Two experiments with 15 individuals having profound mental retardation found difficulties in identifying reinforcers that were actually effective in treatment of chronic training needs. Research needs in evaluating training alternatives for people with profound multiple disabilities who move very little or who respond with very long latencies are…

A description is given of an alternative to long-term mentor training. Under this orientation model, mentors are introduced to the mentoring task through a one-day formal training program in which the district makes clear what it expects of mentors, including a review of what has worked well in the past. Prospective mentors are encouraged to feel…

This study was undertaken to evaluate a training program on understanding Alzheimer's disease for nursing home caregivers of those with the disease. A pretest/posttest design control group methodology was used to evaluate 81 staff members. Results of the study showed that: (1) staff satisfaction with working with mentally impaired and demented…

This article describes and provides examples of the three major training modalities currently in vogue. The strengths and weaknesses of each are examined and then integrated to build a recommended model for future training efforts. (Author)

Microteaching, using videotape equipment as a training aid, may enhance the skills and effectiveness of trainees in Manpower Development Training centers, allows the trainee to learn through manipulative experience and to receive immediate feedback regarding his performance, and provides program coordinators with a means of evaluating the…

Presents (with tongue in cheek) a four-style behavior model guaranteed to produce excellence in the four types of trainees: nematodes (docile but learn nothing), gerbils (fond of noncompetitive games and hugging), warthogs (like to attend expensive seminars), and Cro-Magnon (like to interpret to others as opposed to actually learning anything…

Describes a training needs approach based on a survey of performance-based skills. Results of the survey are analyzed using mean scores, factor analysis, and product-moment correlations. (Author/CT)

Examines the organization of quality circles in Italy, the training aspect of these quality circles, and advantages and limitations of quality circles. For successful circles, the author recommends a feasibility study by qualified consultants, an experimental pilot project confined to certain parts of the company, and a fully informed management.…

The author suggests that training program developers be upfront about the training purpose, be sure the training creates a positive experience for trainees, consider not only what happens during the training, but what occurs before and after, and ensure that program content is something the trainees will choose to put into practice. (CT)

Evaluates the effectiveness of a peer counseling training program in a nursing home in Victoria, B.C. The goal was to expand the number of helpers available and involve more residents in their self-care. The results indicated that the training model used is an effective method of teaching helping skills. (Author/JAC)

Lists strategies designed to help trainees benefit from the actual training program. Pretraining strategies include self-assessment and familiarizing management with training content. Transfer-enhancing strategies include use of lifelike situations and building trigger mechanisms. Posttraining strategies include follow-up letters and chats.…

Compared the separate and combined effects of behavior rehearsal and modeling on grooming skill development of mentally retarded women (N=48). All treatments were superior to the control condition. Modeling and behavior rehearsal were both effective but there was no advantage to combining them. Cost effectiveness favored the other-model procedure.…

Results indicate that the instructions (and related information concerning alpha) rather than the biofeedback are critical in alpha biofeedback training and that this training does not appear to have utility for controlling arousal under stress. (Author)

Reports on a program of family therapy instruction intended as a continuing professional education service to mental health personnel. Rapid expansion of the program since its inception in late 1971 is attributed to increasing demand from human service agencies in and around greater Philadelphia area. Some characteristics of participants are…