This paper presents findings of a study that evaluated the instructional effectiveness of a problem-based learning module constructed around a computer simulation, "Making Change Happen"[TM]. The "Leading Organizational Change" (LOC) course sought to enable students in a graduate management program in Thailand to learn to lead…

Eleven staff development programs for school administrators are analyzed, emphasizing the principles and characteristics which distinguish these programs from past practice. Differences are classified into the headings of focus, content, and program delivery. (MT)

As part of the 1987-88 Westchester Principals' Center program evaluation, active principals were asked what motivates their participation in professional development activities. This article summarizes their answers, along with perceived participation benefits, visions of the principalship, and the influence of prior experiences on learning…

Examines the current (inadequate) system of initial preparation and inservice development for school leaders and suggests potential ameliorative strategies. University programs are badly tarnished, from student recruitment practices to curriculum content and employment certification procedures. Establishing a professional knowledge base and…

Draws on other articles in this journal issue to identify emergent themes concerning the principal's evolving role in several countries. Explains the context for change, including reform pressures and political response, and examines principals' changing work environment, their transformed roles, and preparation and professional development…

Examines ways to improve the potential transfer of knowledge, skills, and attitudes through professional development institutes. Discusses briefly the conceptual basis for transfer and presents specific ways to transfer theory into practice in the design of a two-week training institute offered to school principals at Vanderbilt University. (33…

Analysts have recently identified features such as program content that distinguish emerging administrator training programs from traditional ones. To examine variations in current approaches to school administrator training, three questions are addressed: (1) What are the variations in program content and organizational processes among emerging…

A proposal that calls for increasing the relevance of administrator preparation by applying a problem-based learning approach is offered in this paper. A review of literature on problem-based learning (PBL) in medical education concludes that, compared with traditional programs, PBL yields superior or equivalent results on a variety of outcome…

Eleven approaches to administrator training representative of the new era are analyzed. Emphasized are pressure for changes, areas of weakness, common aspects emerging, and problems involved in the new movement in training. (84 references) (SI)

Presents scenario for the future of school leadership and discusses role of problem-based leadership development. This scenario fosters several assumptions concerning capacities needed by future school leaders: ability to adapt to a rapidly changing environment; attitudes and skills in lifelong learning; more varied leadership roles; and increased…

Articles in this issue are among the first published findings from empirical evaluations of administrator training programs begun in the 1980s. This introduction presents background information on the leadership development movement in which these program evaluations occurred. Themes emerging from these studies are synthesized. (SLD)

Results from an exploratory evaluation of the Indiana Principals' Leadership Academy (IPLA) over its first four years are reported. Interviews with 30 principals (20 IPLA graduates and 10 current participants) and review of IPLA documents reflect favorable responses to the program by principals and its strengths and weaknesses. (SLD)