education for the information technology…

This document presents materials about and from a project that was undertaken to continue development and implementation of training in content areas needed by Bureau of Adult Basic and Literacy Education (ABLE) staff of ABLE-funded programs in Pennsylvania. The report details the project objectives, procedures, and outcomes, which included the…

Because of its focus on improving work performance at the individual, group, organizational, and interorganizational levels, the field of human resource development (HRD) is affected by and responds to trends in work, organizations, and the global economy. A literature review reveals that the following themes recur throughout the HRD literature:…

Research since 1990 on vocational education and training (VET) and small business was reviewed. Special attention was paid to the research that has been conducted in the following categories identified in the Australian National Training Authority (ANTA) Small Business Policy Framework: context; role of government; approach to training; research…

These proceedings begin with the schedule, conference committee membership lists, and detailed agenda of the 1997 conference of the Academy of Human Resource Development, which explored the future of human resource development (HRD). Presented next are papers on HRD from scholars affiliated with organizations from 12 countries. The papers are…