Holistic vocational training goes beyond formation of technical skills to encourage self-determination, social responsibility, and democratic participation. It includes recognition and analysis of technical systems, social behavior, creativity, and self-instructional skills. (SK)

The dominant approach to on-the-job training is the job instruction model (experienced colleague as instructor). The model involves task analysis and direct instruction. Task analysis is useful if restricted to elements that benefit from standardization. Direct instruction is effective only if embedded in continuous work improvement and is…

Evaluation of an on-the-job training model used by the Dutch post office showed it was not entirely successful. Improvement in the performance of mentors and the quality of self-study materials was needed. Mentors must be convinced of the benefit of the model for successful implementation. (SK)

The Life Skills for Independence class at Chemetketa Community College aims to move people from welfare to work and self-sufficiency. The college works with Oregon's Adult and Family Services agency to mainstream students in the Job Opportunities and Basic Skills program. (JOW)

Identifies key characteristics of indigenous sole-parent families relative to other such Australian families and analyzes the factors associated with their ongoing levels of economic disadvantage. Raises issues about the efficacy of job-skill-development programs. (Author/JOW)

Explores reasons for the mismatch between Australian government policy and funding for vocational education and training and occupations not in industries defended by national standards, which receive no funding. Suggests the need for redefinition of terms and training pathways as well as recognition of prior learning. (SK)

Examines the social, economic, political, and philosophical influences on the development of Key Skills in Britain, particularly the work of R. H. Tawney. Describes their evolution into the current set (communication, number application, information technology, working with others, improving one's own learning and performance, problem solving) and…

Explores two cases of professional communication among United States and South American personnel in one multinational organization in Quito, Ecuador. Suggests that a mere taboo approach to teaching cross-cultural communication will not work. Finds that collaborative writing proved to be a good form of intercultural training for both United States…

Workplace training at the British offices of Readers' Digest is designed to improve staff skills in communicating with customers. Evaluation of workshops focused on spelling, grammar, and business writing shows that the company is achieving a return on its training investment. (SK)

Data from eight case studies demonstrate that competency-based training limits possibilities for creation of certain kinds of competence by emphasizing outcomes over processes and innovation. For example, national industry standards suggest that they are the only standards by which work can be done, denying other sources of standards. (Contains 33…

Analyzes advice giving in counseling within labor market training. Shows how a stepwise entry works in a setting in which a counselor's role is that of a facilitator of learning. (Author/VWL)

Describes the comprehensive Welsh system of education and training, including a national career information and guidance service. The system focuses on credit-based qualifications and a holistic approach to academic and vocational learning. (SK)

Thurow describes major forces that will radically change the shape of capitalism and global competition: fall of communism, shift to knowledge industries, demographic changes, communications and transportation technologies, and lack of a dominant world power. He suggests that, as the United States loses political and economic dominance, the nation…

Describes two projects: an employee development consortium of small and midsized enterprises in Nottinghamshire and the National Development Project, testing development strategies of further/higher education providers. The projects demonstrate the need for a wider view of workplace learning that recognizes the value of different types and styles,…

Declining popularity of behaviorism is due to social changes, the needs of capitalism, importance of worker ownership, and management attitude changes. Alternative models include action regulation theory, critical reflectivity perspective, and working class adult education approach. (SK)