A survey of 257 physical therapists received 192 responses indicating a preference for lectures or seminars for continuing education, in hotels/convention centers, during autumn/winter mornings. Orthopedic therapy was a favored topic. Barriers to attendance included cost, traveling distance, family obligations, lack of course information, and lack…

Myths about adult learning are (1) adult learning is essentially joyful; (2) adults are innately self-directed learners; (3) good teachers meet the felt needs of learners; (4) there is a uniquely adult learning style; and (5) there is a uniquely adult teaching style. (SK)

Interviews with 11 older adults (most with less than 8 years' schooling) found that (1) they get help with most writing and reading needs or avoid tasks that cause problems; (2) current reading and writing are mainly for pleasure; and (3) all expressed interest in using computers to improve reading and writing. (SK)

The educational needs of gifted children are discussed in the context of the educational program at the Mirman School in Los Angeles (California). (DB)

The continuing medical education needs of 73 physicians in semirural towns compared with those of 60 urban doctors found the former less satisfied with their opportunities for continuing education. Differences in educational interests of the two groups suggested areas of emphasis for different target audiences. (SK)

The functional approach to workplace literacy does not address a number of critical issues: aims and purposes, nature of stakeholders, worker participation in program planning, basis for distributing limited funds, consistency of state and federal guidelines, and congruence between program emphases and industry/worker needs. A more worker-centered…

A survey of 215 recent graduates of Purdue University School of Pharmacy investigated unmet needs for 9 marketing skill areas: measuring and forecasting demand; personal selling; public relations; purchasing and inventory control; strategic planning; managed care organizations; physician dispensing; physician prescribing and health care financers;…

Fifteen nursing students participated in Integrated Skills Reinforcement, an approach that reinforces writing, reading, speaking, and listening skills while students learn course content. Pre-/postassessment of writing showed that 93% achieved writing improvement. All students agreed that the approach improved understanding of course content, a…

High school business teachers surveyed (117 of 200) felt that preservice teacher education should include planning, implementing, and evaluating instruction about technology; they preferred nuts and bolts technology training for their own needs; and evaluation of students' technology performance was not as important as learning to plan the…

Most of the 31 (of 39) teachers of pilot agriscience courses surveyed considered themselves competent and thought the units were important. Most pressing inservice needs were in the areas of biotechnology, computers, and mechanical/physical technology. Teachers perceived a lack of instructional materials for these and other less traditional areas,…

Deals with public relations education in the People's Republic of China. Discusses historical precedents, the evolution of this new field, public relations curricula, problems and challenges, and needs and considerations. (SR)

Palmore's Facts on Aging Quiz was completed by 245 respondents (28%) from developmental disabilities (DD), aging, and other social service agencies in Washington. Overall, respondents got 64% correct; DD personnel scored lower than others. Most often missed items related to psychological aspects of aging, demographic trends, and socioeconomic…

A survey of 314 community nurses, midwives, and health visitors in Britain revealed the practitioners' need for continuing education to help them provide research-based instruction for learners preparing for community-health service. Most practitioners had to study on their own time at their own expense. (SK)

To sustain growth requires changes in the Chinese economy and society. The Asian financial crisis shows that independent institutions and individual freedoms are necessary to stimulate entrepreneurship and innovation. Conservative social values often promoted by the education and training system could hinder economic growth. (SK)

States that faculty needs for high quality projection hardware seem to cluster around three variables: brightness, mount, and cost. Discusses the many lessons learned in the purchase, installation, and maintaining of video projectors in community colleges. Suggests some Web sites to explore for assistance in purchasing the next video projector…