Compared with England, where new implementations and programmes in the education system are often introduced at a striking pace, the German education system seems to be rather stable in its features and less dynamic in terms of reform and change. Hence, a phenomenon called "reform bottleneck" ("Reformstau") has often been…

This article explores the notion of the duality principle, as embodied in the German dual system of Vocational Education and Training (VET), within the context of a field survey of skill shortages faced by German and Indian firms operating in India. The study finds that these firms experience problems with the quantity and quality of skills…

Over the last decades educational researchers and politicians have shown a growing interest in the concept of learning in practice, i.e. learning in the workplace. Learning in practice plays an important role in connection with lifelong learning, as the workplace is an obvious setting for realizing this aim. Theories about learning in practice…

The German apprenticeship system results in a high proportion of skilled personnel and, therefore, is a major factor in Germany's productivity achievement and competitiveness. It also provides a smooth transition from school to work, low unemployment, and integration of school leavers into the apprenticeship system. (JOW)

Describes characteristic literacy problems of the U.S. workforce and reports on industry's efforts to close the gap between the skills brought to the job and those required on the job. (HOD)

Describes the locus of learning concept formulated by the German Education Council in the 1970s. Argues that research on the place of learning is one of the core topics of research on vocational education. Explores concept of learning at work. Points out desiderata and perspectives on research on learning places. (CAJ)

Discusses a survey of recent within-company further education publications available in German speaking areas, Anglo-Saxon countries, France, and Switzerland. Argues that there is a basic consensus evident in these publications. Critiques published patent remedies for controlling within-company further education. Searches for new methods of…

Literature describing the scope and characteristics of employer-based training (EBT) in the United States and the evidence to date about the effectiveness of such training was reviewed in order to help categorize the types of programs or strategies that show promise in terms of improving skills or increasing productivity. For the review, training…

Seven years ago, SC Johnson--A Family Company approached Gateway Technical College with a need to further strengthen their incumbent workforce's technical training and education. Retirements, brain drain, and competition for technical expertise were the forces driving SC Johnson to develop a comprehensive, flexible, and timely workplace education…

The experience of a number of specific local workplace programs indicates a definite connection between the provision of employee basic skills programs and increased worker productivity. One Tennessee company, for example, reports a 95 percent drop in costs resulting from worker mistakes and a doubling of worker productivity since the company…

This document contains in-depth descriptions and assessments of 17 exemplary employer-based training (EBT) programs that were studied as part of an examination of EBT programs. The case studies are based on site visits to each firm, during which interviews were conducted with company management, supervisors of workers in training, individuals…

Explores the theoretical foundations of the effort to integrate education into industrial companies during the twentieth century. Analyzes the historical building blocks of vocational education through both theory and practice. Discusses the company-internal further education pedagogy of the 1980s. (CAJ)

Examines relationship between overeducation and enterprise-related schooling, using data from a 1983 Dutch study of 43-year-old employees. Correctly allocated workers have the highest probability of participation in enterprise-related schooling, whereas undereducated workers have the lowest probability. The average rate of return on a year of…

This document contains a final report, evaluation, and curriculum materials from a project conducted at the RJR Nabisco plant in Indianapolis to upgrade the literacy and numeracy skills of the workers to facilitate technological changes to production lines. As the final report explains, although the goal of the project was to recruit and test 150…

This bibliography provides a listing of 53 publications that were funded under the Adult Education Act, as amended by the National Literacy Act of 1991, or that provide support to adult education and literacy activities. The listing includes reports, studies, surveys, and guides on the following topics: assessment and testing, curriculum…