Three types of staff development portfolios were studied: dossiers, course-related learning, and reflective learning. Analysis of their use as developmental assessment tools indicated that reflective portfolios are particularly effective for performance and learning-related change. (Contains 30 references.) (SK)

Facilitation in the workplace, especially when undertaken by supervisors, can pose challenges involving hostile conditions and coercion, diminishing its effectiveness for adult learning. It requires examination of the dynamics of trust building, the roles of participants, and the use of facilitators whose interests are independent of the context.…

The most essential set of skills that camp directors can impart to staff are effective group skills. One trick to working with campers in groups is to formalize brief meetings as part of the program. Types of meetings described are daily group, bunk, or cabin meetings; briefing and debriefing before and after activities; public appreciation;…

Demonstrates that a broadened concept of staff development is important and possible. Describes the steps one library took in establishing a staff development plan; the committee that developed the programs; successful programs; and how, with modest expenditures, an investment can grow and provide benefits. Appendixes contain memos and an…

The Thailand Land Titling Project includes a training and development component aimed at long-term sustainability. A training target matrix was developed to identify the knowledge, skills, experience, and performance standards required and needs for training at various levels. Six broad and flexible career paths allow for logical succession,…

Evaluation of a hospital's performance appraisal system collected data from 74 survey responses and 39 interviews. Staff comments revealed varying degrees of involvement with and commitment to the process. The need for employees and supervisors to formulate, implement, and review training and development plans jointly was emphasized. (SK)

Discusses the importance of cardiac arrest equipment in the school environment and the importance of staff training and certification in CPR. Tips for acquiring the right cardiac equipment are provided. (GR)

Virginia Commonwealth University's model for comprehensive disability services was developed following a survey of students and key informants on existing services and staff. It includes a professional development academy that provides first-line staff training, graduate teaching assistant training, instructional technology training, and a center…

A model program for onsite teacher development to prepare and retain exemplary career and technical education teachers was designed to meet the needs of new teachers who came from industry backgrounds. Core elements include partnership with business- industry and universities and ongoing support for teaching strategies. (JOW)

Reports on a study of 208 manufacturing managers that found a positive correlation between the seven dimensions of learning organizations and four measures of business financial performance. "Invited Reaction" by Timothy T. Baldwin and Camden C. Danielson critiques the use of key respondent perceptions and bottom-line performance.…

Because of the trend toward using temporary workers and outsourcing, companies often no longer develop people. This causes a problem because managers are often not in charge of hiring, firing, and promoting staff. Knowledge based companies must pay closer attention to the health and well-being of their work force. (JOW)

Describes a staff development project based on a literature discussion format that allowed teachers a forum for discussing their perceptions of common readings relative to current practices. Presents anecdotal and statistical results revealing that the study group realized increased effectiveness for the staff. (NH)

Shares the results of a yearlong project of staff development where teachers kept a personal inquiry journal and participated in group activities. Finds the teachers grew together as a cohesive staff in learning to appreciate the inquiry process, to value the interests of their colleagues, to develop meaningful curriculum, and to enjoy the beauty…

Interviews with four nurse educators and four education administrators in Canadian hospitals identified (1) organizational demands and constraints that shape nurses' educational needs; (2) the skills needed to be developed; and (3) staff development delivery systems to respond to those needs. An organizational culture that fosters learning…

Describes a model of implementing multicultural education that uses a four-step process of awareness, knowledge, skills development, and action. Professional education is a key component of this program, which was evaluated in 1995 and 1996. Teacher responses to questionnaires showed the positive impacts of the approach. (SLD)