Hospital nurses (n=37) described their continuing education activities, identifying the use of a variety of learning resources, but overall little participation in formal continuing education on their own time and at their own expense. Many deterrents and low supervisor expectations limited the use of paid educational days. (SK)

Argues that the regular classroom, with proper teacher training, is the most appropriate educational placement for most gifted students. Problems with alternatives, especially the pull-out approach, are noted as are advantages of the regular class setting such as greater curriculum consistency, continuity, and coordination. Training and…

Describes a balanced-curriculum process created by James Comer's School Development Program that involves describing and aligning the curriculum and assessing student mastery. The SDP's first goal is to establish a supportive school culture. The balanced-curriculum process helps broaden the developmental perspective by addressing student learning.…

Discusses the role of human resource development (HRD) professionals in employee development and suggests instead that managers should be responsible for employee learning. Topics include understanding the learning process; learning partnerships; identifying and managing employee weaknesses; knowledge acquisition, management, and transfer plans;…

Presents suggestions for early childhood teachers and caregivers to make the most of professional development opportunities. Recommends setting goals for training, determining one's learning style, identifying one's stage of professional development, and selecting the appropriate type of training. Presents specific guidelines for program-based…

Introduces a project called Teaching Elementary Physical Science (TEPS) which targets the improvement of elementary school science. Uses a cross-level mentoring approach between elementary and secondary school science teachers. Recommends providing opportunities to elementary school teachers to acquire specific teaching skills and self-confidence.…

Workplace training at the British offices of Readers' Digest is designed to improve staff skills in communicating with customers. Evaluation of workshops focused on spelling, grammar, and business writing shows that the company is achieving a return on its training investment. (SK)

Discussion of the preparation of personnel to work with gifted secondary students documents the need for special personnel preparation, preparation needs of the classroom teacher and of the gifted specialist, the need to upgrade general education personnel, and examples of some alternative personnel preparation strategies including modules,…

Describes how education came to adopt the textbook approach and reviews various educational reform movements. Suggests that more attention must be paid to the processes whereby educators take the lead in the development of reflection that leads to changes in schools and the attitudes of the general public. (Author/JOW)

This taxonomy of learning tasks new employees must complete has four categories: individual (attitudes, expectations), people (relationships, supervision), work tasks (knowledge, skills, abilities), and organization (culture, roles). Learning tasks are accomplished through three types of intervention: orientation, job training, and workplace…

This article explores how Asians foster community and nourish spirit in staff development settings, discussing the role of rituals in learning communities, contrasting Asian approaches with North American approaches, and arguing for including rituals in staff development for a more balanced sharing of learning across cultures. (SM)

Describes two projects: an employee development consortium of small and midsized enterprises in Nottinghamshire and the National Development Project, testing development strategies of further/higher education providers. The projects demonstrate the need for a wider view of workplace learning that recognizes the value of different types and styles,…

Discusses ways staff can involve parents in all aspects of the Head Start experience. Staff training programs developed by the Head Start Research Group focus on relationship building, empowerment and cultural sensitivity. A two-day workshop for all staff and the creation of an ongoing peer group for social services and parent involvement staff…

Describes the process whereby the University of Luton, United Kingdom, applied for and received recognition in the Investors in People program, a British government effort to encourage organizations to value staff as a key resource in improving business performance. Notes rationale for applying for the award, preparation for the assessment visits,…

An effective youth development-based staff training program includes such key elements as: building caring and trusting relationships; engaging participants; offering opportunities for contribution; setting high expectations; and providing continuity. Presents a framework for thinking about how to strengthen training, offering practical…