The effects of verbal feedback and verbal feedback plus praise on staff training behaviors were assessed through a multiple baseline design in an adult residential area for mentally retarded individuals. Initial results of this study show both procedures to be effective in improving staff training skills. (Author/CL)

A system of supervisory feedback of appropriate interactions with clients was instituted in a cottage for 31 mentally retarded children. Both staff and client behavior improved following the implementation of the feedback system but was not demonstrated because performance did not deteriorate when the feedback contingency was withdrawn. (Author/CL)

Few companies are comfortable with their performance appraisal system. The author suggests trying (1) systems that recognize competing priorities and attempt to alleviate conflicts through intelligent design and (2) management training that emphasizes the importance of providing staff with ongoing feedback. (CH)

Describes the development of a Learning and Teaching Conference at the University of Brighton; discusses the value of the conference as a staff development initiative and for disseminating good practice and raising the profile of learning and teaching; reports on feedback from participants; and reflects on experiences of running the conference.…

Two studies focused on the effectiveness of the self-management strategies of formulating plans and correspondence training in training residential care staff working with children who have behavior and learning difficulties. (CL)

A development-oriented approach to assessment requires an environment with a strong focus on learning, self-regulation, and use of results in developmental programs. Factors influencing developmental performance assessment include managers' and employees' attitudes, organizational culture, and self-perceptions of competence. (SK)

Three types of staff development portfolios were studied: dossiers, course-related learning, and reflective learning. Analysis of their use as developmental assessment tools indicated that reflective portfolios are particularly effective for performance and learning-related change. (Contains 30 references.) (SK)

The most essential set of skills that camp directors can impart to staff are effective group skills. One trick to working with campers in groups is to formalize brief meetings as part of the program. Types of meetings described are daily group, bunk, or cabin meetings; briefing and debriefing before and after activities; public appreciation;…

As a professional development tool, coaching is a process of systematic observation of another's instructional behavior with subsequent nonjudgemental feedback. It is a natural follow-up to a recent training event or experience and is extensively used within industrial contexts. Well-trained feedback personnel, including peers, team leaders,…

The Project ACCESS (Adapting Curriculum Content for Exceptional Secondary Students) resource guide is designed to help regular classroom teachers provide successful experiences to mildly handicapped mainstreamed students through the adaptation of the curriculum. The concerns-based approach, which was used successfully by Project ACCESS, focuses on…

Describes the use of a consumer feedback approach to evaluation of staff and treatment, by administering an opinion questionnaire to children in a mental health residential treatment center. (ED)

Outlines a pilot study undertaken by staff of the Open University (Great Britain) to gain feedback from students on the effectiveness of support of their students' learning as an aid to staff development. The use of questionnaires is explained, and tutor responses to students' comments are discussed. (Author/LRW)

Discusses the use of videotapes of child care teachers in classrooms as a tool to provide feedback on teaching techniques. Points out benefits of and concerns about the use of videotape and gives guidelines for effective feedback. Lists various videotape hardware packages. (NH)

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)

We evaluated an abbreviated performance feedback intervention as a training strategy to improve discrete trial instruction of children with autism by three paraprofessional staff (assistant teachers) at a specialized day school. Feedback focused on 10 discrete trial instructional skills demonstrated by the staff during teaching sessions. Following…