This book explains how individuals can contract their way to jobs or careers in the 21st century workplace. The following are among the topics discussed: (1) how the workplace has changed (looking for work instead of a job; hidden employment opportunities; reasons contracting makes sense; making it easier to get hired; the need for…

This book contains 34 papers examining the theory, process, and outcomes of action learning at work. The following papers are included: "An Introduction to the Text" (Alan Mumford); "The Learning Equation" (Reg Revans); "Action Learning as a Vehicle for Learning" (Alan Mumford); "Placing Action Learning and…

This guide, which is an updated version of the guide created for the Groundhog Job Shadow Day (GJSD) that was held on February 2, 1999, provides structured activities that classroom teachers and job sites can use to help students understand the importance and relevance of their education and see firsthand the range of knowledge, skills, and…

This book examines the lives of America's working families from all social classes and ethnic groups and the familial obligations they must deal with, arguing that there is a widening gap between the demands of the workplace and the well-being of America's families. Chapter one provides an overview of the problems of longer work days, outdated…

A systems approach to changing labor market performance requires a substantial and enduring commitment to the task of change. A systems reform framework has been developed that is based on a dual-customer approach, with a focus on improving labor market outcomes for both low-income people and their employers. The objective is to change the labor…

The informal learning practices of bank branch workers were examined in a study of a major Canadian bank. The study included ethnographic fieldwork and secondary analysis of a national survey of branch workers' learning practices during the introduction of a new financial services software system. Activity theory was used to examine workers'…

Researchers explored the relationships between the great working class communities and the industries they sustained and were sustained by in terms of production, storage, and transmission of skills. First, the ethnographic literature on industrial workplaces and the working class communities associated with them was reviewed. Next, lengthy…

The possibility of using a Gestalt-informed peer learning community to facilitate reflective learning and organizational change was explored. A peer learning community model exists that is based on two approaches to working with mental illness--therapeutic community practice (which is based on treating the community group rather than individuals…

This publication presents case studies of two sites--one with and one without a history of involvement in Workplace English Language and Literacy (WELL)-funded training programs. Case study 1, "Partnership, Flexibility, and Experience: Key Elements in Successful Training" (Jenny McGuirk), investigates a food processing company in New South Wales…

Adult and continuing education developed as ad hoc responses to concrete and partial needs. The fact that adult education has gained a broader mission and become regarded as encompassing political and citizenship education, vocational training, general adult education and access courses, and leisure courses presents an ambiguous challenge to the…

This report details a study combining qualitative and quantitative research tools to compare the functioning of schools in China, Guinea, India, and Mexico and in different development contexts within each country. The focus of the analysis was on the critical factors determining the quality of the interactive process taking place in schools, how…

Three presentations are provided from Symposium 32, Core Directions in HRD (Human Resource Development), of the Academy of HRD 2000 Conference Proceedings. "Exploring the Convergence of Political and Managerial Cultures in the Dominican Republic: Implications for Management Development and Training" (Max U. Montesino) reports a survey of…

Nearly 1,000 technical and further education (TAFE) teachers in Australia responded to a national survey to determine the impact of funding cuts, constant changes, and restructuring on their work and family life. More than 2,000 questionnaires were sent to a random sample of education union members, approximately 1,700 women and 300 men. In…

Part of a series that provides practical resources to transition personnel on topics essential to the process of preparing individuals with disabilities for adulthood, this guide focuses on teaching occupational social skills. Chapter 1, "Why Teach Occupational Social Skills?," explains the importance of these skills for successful…

Discusses the gender composition and degree of job segregation among current and recently hired employees in four-year colleges and universities. Results suggest that the gender composition of an institution is more balanced where there is a relatively high proportion of women administrators, women students, and less emphasis on research. (MJP)