Survey responses from 138 beginning Iowa farmers revealed a preference for experiential learning, problem solving, and critical thinking. They felt strongly that lifelong learning and continuing education are important. They preferred onsite instruction, single meetings on specific topics, and unbiased information from public institutions.…

Women's health topics of interest for continuing medical education were identified by 91 primary care physicians. Most felt that more knowledge of these topics would reduce the number of referrals to specialists. A more comprehensive, rather than reproductive, perspective of women's health was called for. (SK)

Offers basic principles for English department fundraising: know why people should give money to the department; identify several colleagues who can help represent the department to potential givers; involve alumni; work on getting grants while pursuing private gifts from donors; create a print representation of the department; and cultivate a…

Physicians' self-appraisal by reflection on practice generates learning that is more likely to result in commitment to change, compared to formal self-assessment programs. Self-assessment will be used increasingly as emerging technologies facilitate it. (SK)

Survey responses from 156 middle managers in an organization identified the skills needed for the job and their skill level in personal communication, conflict resolution, leadership, consulting, and facilitating. The study identified strengths and weaknesses of the needs assessment process and resulted in recommendations for a…

Five years after graduation, a survey of 354 Finnish nurses found that they felt most confident with their basic nursing, collaborative, and counseling skills, least confident in interacting with patients with addiction problems. The survey identified nurses' continuing education needs. (Contains 54 references.) (SK)

A survey of 37 beginning agriculture teachers and 16 state supervisors in Missouri identified professional competencies for which teachers needed inservice education. Instruction, planning, evaluation, and administration competencies ranked higher than technical competencies. Teachers' rankings of needs did not correspond with those of…

A training needs survey was completed by 380 of 715 managers/supervisors in a state agency. Those in later career stages perceived less need for training in management, human resource management, communication skills; they reported lower levels of self-efficacy in training effectiveness and utility of training. There appeared to be a need to…

A survey of 383 college students found that 24% definitely plan to open their own business and 60% indicated they might start a business. They would use future nonformal educational programs, such as cooperative extension, to help them be successful. (SK)

Responses from 137 nurses indicated that 64% felt their education had not prepared them for work in rehabilitation; only one-fourth of recent graduates felt prepared; 71% had participated in continuing education, but many felt they learned from experience or from others. Better education would enhance confidence, promote professional equality, and…

A study analyzed the gap between required and existing management competency levels and acquired data on 80 Spanish hotel/restaurant managers' self-identified training needs. Deficits were found in 10 of 15 technical and 12 of 21 generic competencies. Managers requested training only in technical areas, not generic competencies. (Contains 42…

Explored perceptions of Malaysian parents concerning preschool education. Found that Malaysian parents held both idealized and actualized perceptions: the former relating to parents' image of childhood and the type of education they would like their child to receive, and the latter related to the type of education parents felt their children…

With the continued growth of organized camping in the 1930s, camps were concerned with defining themselves and their educational role. An illustrative article from 1937, "Editorial: Will Camping Lead or Follow?" (Bernard S. Mason) points out that camping had moved from military regimentation to progressive education methods but needed to…

Reviews the educational needs of small businesses regarding information systems and the ways higher education is attempting to meet them. Presents case studies of six small businesses. (SK)

A literature review identified differing learning needs of new and more experienced workers. Novices need to learn over extended time periods with deliberate practice and feedback. Experienced workers need to develop existing knowledge and skills. Different approaches to training and supervision are needed. (SK)