Describes a formative evaluation of a one-day introductory computer-based training course for university employees using a new online financial and purchasing system. Evaluated the effectiveness of the training, identified appropriate revisions that were incorporated into the training program, and examined learner attitudes toward the course.…

Matching-to-sample skills are involved in language acquisition and reading and counting abilities. The rapid, even errorless, induction of matching performances in young children and 28 individuals with mental retardation (ages 11-20) was demonstrated through the structuring of a visual array that promoted detection of the relevant stimulus.…

Discusses public libraries' imperatives for training older adults in computer use and surveys current literature on older adult learning. Concludes that older adults do learn differently from younger adults; explores how learning differences are relevant to computer learning; and suggests implications for trainers of older adults. (Author/LRW)

Describes how providing a well-designed injury prevention program that includes attention to growth and development, training and conditioning, protective equipment, and emergency care can minimize youth sport injuries. (SM)

Discusses issues related to training and performance improvement, including practice required for skill learning; knowledge versus skills; core skills; competence; learning to learn; team orientation; enabling business results; interpersonal and conceptual skills; timing; focusing on priorities; organizational learning and management…

This study evaluated the effectiveness of a reinforcement-based toilet training intervention with three children with autism. Procedures included positive reinforcement, graduated guidance, scheduled practice trials, and forward prompting. All three children reduced urination accidents to zero and learned to request bathroom use spontaneously…

Describes a model called EPOSODE (Enhanced Procedural Orchestration through Student Observation and Detection of Errors) that uses performance errors to teach and assess procedural knowledge via computer-based interactive video (CBIV) technology. Two prototypes based on EPOSODE are described, and Anderson's theory of procedural knowledge is…

An adult male with mild mental retardation had previously been trained in a match-to-sample task on 16 arbitrary relations among 16 visual stimuli and 2 auditory stimuli. Testing indicated the development of 112 additional arbitrary relations that had never been reinforced. On two-year and three-year followup, his performances remained stable.…

Suggestions are offered for implementing fund-raising phonathons which solicit prospects in their native language. The multilingual phonathon programs at the University of California (Irvine), St. Mary's University in Nova Scotia, and Concordia University (Quebec) are described, including recruitment of bilingual callers, training, and…

Fifteen students, age 13-21, with moderate to profound mental retardation received shopping skills training in either 1 or 3 department stores. A study of operational behaviors, social behaviors, number of settings in which criterion performance was achieved, and number of sessions required to achieve criterion found no significant differences…

Training prospective and practicing teachers is the responsibility of both public schools and universities. To do the job efficiently, a single faculty and support structure for training teachers must be created. This must happen despite an environment encumbered with excessive bureaucratic regulation, autonomous political entities, and highly…

The acceptability of two different training methods (simulation training using a doll and simulation training on self) for teaching menstrual hygiene skills to young women with developmental disabilities was evaluated in two experiments. Results suggested that opinions about treatment acceptability should be obtained from both professional and…

Kicking activities are recommended to provide severely disabled children with greater coordination, improved dexterity, increased leg strength, and physical enjoyment. Steps are outlined to achieve three goals: touch a ball, push a ball, and kick a ball. Several teaching suggestions are provided. (JDD)

A checklist is presented that provides an organizational framework for the development, review, and selection of instructional techniques and programs for persons having severe handicaps. The checklist covers instructional content, description of learner population, instructional methods, testing and recording, individualization, program…

This study examined effects of restitution on object throwing behavior of an adolescent male with severe mental retardation. Restitution was shown to maintain throwing behavior. When the subject was not forced to pick up what he threw (no restitution), throwing dropped to zero and was maintained at a very low rate. (Author/PB)