The British Columbia Telephone Company's systematic approach to curriculum development, which relies heavily on the needs assessment step, is described along with its practical applications. This process allows training departments to focus their resources on the design and implementation of education to solve specific performance problems and…

Gathering information is futile without implementation of programs based on the findings. Data from a single needs assessment study can provide useful information to decision makers at several levels. Studies of a general population of adults provide data for state, regional, and local continuing education practitioners. (CT)

This article elaborates the various goal orientations currently characterizing continuing professional education and identifies their practical implications. A goal orientations model is presented that may prove useful in addressing both programmatic and policy considerations. (CT)

This article focuses on four issues: the learner's readiness for self-direction in learning, the teaching and learning process advocated for work with self-directed learners, policy considerations related to self-directed learning, and ethical issues relative to the implementation of self-directed learning concepts. (CT)

Examines three major decision elements in the program design process: (1) learner participation patterns, (2) educational provider characteristics, and (3) instructional design models. Each shapes and directs the actions of the program designer and the program outcomes. (JOW)