Presents suggestions for early childhood teachers and caregivers to make the most of professional development opportunities. Recommends setting goals for training, determining one's learning style, identifying one's stage of professional development, and selecting the appropriate type of training. Presents specific guidelines for program-based…

Introduces a project called Teaching Elementary Physical Science (TEPS) which targets the improvement of elementary school science. Uses a cross-level mentoring approach between elementary and secondary school science teachers. Recommends providing opportunities to elementary school teachers to acquire specific teaching skills and self-confidence.…

Workplace training at the British offices of Readers' Digest is designed to improve staff skills in communicating with customers. Evaluation of workshops focused on spelling, grammar, and business writing shows that the company is achieving a return on its training investment. (SK)

Discussion of the preparation of personnel to work with gifted secondary students documents the need for special personnel preparation, preparation needs of the classroom teacher and of the gifted specialist, the need to upgrade general education personnel, and examples of some alternative personnel preparation strategies including modules,…

Describes how education came to adopt the textbook approach and reviews various educational reform movements. Suggests that more attention must be paid to the processes whereby educators take the lead in the development of reflection that leads to changes in schools and the attitudes of the general public. (Author/JOW)

This taxonomy of learning tasks new employees must complete has four categories: individual (attitudes, expectations), people (relationships, supervision), work tasks (knowledge, skills, abilities), and organization (culture, roles). Learning tasks are accomplished through three types of intervention: orientation, job training, and workplace…

This article explores how Asians foster community and nourish spirit in staff development settings, discussing the role of rituals in learning communities, contrasting Asian approaches with North American approaches, and arguing for including rituals in staff development for a more balanced sharing of learning across cultures. (SM)

Describes two projects: an employee development consortium of small and midsized enterprises in Nottinghamshire and the National Development Project, testing development strategies of further/higher education providers. The projects demonstrate the need for a wider view of workplace learning that recognizes the value of different types and styles,…

Discusses ways staff can involve parents in all aspects of the Head Start experience. Staff training programs developed by the Head Start Research Group focus on relationship building, empowerment and cultural sensitivity. A two-day workshop for all staff and the creation of an ongoing peer group for social services and parent involvement staff…

Describes the process whereby the University of Luton, United Kingdom, applied for and received recognition in the Investors in People program, a British government effort to encourage organizations to value staff as a key resource in improving business performance. Notes rationale for applying for the award, preparation for the assessment visits,…

An effective youth development-based staff training program includes such key elements as: building caring and trusting relationships; engaging participants; offering opportunities for contribution; setting high expectations; and providing continuity. Presents a framework for thinking about how to strengthen training, offering practical…

A survey of 123 fire department employees found that years of service influenced overall job satisfaction and satisfaction with supervision, job content, departmental relations, and training. Those most satisfied were in the earliest years of service. Satisfaction with departmental relations received the lowest ratings. (SK)

Discussion of library consortia focuses on the collaborative efforts in the Federated States of Micronesia that will enhance library services through staff training and educating while utilizing innovative technology. Highlights include background and socioeconomic overview; a project that addresses automation and Internet connectivity issues; and…

Includes "Introduction"; "Impact of Research on Manufacturing SMEs"; "Technology Acquisition and the Changing Face of Manufacturing Industry"; "Enabling Continuous Improvement of New Product Development Processes"; "Innovation and SMEs"; "A Decision Support System for the Initiation of…

Case studies of two Australian companies illustrate different approaches to recruitment and retention of information technology workers. One company uses a relational and psychological contract approach, niche training, and development as central strategies. In the other, rapid expansion and restructuring shifted them from psychological to…