Discusses the need for reference desk orientation for newly hired or reassigned librarians and presents an outline of a suggested orientation program. Orientation conducted by a supervisor is discussed, practical and philosophical aspects of reference service are addressed, and written materials that support the training are recommended. (nine…

Describes a staff training program for the use of the online catalog at Southern Illinois University. Planning the training program is discussed; objectives are explained; training methods and materials are described; and results of an evaluation of the training program are reported. (seven references) (LRW)

Describes a peer coaching program implemented at Temple University's Reference and Information Services Department to provide staff with support in fine-tuning and maintaining certain reference desk skills. The discussion covers the origins of the program, coaching basics, and the applicability of peer coaching to the academic library setting. (12…

Explains a model that can be used for debriefing after a highly interactive training activity such as role playing or simulation games. Elements of the model include (1) general decompression; (2) factual information from the activity; (3) inferences; (4) transfer, i.e., from the activity to real world situations; (5) generalizations; and (6)…

The time to plan training is in the research and development stage of a new product. Seven major steps are online training, process validation, skills certification, development of manufacturing training instructions, skills verification, transfer training, and offline training and certification. (SK)

Three autistic children (ages 9-11) received spontaneous communication training using a time delay, modeling, and food reinforcement procedure. Results showed gains in 2 spontaneous responses ("please" and "thank you") and 1 verbally prompted response ("you're welcome"). Gains were validated socially with 10 adults. (Author/JDD)

Reports on a handwriting experiment on the learning of four Arabic letters by novice writers of Arabic script. Finds a general learning effect expressed as a decrease of movement time and writing dysfluency. Finds a differential effect of practice on the trade-off between simple reaction time and movement time as a function of consecutive trials.…

A standardized training valuation system (TVS) is built around a set of analytic tools and employs a four-step process: situation, intervention, impact, value. The methodology identifies specific, current, and potential values as well as value obtained. It also helps determine why a training program failed. (JOW)

This study found that general-case instruction, used to teach three adolescents with severe disabilities to request assistance, produced generalized requests with two of the three learners. General-case instruction appeared to be superior to single-instance instruction. (Author/JDD)

Reviews a number of strategic plans and the goals and objectives normally assigned to distance education, and distinguishes the terms used in strategic thinking about distance education. Examines assumptions about adopting distance delivery of education and training by looking at distance education not as an objective, but as a strategy.…

Reviews attributes and elements identified in the literature for promoting the self-determination and self-advocacy of people with disabilities, and the relationship between self-determination and self-advocacy and effective leadership. Recommendations to increase focus and attention on the leadership development of people with developmental…

"Generation Next" are the 68 million people born between 1977 and 1994. They are the first generation that has grown up with such technologies as computers, the Internet, compact disks, and microwaves and they have more education than previous generations. They will have an effect on trainers and training methods in the workplace. (JOW)

Considers opportunities for a partnership approach to leadership development in a Western Australian context, drawing on findings of a collaborative research project. Results revealed administrators' attitudes and requirements concerning their career development. Arrangements, core purposes, and possible services provided by school-leadership…

A study, including research and practice notes by various authors, investigated whether extended training in an acoustically rich environment could enhance the spatial updating ability of 12 adults with congenital blindness. After training, the adults' distance perception from a home-base location and novel locations was superior to a sighted…

Reports on a study designed to identify the authors of academic library home pages and to investigate the nature of their training and their use of newly-acquired Web-design skills. Considers professional identity, length of service, current job title, prior education, and institutional support. Contains 34 references. (Author/LRW)