The author examines how research into the learning process paved the way for the application of modern technology--the microcomputer--to individualized, competency-based learning systems. He also discusses the educational benefits of such technologies as videocassette recorders, two-way cable television, telemail, viewdata, and robots. (CT)

Reviews the benefits of self-paced, short-term training programs for community colleges and for adult learners. Identifies the characteristics of competency-based education that should be included in the short-term training. Suggests scheduling and registration/tracking possibilities and underscores the importance of close interaction between…

Advocated is a training program to prepare qualified prisoners soon to be eligible for parole for employment in the field of therapeutic recreation. (GW)

State legislatures have demanded hard figures on what their dollars are producing in the schools. Today, 43 states have some sort of assessment program. (Author/MLF)

Describes a training program designed to bring a competency-based adult education process approach to staff development for English-as-a-Second-Language instructors. (SK)

Discusses a study which indicated that relationships exist between students' learning styles and their attitudes toward individualized, competency-based typewriting instruction, particularly for beginning students. (JOW)

Reviews and discusses the potential accomplishments and limitations of a performance-based method of deriving instructional content, taking into account five broad classes of learning outcomes--intellectual skills, information, cognitive strategies, attitudes, and motor skills--which are viewed as what is learned in any or all of the subjects of a…

The state laws currently being passed to promote competency-based education and testing are so lacking in detail and so unrealistic in their expectations that they will do little to restore public confidence in education and may even have a disruptive influence. (SJL)

Presents a model to rewrite existing competency statements in standardized format to eliminate nonspecific, confounded, and missing competencies. Examples of the application of the model are given. (Author)

Describes Western Governors University, a virtual university (http://www.westgov.org) organized by 15 western states and Guam to offer competency-based degrees via the Internet, electronic mail, computer software, video, or satellite. (Author)

Case studies of five British retail companies with National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) identified factors affecting implementation: (1) their motivation to offer NVQs; (2) their initial reactions; (3) extent of implementation; (4) resource requirements; and (5) benefits/disadvantages of competency-based qualifications. It is recommended that…

When selecting a multimedia producer, it is important to know how they do their work and the quality of their products. Factors include who is in control of the process, personal comfort with the production team, and their instructional capability. (JOW)

Explores the incompatibility between constructivist theories of learning and realist metaphysics (belief that knowledge and skills exist in mind-independent workplace practices). Shows how this results in conflict between constructivist teaching approaches and the transmission or banking mode favored by realist metaphysics. (SK)

A germ cell model of development based on a cognitive view of learning is used to propose that the cognitive skills needed in today's workplace necessitate reconceptualizing skill acquisition, learning, and training. The model is contrasted with the limitations of competency-based, behaviorist approaches. (SK)

Reviews the status of National and Scottish Vocational Qualifications in the United Kingdom in terms of employer acceptance, role in company training, employee participation, small business usage, and overall employer investment in training. Considers the implications of concerns about the system for the learning targets to be achieved by the new…