Proposes that although society is in the "Information Age," humans still must work interdependently with their natural resources. Addresses three question concerning the use of computers and how they relate to society's ecological awareness. (GG)

Outlines method for identifying worker training needs and describes empirical study of training needs of juvenile probation staff in one state. Identifies diverse set of training needs. Notes that many subject areas corresponding to needs are currently taught in schools of criminal justice, sociology, and social work. Discusses implications of…

Obtained data from study conducted in five California jails to examine mental health needs of jail inmates (N=940). Of the 64 inmates over age 50, 14 were determined to be mature mentally ill offenders. Data suggest that mature mentally ill offenders are predominantly White, unmarried, alcohol dependent, have less than 12 years of formal…

Adult education program development often takes either a positivist/functional or subjective/empowerment approach. From the tacit process and concepts used by experienced programmers emerge questions to guide development: Which conceptual model underlies one's approach to needs assessment? What are needs? Whose needs are assessed? and How are…

Workers' opinions regarding adult education conducted in the workplace demonstrated insight about themselves as learners and an understanding of high quality adult education programs. As a whole, the 80 participants preferred active, hands-on learning and preferred someone to demonstrate the task and then to try it themselves. (JOW)

American Mental Health Counselors Association members (n=288) identified preferences for professional development activities related to counseling modalities, professional concerns, special populations, and presenting problems. Professional development needs most frequently expressed concerned providing marital and family counseling, conducting…

Demonstrated that acquiescence response set can inflate estimates of agency awareness in needs assessment studies of elderly. Acquiescence did not appear to inflate estimates of service utilization or service need. Less educated respondents were no more likely to exhibit acquiescence than better educated respondents. Hypothesis that African…

Outlines four essential points to be considered when writing grant proposals: (1) stating needs in terms of outcomes; (2) using the grantor's focus to illuminate those needs; (3) contacting the grant source prior to writing the request; and (4) enlisting the aid of advocates. (four references) (MAB)

From a random sample of 650 dentists in 6 states, 357 responses indicated preference for 1-day, Friday or Saturday programs, and lecture more than participation or demonstration. Most would like to learn more specialty and new techniques. Dentists averaged 50 hours of continuing education per year. (SK)

The status of nutrition programs in dental education and practice is reviewed, problems are analyzed, and solutions are offered. Problems include lack of well-defined policy guidelines, confusion over the state of scientific knowledge, and the scope of nutrition counseling. Among conclusions and recommendations are the need to emphasize clinical…

Discusses the research and planning process involved in developing a college performing-arts center. Explores the questions to be answered in conducting a needs analysis, defines the four types of performance spaces to consider, and discusses the option of designating a facility as an arts center. (GR)

Pennsylvania extension educators (n=228) find it increasingly difficult to participate in inservice education, desire more distance delivery and an active voice in program planning, and would like inservice to be integrated into their plan of work. Past inservice experiences lacked quality in content and instruction. (SK)

The Saskatchewan Heart Health Program's approach to assessment of the learning needs of health promotion contacts included developing of survey instruments based on think-tank discussions and profiling of the target audience. The approach blended formal and informal, qualitative and quantitative methods and included collaboration with learners.…

Reviews advantages and disadvantages of questionnaires for continuing-education needs-assessment. Outlines considerations for effective questionnaire design--understanding the learning context and how learning and change occur in medical practice--as well as practical strategies for instrument development. (SK)

Usable responses from 469 of 1,600 members of the Alliance for Continuing Medical Education revealed an inverse relationship between types of evaluation measures used (e.g., physician satisfaction with programs) and types in which professionals would like to gain new skills (physician performance and patient health outcomes). Barriers to…