The purpose of this qualitative descriptive study was to explore how teachers describe their experiences with attending school required PD sessions and how those sessions influenced their approach to teaching. The study's theoretical foundation was Malcolm Knowles' adult learning theory's four principles: (1) involved adult learners, (2) adult…

Most children in the U.S. spend time in some form of early childhood education (ECE) program prior to entering kindergarten. In fact, children spend an average of 25 hours per week in nonparental care, including center-based care and informal family, friend and neighbor care. Children develop a foundation for learning during these early years, so…

Since 2004, professional accountancy bodies in membership of the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) have been required to adopt mandatory continuing professional development (CPD) schemes. This research explores the learning activities of members of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) which introduced an…

Introduction: The mini-clinical evaluation exercise (mini-CEX) is widely used for the evaluation of medical trainees' clinical competence. To our knowledge, no study has examined the effect of mini-CEX on the preceptors. Based on the principle of "to teach is to learn twice," we hypothesized that the act of precepting a mini-CEX would enhance…

Voluntarism, historically a fundamental principle and characteristic of adult education, is at risk with the development of mandated continuing professional education. Education is mandated by (1) direct regulation in state licensure laws; (2) indirect regulation through professional membership, employment requirements, and specialized…

Federal, state, and district policy mandates are increasingly affecting primary grade teachers--especially, those in at-risk schools, given that they face more mandated curriculum and professional development. This study investigated K-3 teachers in two inner-city schools as they navigated through various mandates. Qualitative and quantitative…

Once the need for continuing learning in professional fields was acknowledged, the idea of voluntary learning evolved into a requirement for mandatory continuing education (MCE) in many professions. Despite the variation among professions and individual states' policies, MCE for professionals is a well-entrenched fact of life for many…

The chief arguments against mandatory continuing education for professionals (MCE) are as follows: it violates adult learning principles, MCE is punitive to those who participate voluntarily; evidence that it results in improved practice is lacking; programs are not consistently and uniformly available; and professionals should be accountable for…

Evaluates mandatory continuing education in social work and suggests alternatives for ensuring continued competence. Current programs under development show a trend toward real-life practice simulations instead of paper and pencil tests. Continuing education will be the result of self-motivation instead of simply meeting a requirement. (Author/JAC)

This publication contains addresses on continuing professional education given at a conference at the University of Calgary (Canada) in October, 1980. Themes of the conference speakers included the need for continuing professional education and the content and delivery of such education. In an opening address, J. Roby Kidd discussed the meaning of…

An advisory committee oversaw and guided an investigation of credentialing adult education instructors in Illinois. At its direction, a series of focus group inquiries were conducted into issues surrounding the development of a system of professional credentialing. Requirements varied widely in 13 states found to have some form of mandatory…

A study examined the effects of a mandatory participation requirement on participant attitude toward and subsequent progress in a professional development program. Eight of the 24 schools in the Arkansas postsecondary vocational-technical school system were selected for the study. Participation in a professional development program was mandatory…