Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) is the evaluation and assessment of learning gained outside a traditional academic environment for college credit, certification, or advanced standing toward further education or training. The term PLA encompasses a wide spectrum of assessment methods, including, but not limited to, credit by examination, challenge…

Any organization with a comprehensive training program has a leadership development curriculum. These programs include everything from conventional classroom learning with guest speakers to high-tech simulations and lavish retreats. There also may be mentorship thrown in, as well as multiple job rotations. Despite the well-rounded curricula, many…

Sales training programs require continual evaluation. The authors present a conceptual model of the interrelationships of planning, training, evaluation, and modification (IPTEM) in corporate sales training programs. (CT)

The author describes the Training Technology System, a model for separating training from nontraining problems and a means of systematically solving training problems in industry and business. He lists the system phases: (1) analyze, (2) design, (3) develop, (4) implement, and (5) control, and he critiques the system. (CH)

Describes and evaluates the computerized training information system in use at New England Telephone Company. The system consists of a set of training records stored in four databases which can be used for summarizing and forecasting training course information. (JJD)

Describes several approaches to the development of performance indicators for evaluating the effectiveness of safety training in the nuclear power industry. A rationale is presented for a method of generating measures of effectiveness that uses criteria developed by several experts with different viewpoints, and the benefits of this method are…

Describes the Participant Action Planning Approach (PAPA) process that requires each trainee to prepare a list of concrete actions or changes he or she plans to make back on the job once the training program is over. Benefits of PAPA are discussed, including transfer of learning, verbalization, and commitment. (CT)

Consists of four program descriptions related to economic development efforts involving two-year postsecondary educational institutions. Topics include statewide industrial training network among education, business, and government in Kansas; operation of business centers and economic development offices at Illinois schools; an Illinois regional…

The Corporate Career Demonstration Project is a Federally funded program designed to provide economically disadvantaged young adults with specialized training, counseling and educational experiences. The project's major goal is to prepare these youth for entry level corporate career positions they would otherwise be unable to obtain. Applicants…

Two examples of CBT which demonstrate unique design characteristics without gimmicks are described. The first is an example from Northern States Power Company (NSP), an electric and gas utility. The second details implementation of a language arts unit by the Minnesota Educational Computing Consortium in a public school seting. (JEG)

Three articles discuss instructional design considerations in education for executives: (1) "The Use of the Measurement of Continuous Improvement Model for Training Program Evaluation" (Ferdinand Tesoro); (2) "The Systems Design Approach to Developing Computer Based Instruction" (Gerry Costello); and (3) "Training as a…

The final report describes a study to develop a statewide teacher/industry exchange program in Wisconsin that would provide vocational-technical instructors with occupational experience opportunities. Three plans for implementing the program were developed: (A) swapping the positions of a business or industrial person with that of a vocational…

Current types of industry-sponsored educational programs, training facilities, and teaching and evaluation methods are described. The history of education and training within the corporate world and the roles of government and unions are traced. Factors that have limited college and industrial cooperation in employee education are also identified.…

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has created quality assurance guidelines that help technology trainers and educators manage and organize training programs. This article briefly outlines program design principles, emphasizing needs analysis and outcome evaluation, performance documentation, and process management. ISO 9000…

A project conducted by Northampton Community College established an automated manufacturing training center for use by industry in eastern Pennsylvania. The center assists small and medium-size manufacturing firms in evaluating and integrating off-the-shelf technology to make them more competitive in the global marketplace. Comprehensive services…