Alaska nurses who participated in self-directed continuing education courses were surveyed to determine what factors encouraged their participation. The strongest factors reported were personal satisfaction and need to update knowledge. Personal motivation and personal study habits appeared to be paramount in successful course completion. (SK)

The author describes major trends and directions related to continuing medical education (CME). The rapid changes he observed in the state of the art in CME are presented in relation to three historical periods in the past 16 years. (SSH)

Provides a brief history of and need for engineering management. Raises and answers three questions related to the acceptance of engineering management as a recognized field of education and practice. Offers suggestions to improve the situation, including the encouragement of continuing education efforts. (JN)

Considers ways in which computer-based education might be more effectively integrated into the clinical activities of the practicing physician and outlines some of the technological and psychological barriers to their successful implementation. (JOW)

Postgraduate medical education is flawed because medical education itself is flawed. The basic premises and tools for medical education and practice must be changed in order to unite the best current thinking and everyday actions for the benefit of the patient. (SK)

Practicing pediatricians were surveyed to assess their need for diabetes education programs. Pediatricians generally have fewer than five diabetic patients, see them less than every four months, prescribe single daily insulin injections, and do not include diatetic services in the treatment program. No adequate rationale for continuing education…

The six essential elements of this model are based on adult learning principles: (1) motivation; (2) ongoing meetings; (3) changes in attitudes, knowledge, and skills; (4) varied formats; (5) small number of participants; and (6) continuous feedback. Comparison with large seminars and individual study illustrates the merits of this format. (SK)

Successful continuing professional education programs require that the learners be involved in design and implementation. Program planning and advisory committees are one means of ensuring the participation of adult learners and of meeting their needs. (SK)

Physicians in an experimental group were surveyed to assess their knowledge of the effectiveness, cost, and side effects of antibiotics, and a tutorial was developed to modify some prescribing patterns. Prescribing patterns were statistically different. (Author/MLW)

Looks at the trend toward compulsory continuing education for teachers and at a court case in which a teacher lost her job for refusing to take courses. Urges teachers to take action to oppose mandatory continuing education. (IRT)

This study assesses the effectiveness of the National Association of Secondary School Principals Administration Intern Project, which is designed to produce change agents in the schools. A two-part questionnaire is described and research results are reported. (RAO)

Summarizes the regional rehabilitation continuing education programs, identifies aspects of the certification maintenance process, and assesses the ability of RRCEPs to respond to this process as they currently function. This information is useful in refinement of the certification maintenance process and continuing education for rehabilitation…

Provides sets of alternative answers to 10 situations technical writing consultants often face. Cites pertinent resources that are available. (RL)