In TeleScopia, a European Union project to develop flexible delivery platforms for distance learning across Europe, courses were more innovative due to the broad range of available technologies. However, relatively little choice was available to learners. Learner-driven rather than technology-driven solutions should be sought. (SK)

Includes two theme articles. "Pedagogical Innovation in Danish Vocational Education and Training" (Nielsen) describes how the Danish system uses development projects to drive innovation. "New Trends in Vocational Training. Two Examples of Innovation from Portugal" (Ambrosio) addresses how the context of the new Europe spurs…

British panel data from 1991-1996 on 950 men indicated that the 60% who were union covered were more likely to receive training and more days of training than those not covered by unions. Among trained workers, union-covered ones received higher returns and greater wage growth. (Contains 48 references.) (SK)

Connections between thought, knowledge, and action in context are important for education/training and moral justification of conduct. Some professional and vocational training concentrates on knowledge or context without acknowledging the person as knower. The components of praxis--contexts, theories, actions, and persons--should not be isolated…

Interviews with 2,000 owners of small and medium-sized enterprises in England found low awareness of and low value accorded to National Vocational Qualifications. Owners identified the crucial importance of the quality of incubator training to the formation of training policy. (SK)

Data from the European Union's Labour Force Survey show how training opportunities decline with age and are lower for low-skilled/unskilled workers and unemployed persons. Continuing training is more common among workers in higher-level jobs and nearly twice as common in service as in industrial occupations. (SK)

Discusses ways cultural and historical events have changed concepts and practices of preparation for employment in Russian schools over the last 30 years. Three generations of teachers represent three different pedagogic identities formed in different times but mixed in the same pedagogical context of the same school. Raises questions about…

A British university's hospitality education program matched students with industry mentors. For students, mentoring helped contextualize learning and contributed to personal development. Mentors gained personal satisfaction, and employers were able to hire vocationally aware graduates. (Contains 43 references.) (SK)

Temporary Assistance to Needy Families offers welfare recipients a second chance for success. How good that chance will be depends on the next version of the legislation. If its work requirements do not allow for sufficient training, achieving success may be more difficult. (Author/JOW)

Compares the Scottish National Certificate modular approach and the German dual system of vocational training. Presents examples from each country of approaches that incorporate elements of the opposite model. (Contains 25 references.) (SK)

Reviews the policy context of work experience in Spain. Presents case studies of two innovative work-based learning experiences that illustrate the conditions necessary for successful learning. Supports the importance of integrating work experience into training. (Contains 58 references.) (SK)

Describes and discusses results of a survey of members of the American Society for Training and Development (ASTD) that was conducted to determine how employees learn informally when neither on-the-job or off-the-job training is provided. Implications for performance technologists are considered, and future issues for investigation are suggested.…

Presents Comprehensive Employment Preparation program, an intervention designed to help youth and young adults with developmental disabilities acquire skills necessary to prepare them for effective functioning as self-sustaining, working members of society. Delineates such community-based strategies as vocational enrichment programs; pursuing,…

Problems with vocational education and training in developing countries include insufficient resources and lack of workplace experience. The German dual vocational training system is being promoted as a potential solution. (SK)

From 1983-91, proportions of workers who received training to improve skills jumped from 35-41 percent, attributable largely to company programs. Those who trained to qualify for jobs increased from 55-57 percent. Numbers of African Americans and Hispanics who needed training to qualify were 10 percent below those of other groups. (SK)