The study aimed to determine the associate degree students' views on the dimensions of personal suitability, effectiveness, teaching, and predisposition towards teaching offered in distance education environments and examine whether their views differed significantly according to gender, class, and vocational school type. The data of the study…

This paper examines the correlation between curriculum reforms and the development of generic competencies among Hong Kong tertiary students (or secondary leavers who were admitted to Associate Degree and Higher Diploma). A total number of 3626 freshmen completed a set of self-assessment questionnaires, which were used to analyse the correlation…

Southern New Hampshire University's (SNHU) "College for America" (CfA) made history in April 2013 when it became the first degree program to be approved under the "direct assessment of learning" provisions in Title IV. For the first time, federal financial aid can pay for what students actually learn, not how long they sat in a…

This paper presents the results of a study conducted with the aim of identifying competencies needed by special librarians in Iran at three different levels of library and information science education. A list of competencies was initially identified from the literature and 21 semi-structured interviews with managers of special libraries in Iran.…

Paraprofessionals play an important role in the education of young children with, or at risk for, disabilities. Yet, because few training programs sufficiently infuse content related to serving special needs infants and toddlers, paraprofessionals typically lack the knowledge, skills, and dispositions to address effectively the requirements of…

This study compared perceptions of clinical competence of professional and technical nursing students with the expectations of their nursing faculty by using a nursing diagnosis framework. Results of the study are reported and implications discussed. (CT)

Differentiated practice structures the roles and functions of nurses according to education, experience, and competence. Although differentiation has increased staff retention and reduced recruiting costs, improvements in patient care are difficult to prove. (SK)

Examines the Differentiated Practice Role of Nurse model which provides a basis for discussion of collaborative ADN (Associate Degree of Nursing) and BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) prepared practice. Discusses provision of direct care competencies, communication competencies, and management competencies. (CT)

Responds to the American Nurses Association proposed requirement of a baccalaureate degree (BSN) for entry into registered nursing practice, defending associate degree nursing (ADN) programs and the preparation and clinical skills of ADN graduates, reviewing ADN employment patterns, and highlighting the competencies shared by ADN and BSN…

A survey of 167 nurses (41 percent response) and 53 nurse executives (32 percent) classified proficiency levels expected of beginning nurses. Comparison with six associate degree programs found gaps between techniques being taught the on-the-job expectations for nurses in a technologically advanced health care system. (SK)