Dynamic generalizations of reliability and validity that will incorporate longitudinal or developmental models, using latent curve analysis, are discussed. A latent curve model formulated to depict change is incorporated into the classical definitions of reliability and validity. The approach is illustrated with sociological and psychological…

Based on classic and emerging international literature, action learning is defined as learning form concrete experience and critical reflection on experience, focused on problem solving and change. Facilitators of action learning do not impose solutions but guide action learning teams through the process. (Contains 44 references.) (SK)

Discusses some emerging discourses on environmental education and how "sustainability" has been used within different discourses. Asserts that the contested nature of the concept does not mean that it cannot be usefully adopted within environmental education processes. Focuses on how the concept has been adopted by students in a…

The proliferation of uses of "certificate" in education and business is rendering the term meaningless. Higher education institutions should seek consensus on the types and categories in order to maintain clarity. A delineation between nonbaccalaureate and postbaccalaureate and between credit and noncredit is a starting point. (Contains…

Argues that the meanings that writing center staff members assign to the words "tutor" and "tutee" run directly counter to the common meanings for the terms. Suggests replacing "tutor" with "writing assistant,""writing consultant," or "writing fellow." Suggests replacing "tutoring" with "discussion" or "consulting." Suggests replacing the term…

To dispel parents' and educators' confusion about children's learning problems, this article properly defines terms such as slow learner, learning disability, attention deficit disorder, and underachiever. A sidebar categorizes four types of underachievers, who perform better when tightly monitored. (MLH)

This theoretical analysis of sociological conceptions of skill contrasts four approaches: positivist, ethnomethodological, Weberian, and Marxist. It is argued that impasses in industrial sociology stem from the fact that these approaches use very different notions of skill. (58 references) (SK)

Differing definitions of instructional leadership can lead to miscommunication, low evaluation ratings, and conflicts. Definitions may vary to suit the context. A good beginning is to read the literature. Then principals can discuss instructional leadership with superiors and peers and ask staff members for input. The next step is sharing…

The history and etymology of terms commonly used by registrars in maintaining records are summarized, with focus on their Latin origins. Terms include record, copy, file, rolls, register, data, enrollment, total, census, notary, minutes, office, delegate, catalog, schedule, procedure, memorandum, authentic, seal, signature, diploma, certify, and…

Describes the Waller-Kraft "wish list" of desired information retrieval system properties and identifies ambiguities caused by two distinct uses of the phrase "query term weight." Examples of problems arising from the ambiguity are given and a new list is created and discussed. (10 references) (Author/CLB)

Leonard Nadler, who created George Washington University's doctoral program in human resources development (HRD) in 1962, discusses definitions of HRD and its growth as a discipline. (JOW)

Discusses the use of terms to describe sociolinguistic situations in multilingual societies and proposes several new terms to facilitate such descriptions. (CB)

Use and misuse of evaluation results are discussed. Variations in evaluation definitions, entity used, nature of the user, time and place of evaluation use, personal factor, basic premises of utilization-focused evaluation, misutilization, and method and rationales for use are discussed. A case example with a federal program is outlined. (TJH)

Vocational education should (1) focus on vocational roles in a variety of settings; (2) recognize that individuals have several simultaneous vocations; (3) advocate that the selection of vocations and behavior in vocations be guided by ethical principles; and (4) inform that vocations should give meaning to life. (JOW)

Discusses a list of characteristics (dimensions) that are crucial for data model quality. Fourteen quality dimensions are singled out and organized in six categories: content, scope, level of detail, composition, consistency, and reaction to change. Two types of correlations among dimensions called "reinforcements" and…