The role of research in university institutions whose primary task is to provide teaching remains ambiguous and controversial. In principle, all university teaching is based on pertinent research. However, for some university units, such as language centres, the basic tasks, and consequently their funding, are very often defined in a manner which…

Purpose: A central issue in the field of workplace learning is how work-related learning can be stimulated so that a powerful learning work environment is created. This paper seeks to further enlarge understanding on this issue. Based on the demand-control-support the aim is to investigate the influence of job-characteristics on the work-related…

The paper explores the concept of self-directed learning (SDL) in the workplace. This paper introduces a definition and argument for the importance of SDL, presents conditions that promote SDL, and suggests how future issues and implications should be applied for greater understanding and utilization of SDL in the workplace. The significance of…

Shares experiences of a human resource development (HRD) book group. Offers practical startup tips, descriptions of different types of book groups, and lessons learned about such groups. Suggests that membership on an HRD book group is an opportunity for self-directed learning in a social context, and it fosters a mindset for lifelong learning.…

This paper provides Human Resource Development practitioners several methods for enhancing learning projects of new professionals preparing for certification or licensure. Implementation of these activities provides opportunities for new professionals to become more self-directed and therefore immersed in their own learning. While these activities…

This packet contains three papers on self-directed and incidental learning from a symposium on human resource development (HRD). The first paper, "Self-Directed Learning for Supervisory Development" (Judy O'Neil, Maria Lamattina), reports on a study that looks at what research says needs to be in place to engage workers in self-directed learning…

A survey of informal learning among 318 teachers and HRD professionals was conducted. Analysis of the data found that teachers rely to a greater extent on interactive informal learning activities while HRD professionals rely to a greater extent on independent learning activities. Data analysis also found that six environmental factors inhibit…

This instructional package represents a portion of the National Training and Development Service Urban Management Curriculum Development Project. The purpose of this package is to provide a general understanding of public personnel administration. It is intended to introduce the beginning student to the purposes, goals, and function of personnel…

Contract learning is an invaluable tool in organizational learning and management development. A contract can incorporate teacher-directed learning (TDL) and self-directed learning (SDL), as appropriate. Substantial research has revealed the power of SDL; the trick is to harness this learning for the benefit of the organization. The literature on…

A description is provided of the training and counseling materials and methods prepared by the Saskatchewan NewStart and the Training Research and Development Station. Following a brief review of the concept of social inventions, summary descriptions are provided of nine adult education courses. These are: 1) Life Skills, which focuses upon…

The first of three papers from this symposium, "The Effects of Personality, Affectivity, and Work Commitment on Motivation to Improve Work through Learning" (Sharon S. Naquin, Elwood F. Holton III), examined the degree to which the Five-Factor Model (FFM) of personality, affectivity, and work commitment dimensions influenced motivation…

This document contains four papers from a symposium on career issues in organizations. "Learning During Downsizing: Stories from the Survivors" (Sharon J. Confessore) describes a study to demonstrate that survivors of corporate downsizings undertake learning activities and use many resources to accomplish the learning tasks.…

Three presentations are provided from Symposium 18, Instructional Technology, of the Academy of Human Resource Development (HRD) 2000 Conference Proceedings. "Strategies for Facilitating Interaction When Using Technology-Mediated Training Methods [TMTM]" (Jeffrey S. Lewis, Gary D. Geroy, Orlando Griego) focuses on differences between…

This symposium on the adult learner consists of three presentations. "Bridging the Gap Between Adult Education and Educational Psychology: Some Important Findings" (Bryan W. Smith) is a report upon a micro-analysis of a case of adults entering tertiary study for the first time and their mental life concerning their own self performance,…

Papers on the theme of quality in human resource development include the following: "Missing Link to Quality: An Examination of the Use of Steven Covey's '7 Habits of Highly Effective People' in State Agencies" (Adair et al.); "Executive Women in Business in the United States" (Bierema); "Extent and Nature of Employee…