This meta-analytical review of seven studies examined the effectiveness of two intervention approaches--(1) behavior training strategies and (2) cognitive process strategies--to teaching social skills to learners with moderate to severe mental retardation. Although both approaches were effective, the cognitive process appeared more effective in…

Presents a simple four-step method bibliographic instruction librarians can use to teach students how to design an effective search strategy. Using the image of a clock face, students learn how to make explicit connections among the search statement, types of library materials, and access tools in formulating a research plan. (22 references)…

Describes an interactive multimedia Business Practices Course, developed to help reengineer point-of-need training for professional development, in which the learner conducts a business review of a company's current operations and makes recommendations to improve productivity and increase customer satisfaction. (six references) (LRW)

Explains the Artificial Intelligence Applications to Learning Programme, which was developed in the United Kingdom to explore and accelerate the use of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies in learning in both the educational and industrial sectors. Highlights include program evaluation, marketing, ownership of information, consortia, and cost…

Reviews the literature on the importance of foster children's connections to their biological families. Involvement of the placed child's biological family in all stages of the placement experience creates new forms of practice throughout the foster care system. Describes the use of group training for biological parents soon after placement and…

To investigate whether there are 2 types of test-anxious students, those with poor study skills and those with difficulties in retrieving material, study skills training or anxiety desensitization were provided to 84 high test-anxious university students in Israel. Results support the theory of two types of test-anxious students. (SLD)

Two studies evaluating a video-based instructional package for training 12 respite care providers found that performance during simulated situations improved in 5 of 6 skill areas, with no differences whether videotapes were viewed alone, with a partner, or with structured group training. Correct responding was generalized and skills were…

Prompting, modeling, and differential reinforcement were used to teach three nonverbal adults with severe to profound mental retardation to exit their group homes at the sound of the house fire alarm. All three learned to exit independently in less than two minutes in all or the majority of surprise fire drills. (Author/JDD)

This survey relating to 184 Oregon students with severe intellectual disabilities and severe problem behaviors found that major extra educational support was in the form of additional teaching assistants. Ninety percent of students spent some portion of each school day socially integrated. Over 40% received community-based instruction. (Author/JDD)

Describes the qualities of a good children's reference librarian and discusses training that involves both on cognitive and affective training methods. Evaluation to measure the effectiveness of the trainee is discussed, and a model training workshop is presented that includes a sample assignment as well as basic reference sources for children's…

Discusses local database development and training experiences at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign libraries. Topics discussed include when to automate; available resources; microcomputers versus mainframes or minicomputers; software; database design factors; test versions; and training. Examples of sample records, help screens,…

Describes a training program conducted to prepare graduate students to teach laboratory-tutorial classes in an introductory psychology course. States that the program consisted of four sessions held over six weeks, and included role playing, video feedback, discussion, and written guidelines. Reports a positive reaction to the program. (DB)

Three mentally retarded students (ages 9-12) who exhibited challenging behaviors to escape from academic demands and to receive social attention were taught alternative assistance-seeking and attention-getting phrases. Data indicated that the intervention reduced challenging behavior. The results transferred across settings, and were maintained 18…

"Foreword" (Handy); "Creda's Vocational Training Scheme" (Bradley); "IBM: Learning for Life" (Stevenson); "Personal Development at Sainsbury's" (Deaves); "Ford Employee Development and Assistance Programmes" (Moore); "Hotpoint North Wales" (Jones); "Derbyshire Employee Development…

Presents a brief overview of the circumstances and outcomes of the war in Bosnia, discusses some of the clinical issues being faced by Bosnian children, such as post traumatic stress disorders, and describes volunteer training efforts designed to train teachers as lay therapists. (CR)