This article describes functional communication training (FCT) with students who have autism. FCT involves teaching alternative communication strategies to replace problem behaviors. The article reviews the conditions under which this intervention is successful and compares the method with other behavioral approaches. It concludes that functional…

Two experiments with 15 individuals having profound mental retardation found difficulties in identifying reinforcers that were actually effective in treatment of chronic training needs. Research needs in evaluating training alternatives for people with profound multiple disabilities who move very little or who respond with very long latencies are…

Discussion of instructional design in large organizations highlights a project management approach. Topics addressed include the role of the instructional designer; project team selection; role of the team members; role of the project manager; focusing on what employees need to know; types of project teams; and monitoring time and responsibility.…

Discusses new adult learning theories, including those of Roger Sperry (left brain/right brain), Paul McLean (triune brain), and Howard Gardner (multiple intelligences). Relates adult learning theory to training. (JOW)

Assigned 48 Head Start teachers and 48 parent volunteers to either a Collaborative Training (CT) or Workshop Training (WT) approach. Found that CT teachers and parents reported greater levels of active involvement in and satisfaction with training, and greater levels of parent classroom activity than WT participants. CT teachers demonstrated…

Ten adults with moderate and severe mental retardation were taught to construct shipping boxes using a dyadic instructional format in which each member of the dyad received instruction on one half of the task analysis on an alternative basis. Four of the five dyads learned to construct shipping boxes. (Contains references.) (Author/CR)

Examines the merits of two models of counselor training, scientist-practitioner and practitioner-scholar. The first position argues for inclusion of the practitioner-scholar model as an alternative for training in counseling psychology. The second position reviews concerns with the two competing models. Concludes that the scientist-practitioner…

Summarizes two popular models for increasing sensitivity to sensory impairment in the elderly and details a third model used in training human service students and practitioners. Ideas and techniques presented work toward understanding the impact of sensory impairment on the daily life of older adults and to identify coping techniques to improve…

Electronic learning has made knowledge accessible to a large number of people and is challenging training's basic tenets. Traditional training will persist, but not as a growth sector. The rise of e-learning divides training into corporate learning and training for strategic purposes. (JOW)

Thirty children with partial sight and 30 children with unimpaired sight (all 8- to 12-years old) received either verbal-mediation or visual-mediation training regimes. The verbal mediation training was superior to visual mediation training on a problem-solving task for both children with partial sight and children without visual impairments.…

Discusses the need for custodial training and presents training tips. Also examines how to identify what specific training may be needed for a particular school, the training areas that need frequent repeating over time, and ideas for conducting effective training classes. (GR)

Discusses usability in the context of creating distance learning or computer-based training environments and describes a three-step approach to learner-centered usability testing. Highlights include functions of the instructional interface that should be similar to a responsive teacher; elements in the learning environment; and testing it via a…

Discussion of student resistance to technology-delivered training focuses on strategies at the IRS (Internal Revenue Service) that overcame learner resistance by maintaining a personal relationship with each student and flexibly addressing each student's personal style and concerns. Considers reasons for student resistance and the continued need…

This article suggests ways to develop effective substitute special education teacher programs. Suggestions are framed around the Standards for Staff Development created by the National Staff Development Council. Detailed recommendations on substitute training and support systems stress the need to address appropriate context, process, and content.…

Develops a model of users' perceptions of Web technology as a training tool. Discusses users' attitudes toward Web-based environments that integrate the Technology Acceptance Model, Social Cognitive Theory, motivational perspective, self-efficacy perspective, and attitude in order to develop a new aspect of users' perceptions toward Web-based…