Typical on-the-job training is unstructured, inconsistent, and slow, yet it accounts for about 80 percent of learning that will occur on the job. More time should be devoted to planning problem-centered training programs and less to formal training. (JOW)

Demographic and workplace trends imply the need for changes in vocational education and teacher preparation, such as access for all students, dropout prevention, curriculum updating, diverse role models, programs for older populations, strategic planning, promotion/tenure reforms, improved ethnic/gender representation, and collaboration with…

College science education is at risk of becoming mired in the "reform culture" that has long been problematic in precollege science. A single universal solution to student underpreparedness and lack of sustained interest cannot be found, but a departmental level commitment to change and reallocation of resources is necessary to achieve program…

The evaluation of a fellowship program in the health sciences for 60 Philippine graduates at the University of Hong Kong highlights areas of conflict. Twenty-six fellows were interviewed. Value judgments about a program's worth ultimately depend on the evaluation's perspective, whether that of participants or an outside party. (SLD)

This article applies the business concepts of cooperative partnerships between purchaser and supplier to improvement of programs for gifted students. It encourages systematic liaison between parent groups (the purchasers) and school and program administrators (the suppliers). (DB)

Discusses the Health and Human Services Advisory Committee on Head Start Quality and Expansion that will conduct an in-depth study to make recommendations on how to ensure that all Head Start programs provide high-quality services. Examines legislation having an impact on Head Start programs, including efforts to reduce the federal budget. (TJQ)

Study examined teacher educators' views of the ideal and real practicability of the new NCATE standards as guidelines for excellence in teacher preparation. Surveys of 397 teacher educators indicated they recognized the quality that NCATE standards would offer their programs and realized many of their programs did not meet NCATE standards. (SM)

Reviews the historical context and the contents of the United Nations 1989 Convention on the Rights of the Child, with particular reference to its ratification and implementation in Sweden. Describes the preamble and articles related to the provision of services/care, protection from mistreatment, and children's participation in decisions.…

Examines benefits of three models for evaluating outdoor adventure programs: program monitoring with debriefings and check-offs; experimental evaluation; and qualitative, naturalistic observation. Illustrates and compares approaches using California 4-H adventure ropes course. Examines data's specificity, assumptions, ambiguities, and followup.…

Describes and reviews the Dutch National Action Programme (NAP) on Foreign Languages, instituted in anticipation of the demands of the 1992 Single European Market. The increasing demand for foreign languages is confirmed, some shortcomings of the current program regarding French and German language learning are identified, and recommendations for…

Investigated use of standardized questionnaires to establish organizational characteristics of group day-care providers in self-assessments. Examined processes by which nurseries instigate group discussing of self-assessment procedures, establish priorities for change, develop action plans, and implement change. Identified several suitable…

Contends that managers who undertake action research in the course of their work would benefit from using qualitative methodology. Describes three cases in which practicing managers were supported in their wish to identify and use qualitative approaches in their research. Reflects on the potential for and problems with the wider use of qualitative…

The emerging field of knowledge management offers academic libraries the opportunity to improve effectiveness, both for themselves and their parent institutions. This article summarizes knowledge management theory. Current applications in academic libraries and higher education are described. Similarities and difficulties between knowledge…

Distance educators participated in a Delphi study to identify and rank future research and evaluation needs/issues. The study focused on planning for distance education; structuring decisions required for distance education; the implementation process; and evaluation needs in documenting outcomes. Four themes emerged: cooperation and collaboration…

Reports on developments regarding the expansion, quality enhancement, and identification of effective child care models around the world. Notes that several countries that have made substantial progress in developing innovative child care strategies are in the process of refining and broadening their programs. Highlights the program improvements…