The Department of Energy has become involved in an attempt to meet the nation's future demand for trained energy technicians. It has cosponsored a survey of two-year colleges to determine the extent of energy technician training and has been involved with three workshops which addressed the need for training programs. (Author/JH)

The prime purpose of Nigeria's non-formal education programs is to prepare people for wage employment or for self-employment; some upgrade the skills of those already employed. The programs' potentials vary; most are heavily dependent upon inconsistent foreign support. A Nigerian tradition, non-formal education is viable but not a panacea.…

This study investigated how graduate students described and evaluated the characteristics of their work-training experiences. The impact of the experiences on professional career development is discussed, and some implications are drawn on the nature and importance of experiential learning. (Author)

Both management and women workers are asking for a reexamination of traditional training and development practices. The existing training model that has worked so well for developing men into managers and leaders should be expanded to include women--an androgynous approach to training--with similarities, rather than differences in abilities…

Discusses seven components that comprise a comprehensive vocational education program, and describes Wisconsin's capstone course concept for high school seniors, which provides job training in a vocational area that the student has previously explored as part of the comprehensive vocational program involving career development, exploration, and…

Describes a training program sponsored by the Coordinating Council of Senior Citizens, Durham, Inc. (North Carolina), which is aimed at upgrading the skills of older persons who wish to give practical help to the fragile elderly. Acceptable applicants are described and some effects of participation in the program are considered. (WL)

Argues that individual differences should be given a central role in modeling training programs. Examines the effect of training on individual differences, how the study of individual differences can contribute to the understanding of the learning process, and the effect of social environment on learning and performance from the perspective of…

Discusses the current state of instructional technology programs, highlighting two problems with a prescriptive approach to instructional design (ID): making ID entirely empirical by assuming finite and knowable instructional principles and the ultimate impossibility of using prescriptions in any procedural way. Explores why and what theory is…

Describes a study conducted to describe computer-based technologies and distance learning systems currently used in employee training and to determine which technologies will be used in future training processes. The competencies needed by trainers were also examined, including preferred sources of competency development. (15 tables) (Author/LRW)

Asserts that developing a partnership with union leaders and contractors to upgrade the education and training of their members is a worthwhile but complex challenge. Describes the origins of the Illinois Valley Community College partnership, collaboration with surrounding educational institutions, the challenge of resolving contractual…

The Anchorage Library Information Network created the STAR (State of the Art Reference) group to deliver reference training to Alaskan librarians and information providers. Librarians were trained to run workshops that focused on acquiring communications skills through practice, coaching, and reinforcement on the job. Due to budget constraints,…

The "market" is not a natural phenomenon but a social relationship. Growing gaps in income distribution and changes in employment patterns are dramatically increasing inequality. Vocational and adult educators accept too readily the claim that training can change the economic environment. (SK)

Argues that problem-based learning, which stresses relevant learner issues and allows for the flexibility of the situation and the learners in the classroom, can be used to better prepare students for the workplace. Presents the five steps the process takes students through--engagement, inquiry, solution building, debriefing and reflection, and…

In response to high numbers of preventable fatal accidents in the logging industry, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) developed a week-long logger safety training program that includes hands-on learning of safety techniques in the woods. Reaching small operators has been challenging; outreach initiatives in Maine, North…

Four articles address topics related to projects and themes: (1) "Supporting Young Children as Activists: Anti- bias Project Work" (Pelo); (2) "A Study of Hands: Chicago Commons Explores Reggio Emilia" (Harger, Rodriguez, & Schroeder); (3) "A Personal Experience with Portfolio Books" (Meinen); and (4)…