Traces the historical development of instructional technology and human resources development (HRD) as professions out of the instructional media field. Highlights their differences and similarities as disciplines and as professions. The importance of instructional media, professional development, and professional cooperation are discussed. (JL)

Examines certain common professional characteristics that unite instructional developers across a variety of settings, and addresses the question as to whether a strong case can be made for providing developers with a common approach to their training. (Author/MER)

Compares and contrasts the current development of needs analysis and needs assessment through a review of the literature, and offers recommendations designed to restore systems thinking to front-end analysis in organizational and instructional development. The roles of needs assessment and needs analysis in a performance technology model are…

Examines the importance of human systems as a relevant aspect of development processes and looks at the career anchor model proposed by Schein as a possible area in the analysis of the instructional developer/client relationships. Fourteen references are listed. (Author/LLS)

Suggests that academic programs need to further demonstrate that graduate courses and job experience can supplement each other in career development by specifying the applicable cognitive and psychomotor skills that can be developed and developing a closer relationship with the employment community. (Author)

Reviews the basic assumptions of two paradigms of inquiry, the rationalist and the naturalist, to determine which one provides the best fit for one-to-one formative evaluation of instructional materials focusing on learnability issues. Conclusions suggest the naturalistic assumptions are more suitable. (13 references) (LRW)

A member of the National Society for Performance and Instruction task force questions the professional certification process for practitioners in the performance and instruction field. Methods being utilized by the certification movement, what is wrong with them, and why certification would hinder the profession are discussed. (MBR)

Argues that although the training field is evolving rapidly, pre-professional education and continuing professional development are not adequately meeting the needs of the profession. Twelve areas of concern are discussed, and five basic elements to be incorporated in curriculum changes are offered. (Author/MER)

Discusses the need for training curriculum to be integrated with business objectives to provide the right employees with the right skills at the right time. Line management requirements are described; training and development requirements are examined; the training and development organization is described; and keys to success are considered. (LRW)

Discusses reasons for the lack of effectiveness of management development programs and suggests solutions for improvement. Topics discussed include analysis of good management skills; motivation theory; popular psychology models; self discovery tests; management fads; insufficient skills practice; conducting a needs analysis; and performance based…

Describes Mountain Bell's Computer Managed Instruction Development project; how the computer is being used to develop any type of instruction, to assist with management of course development projects, and to direct training of course developers; project field trial goals and results; project benefits; and future project orientation. (MBR)

Presents eight noninstructional strategies for improving employees' performance in any organization. These alternatives to instruction include job redesign and reassignment, recruitment, organizational development, facilities and tool redesign, incentive and feedback systems, and provision of a strong rationale for the desired performance so…

Describes the production of master instructional materials as one step in a project management model for instructional development. Maintaining a balance between instructional integrity and production values is discussed; the manager's role is described; and guidelines for involving subject matter experts and the sponsors in production are…

Describes a tool for trainer self-development called "mental rehearsal." The process uses mental images (visualization) to practice trainer behavior prior to the actual training session. Trainers use mental rehearsal for: (1) physical relaxation, (2) positive thinking, (3) mental and physical readiness, (4) verbal and nonverbal instructional…

Summarizes results of two workshops conducted at 1987 and 1988 conferences sponsored by the National Society for Performance and Instruction which involved skills in estimating training development costs. Baseline and adjusted estimates are explained, results are compared with a similar workshop conducted in England, and recommendations for…