This guide is aimed at anyone in work-based training who is responsible for learners during their first few weeks. Readers will (1) understand the value and purpose of initial assessment in key skills and Skills for Life; (2) become familiar with a range of techniques for the initial assessment; (3) plan an initial assessment system that is…

Examines the role of peer coaching in effective in-house staff training programs. Guidelines to the initiation, monitoring, and evaluation of coaching programs are offered, and the benefits of this approach for staff and clients are discussed. (nine references) (CLB)

Camp health care staff can give basic health education to counselors, covering daily hygiene for young children, basic understanding of common chronic illnesses, observational skills to detect illnesses, elementary public health tutoring, and OSHA medical standards. Health personnel should be included in planning precamp and in-service counselor…

Training can generate long-term benefits for both camp staff and the camp, but camp administration must commit to creating a positive learning environment. Describes the benefits of training, how to identify training needs, key components of training, determining the delivery format, follow-up and retention, and seeking feedback from participants.…

Presents 16 ideas on in-service training contributed by child care directors across the nation. The ideas include weekly staff meetings, workshops, and training programs for new staff. (RJC)

Most camps use specialists to run activities and cabin leaders to manage campers. However, a generalist model offers greater leadership development opportunities. To implement a more generalist paradigm, have camp leaders express their areas of skill and interest, pair up experienced and inexperienced staff, allow specialists to cover activities…

Discusses the problem of keeping library staff motivated when promotions are not available. Topics addressed include the importance of management training that emphasizes communication skills; alternative ways to help employees grow, including staff development programs, lateral transfers, job rotation, and short-term projects; and helpful…

An in-house media training program can help college faculty feel comfortable with taped and on-camera interviews. Everyone benefits: faculty gain valuable experience; the media and public obtain quick, concise, and clear information; and the campus gets good public relations. Effective programs are carefully designed, realistic, and include…

Camp staff who develop competency, understand that they can make a difference, and feel part of a team will have a more positive camp experience and will want to return. Continuous in-service training can accomplish this via daily 15-minute briefing sessions in which precamp training issues are revisited and staff input is sought. (TD)

Training effective camp staff starts with reviewing last year's schedule. Desired competencies can be determined by examining existing documents, asking former staff, consulting industry materials, and projecting the future. Specific skills can be taught in orientation and through guided informal experiential learning during the season. A climate…

Assembled in a loose leaf notebook, this collection of independent on-the-job activities is designed to facilitate employee development and intended to help improve an organization's performance appraisal system. The on-the-job development activities described derive from job descriptions, performance appraisal forms, and discussions with job…

Discusses several factors that may improve staff training on integrated library systems, including the application of andragogic learning theory, using effective on-the-job training techniques, the selection of trainers based on competencies, and visible administrative support during all phases of the staff training project. (37 references)…

Because many available employee training tools are not suitable for the college or university environment, college personnel trainers must create their own. This article proposes an approach to developing such tools which is based on behavior modeling and is designed to maximize transfer of skills learned to the work environment. (MSE)

Offers suggestions for training inexperienced, untrained child caregivers in early childhood care programs. (HOD)

Shares ideas that teachers can implement to increase the effectiveness of adult reading aides assisting them in the classroom, including communication strategies, joint instructional planning, classroom management procedures, constructive feedback, and staff development. (RS)