A dean of instruction notes that both institutional and faculty commitment to instructional innovation are necessary for such innovation to occur and continue. Both a faculty development program and external grant funding for instructional improvement efforts are key factors in successful implementation. (JDS)

Implementing technology in a classroom is a personal process that varies from teacher to teacher. The Concerns-Based Adoption Model identifies seven stages of concern that teachers may experience, from awareness to refocusing ideas. Innovative staff development strategies include establishing organizational structures to support technological and…

A survey of human resource development practitioners received responses from Belgium (n=53, 26.5%), England (n=228, 13.1%), Northern Ireland (n=37, 11.2%), and Italy (n=105, 15%). Responses were compiled into a profile of roles and competencies that was then compared with similar surveys in the United States. (SK)

Reviews research on staff development for second-language teachers--internships, peer coaching, peer observation/feedback, team coaching, and student-based development. Describes practice implications for three approaches: transitional bilingual, sheltered English, and peer collaborative. (SK)

Survey responses from 67 Florida directors of adult basic and literacy education (100%) and 145 of 169 Ohio directors indicated that a much larger number of teachers have access to computers than actually use them to teach writing. There is little staff development related to computer use, and funding is a major inhibiting factor. (SK)

Critical incidents technique was used to investigate the expertise of 11 staff development leaders in British higher education institutions. A model of professional expertise including both functionalist and experiential conceptions of expertise was developed and tested. It proved useful in prompting reflection. (Contains 13 references.) (SK)

A literature review examined the effectiveness of electronic learning in business and academic settings, finding positive anecdotal reports about trainee reactions, learning outcomes, and organizational results, but limited empirical evidence. More research on distance learning's effect on job and career development is needed. (Contains 47…

Surveyed Baltimore Head Start directors and staff participating in an asthma education intervention at 15 Head Start programs to determine their asthma management practices and education needs. Results revealed discrepancies between staff and directors regarding location of asthma medications and presence of asthma action plans in programs. Both…

A survey of the way distance education is offered in higher education institutions in the United Kingdom (n=110) uncovered two key concerns: emphasis on exploitation of available technology and failure to implement staff development for online teaching. (Contains 16 references.) (JOW)

Some Chinese organizations are moving away from production-oriented traditions. Resource-rich enterprises are using formal education to select and develop an elite. Organizations with less access to highly qualified recruits are also less likely to provide extensive training. The gap between organizations in terms of employee development is likely…

Interviews with 23 newly appointed college support staff revealed that 52% had mentors; only 41% of mentoring relationships were active. Some felt that mentors were only for academic staff. Better documentation, entry-worker induction workshops, and mentor development workshops were called for. (SK)

Transmitted by mosquitos, West Nile virus may cause serious illness, but the actual likelihood of infection is low. Prevention, implications, and recommendations for camps are discussed. Poison ivy identification, treatment, and complications are presented; a prevention quiz is included. Signs and symptoms of Lyme disease are described, as are…

The role of Australian corrections officers has changed considerably, with a move toward professionalization and higher education requirements. Management training and career development programs are part of the multidimensional learning opportunities now being offered to corrections officers. (SK)

Organizations must balance rational/technical efficiency and emotions. Action learning has been proven to be effective for developing emotional openness in the workplace. Facilitators of action learning should draw upon the disciplines of counseling, Gestalt, psychodynamics, and Eastern philosophies. (Contains 23 references.) (SK)