One of a series of studies related to the Delphi research project: "Policy Instruments for Higher Education in the Western Europe of the Future", this paper reports that, despite the many complaints about government influences on higher education, both U.S. and European studies show that it has only a limited effect on higher education in…

The purpose of this project was to identify and gain consensus among vocational educators regarding their perceptions of the most critical research goals and the most critical research problem areas in vocational education personnel development. The Delphi technique was used in the three rounds of the survey. The first round requested lists of the…

A Delphi study identified probable responsibilities of departmental leaders in industrial teacher education (ITE) in the future. Three rounds of correspondence with a panel of experts were used to obtain ratings, arrive at consensus, and rank responsibility statements. The responsibility ranked most important was "manage department resources to…

This report looks toward the workplace of the year 2000 and describes how current trends could affect United Way programs and operations. To identify trends for the report, the research committee used two futures research methods: the Delphi process and environmental analysis. Using these techniques, the committee identified eight major trends on…

The Agency for Instructional Television (AIT) has established a consortium of 42 state, provincial, and local educational agencies to develop computer/video materials in problem-solving, prepare inservice materials, and define and conduct policy studies. The purpose of this study, which focuses on the last task, was two-fold: (1) to identify…

The use of futures research to improve a college's ability to deal with changes brought about by social, economic, political, and technological developments is discussed, with attention to new planning strategies and forecasting methods. While traditional long-range planning tracks and forecasts the institution's internal development, strategic…

Included in this thorough overview of the probable future developments in videodisc technology and its role as an educational medium are (1) a review of current educational technology literature on videodiscs, which summarizes a U.S. Navy Delphi Study of videodisc technology use through 1986, discusses a National Institute of Education (NIE) study…

Describes a Delphi Study of 70 small and medium-sized companies that had diverse specializations and needs. Presents the results as a set of cooperative research goals and objectives thought most desirable and feasible. Analyzes the top four potential goals indicating the policy areas and programs for cooperative research. (CW)

Describes a Delphi study conducted for the Netherlands Council for Libraries and Information Services (RABIN) to forecast the future of information services in the year 2000. Highlights include information supply; information attributes; user needs; substitution of print by electronic information; the role of publishers; generic coding; and…

A new technique for evaluating postsecondary education courses and improve instruction uses directed group discussion based on formative evaluation of the course concerned. It draws on Delphi technique and nominal group process but is more easily administered and produces higher user satisfaction. Its reliability has been confirmed in educational…

Discusses results of a Delphi study of academic professors and practitioners that identified trends that may influence the field of instructional design in the near future. Trends identified include diverse cultural perspectives, growth of online access to information, distance training and information networks, and customized instructional…

In hypothetical scenarios involving two groups (nations or groups of workers), subjects voted on three proposals: one helped group A (their group), one helped B, and one helped both groups, more than the average of the first two but less than their maximum. When subjects voted for one proposal, most voted for the one that helped group A. This…

The feasibility of using W. E. Deming's total quality management (TQM) method to define instructional quality was examined by surveying three groups of students attending Idaho State University's College of Education and School of Applied Technology: 31 students seeking cosmetology certification; 75 undergraduates pursuing degrees in corporate…

A study developed and validated a set of curriculum guidelines for the communication technology area of teacher preparation programs in technology education. The initial curriculum guidelines were established through personal interviews with three groups of professionals: five technology education teacher preparation professionals, five…

This paper presents a review of the literature, examines available empirical studies related to successful staff development programs, and provides recommendations to school administrators and teachers with respect to the establishment of effective programs. Staff development is defined as any inservice activity that can potentially increase an…