The study evaluated a reinforcement theory of stereotyped behavior with six autistic students (ages 9-16). Three students evidenced decreases in stereotypy and increases in responding in the presence of usual reinforcers, while the other three students required external suppression of stereotypy before increases in responding were shown.…

Two experiments examined the reinforcing value of response contingent sensory events consisting of combinations of visual, auditory, and vibratory stimulation with 10 nonambulatory profoundly mentally retarded individuals. Results indicated that systematically varying a multimodal sensory event is an effective way to identify positive reinforcers…

Discusses the special needs of librarians as microcomputer users, and advocates the development of user groups of librarians to provide basic training and expertise in library applications of microcomputers. The Purdue University Libraries Users Group and its services to librarians are described as a model of such a group. (CLB)

The article describes the training provided prospective coaches of mentally retarded participants in Special Olympics at Special Olympics International Training Schools. Presentations on Special Olympics, mental retardation, athletic injury prevention, coaching techniques, and specific sports skills instruction are provided as well as direct…

Changes in the postindustrial era are forcing people to rethink goals, strategies for working, and how they organize to accomplish these aims. Innovations can reshape staff development programs, For some organizations, these times offer opportunities for "training not as usual." (JOW)

Reviews and critiques existing research on the effects of training design, trainee, and work environment factors on conditions of transfer of training. Identifies research gaps including needs to test various operationalizations of training impact on transfer and to develop framework for conducting research on effects of trainee characteristics on…

Highly skilled ropejumpers can maintain their exercise intensity by varying their jumping technique. Research on heart rate responses and aerobic requirements of different jumping techniques is discussed. Methodology and data are reported. (Author/JL)

Explores some issues of adult learning, concentrating on three areas: (1) the conditions under which adults are most likely to learn; (2) strategies that trainers can adopt to enable this to take place; and (3) implications for the training organization sponsor. (Author/JOW)

Evaluated interviewee skills training program in a field setting using a broad sample of interviewers (N=99), jobs, and candidates (N=298). Results indicated that class members responded positively to the program and demonstrated substantial learning. Found interviewer evaluations failed to distinguish between experimental groups, and no…

The author discusses the use of videoconferencing as a training tool. Topics covered include determining when videoconferencing is appropriate, selecting a vendor, and planning the program. He provides recommendations for setting the agenda, preparing the trainers, and planning for questions and breaks. (CH)

Two tasks are necessary for successful practice in school psychology: (1) to educate school psychologists to provide state-of-the-art psychological services; and (2) to teach psychologists to change their work environments to support comprehensive psychological services. Domains of knowledge, programmatic considerations, and practical guidelines…

Describes a keyboarding course based on the Donnelly method. The course was taught on a community college campus to children ages 8 to 13. (CH)

Questions and answers from the book "Guidelines for Robotics Program Development" are presented, addressing some of the major issues confronted by the person setting the direction for a robotics training program. (CT)

A study was made to determine if a combination of functional isometrics and standard isotonic training would be superior to a standard isotonic program in an instructional setting. The results provide support for functional isometrics as an enhancement where achievement of maximum strength is the goal. (Author/MT)

The importance of comparison and message-formulation skills in referential communication was studied with severely mentally retarded children. Results indicated that combined comparison and message training produced higher communication accuracy than comparison training alone. Comparison training, however, increased subjects' accuracy of…