Describes seven important characteristics of the performance environment that can affect a performance outcome. Topics discussed include the performance environment as an open system, performance variables that can affect outcomes, how performance can be improved, and how performance variables are interrelated. (LRW)

Examines three elements useful for solving problems revealed by data gathering and analysis in the context of performance technology: goals, standards, and feedback. Emphasis is on the need for performers of tasks, their supervisors, and the organization as a whole to have the same goals and expectations, and how this is achieved through…

Discusses how those who learn basic human performance technology (HPT) skills can expand expertise in three directions: extended HPT (including generalist, project manager/integrator, and implementation specialist); specialized HPT; and HPT linked to related fields. Presents examples of applications of each alternative. (JKP)

Describes how two methodologies for analyzing and improving performance--performance engineering and organization mapping--were used in a case study involving the purchasing department of an electric utility. Highlights include the establishment of a model of the desired results, measuring existing performance, and the designing of an improvement…

Characterizing the academic world as the culture of ideas and the commerical world as the culture of action, the speaker argues that the products of the academic world are essential to the commerical world and suggests that ignorance is a threat to the survival of both. (MBR)

Discusses the development of hypertext and describes hypertext systems currently available for microcomputers. The use of hypertext in instructional materials and in job aids is discussed, an example of a system designed for self-management tasks is given, and the need to focus on human performance improvement is emphasized. (14 references) (LRW)

Describes Merrill's content performance matrix in terms of content (facts, concepts, processes, procedures, and principles); levels of performance (recall and applying content in job-like context); and instructional methods that support each task on the matrix (information displays and practice exercises). (MBR)

Discusses skills development and presents a matrix that combines two skills classifications: closed and open skills, and discrete and continuous skills. Examples of each type of skill are given, implications for instructional design are considered, and the creation of a museum of examples of open-skilled products and performances for instructional…

This article presents guidelines designed to assist instructional developers in improving their performance in workload estimates for prospective training development projects. Also provided is a description of an instructional systems development model for estimating, which includes front end analysis, design, implementation, and evaluation. (LRW)

Describes a collection of techniques used to increase use of skills learned in a training program for the staff of a motor freight common carrier company; briefly summarizes nature of the training program, its rationale, target population, content and delivery methods; and summarizes the training program's effects on employee performance. (MBR)

Examines collaboration as a unique category of human performance. Discusses benefits, including motivation, free thinking, wider access to information, and skills sharing. Offers guidelines for setting up partnerships, rules for effective collaboration, and expectations. (AEF)

Several examples are provided of criterion checklists, which are defined as documents which include qualities of actions necessary in a desired performance or qualities of elements necessary in a desired product. How and when to use checklists in skill teaching and how to create them are discussed. (MBR)

Allison Rossett and Roger Kaufman, developers of two contrasting needs assessment models (the purposed-based assessment and organizational elements models), answer questions about using their models as frameworks for addressing performance problems affecting public education. The models present contrasting, yet complementary, approaches to needs…

Addresses the problem of improving transfer of training from the seminar setting to participants' work setting and proposes use of a post-seminar lay-consultant program offering encouragement and technical counselling to participants. The training of 16 lay people as consultants and implementation of a consultant program for seminar participants…

Describes the results of a five-year research effort directed at modifying the cognitive and affective learning strategies of military personnel involved in technical training through the Air Force Advanced Instructional System (AIS), focusing upon the modification of learners' strategies for self-control and self-management. An 18-item reference…