Presents 12 informal learning opportunities that human performance professionals can create for employees, including learning exchanges, conference summaries, exchanging ideas, posing questions and problems on email or bulletin boards, lunchtime programs, information sharing, recommended reading lists, vendor and consultant presentations,…

Describes educational reform efforts in Spain since 1970, when a new General Law for Education was adopted. The reform process now suffers from delays in developing new courses and teaching cycles. The country's economic crisis is creating a decline in funding for new programs, while the education ministry insists on working to improve teaching…

A national study indicates that part-time faculty now teach a major portion of undergraduate studies, and that most institutions plan to use more in the future. Data from the study are used to describe part-time faculty characteristics, how they contribute to their institutions, and the conditions in which they work. Suggestions are made for…

Analyzed a survey of 157 Chinese American librarians working in American libraries and found that more work in academic (44.6%) than in public (30.6%) libraries, that 80.9% are satisfied with their current jobs, and that 75% have managerial positions. Major barriers at work were identified as cultural differences (35.7%), race (23.6%), and…

Lifeguards run the risk of workplace infection by tuberculosis-carrying swimmers. Even if they work in ventilated, sunlit areas (which reduces risk), they can contract tuberculosis when performing respiratory resuscitation. Without appropriate precautions, lifeguards may be unnecessarily exposed. A tuberculosis infection control plan is needed in…

Describes a study that conducted interviews and site visits with 22 teachers to identify work situations that trigger engagement in informal learning and personal characteristics that enhance motivation. Considers new teaching tasks; new leadership roles; adherence to policies and procedures; teachers' initiative; self-efficacy; commitment to…

This article discusses the emotional toll for professionals working with children who are abused or neglected. It identifies feelings or conflicts that interfere consistently with effective delivery of care and notes several studies on this topic. Issues of countertransference, denial, the need to protect oneself, and other emotional challenges…

Explores the distinguishing characteristics of the liberal arts college and their meanings for the library director. Telephone interviews with nine liberal arts college library directors who had significant previous experience in a research university library focused on their expectations, what they liked/disliked most about the position, and what…

Examines how to create a professional climate in middle schools given budgetary challenges. Provides checklist of physical, academic, organizational, and social-emotional climates for assessment of school's overall professional climate. Makes suggestions for low-cost school changes based on mutual respect as the cornerstone of the work…

Surveys the professional characteristics of instructors teaching English as a Second Language to adults in non-credit programs in Ontario. Findings describe the teachers' age and gender, educational backgrounds and professional qualifications, teaching experience, employment conditions and opportunities for professional development. (eight…

Investigated relationship between children's behavior and the child-rearing climate (future-focused, present-focused, combined) and work climate (relaxed, strained, mixed) at day care centers. Found differences in children's prosocial and collaborative behaviors in centers with future-focused or combined rearing climates and relaxed work climates…

Research on school restructuring provides little evidence that teacher-student-principal relationships are changing. Staffs may be confusing structural with normative thinking, which requires them to reflect critically about their schools as work places. Suggests that school-constructed theories in practice that promote critical thinking and…

Interviewed 373 employers to assess their attitudes toward hiring persons with psychiatric disability. Concentrated on four major areas: symptomatology, work personality, work performance, and administrative concerns. Results suggested that employers differ in their level of concern based on industry type. Discusses implications for vocational…

Reviews eight research studies related to increasing integration through the use of natural supports in the workplace and offers guidelines for implementation. Examines limitations of current research, needs for future research, and the changing roles of supported employment services. Argues that natural supports are a promising method of…

Addresses issues in music education during the twentieth century. Focuses on the impact of the national standards, the working conditions and environment for music teachers, and the effects of educational policy making by politicians and the business community. States that a lesson learned is that arts educators cannot rely on outside group…