This paper critically examines outcomes-based education (OBE), focusing on the two widely differing jurisdictions of the Province of Alberta in Western Canada and the Republic of South Africa. The paper begins by explaining the nature of OBE, including the topics: principles and origin of OBE; research findings; resistance to OBE in the United…

This paper describes the development of the program in Educational Leadership/Administration at Florida State University (FSU). It outlines the importance of leadership skills for aspiring administrators and emphasizes the belief that the knowledge, skills, and attitudes required for leadership in today's schools formally begin upon entry into a…

The role of grammar instruction in proficiency-oriented second language instruction (POI) is examined, drawing on research and theory on second language use and instruction. Several premises are stated: (1) formal grammar has an important role in POI, while focus on form and communicative practice should be maintained; (2) in POI, a syllabus that…

This paper outlines research findings about the future of work in the United Kingdom and discusses the implications for the future of education. A 2-year study sponsored by the Royal Society of the Arts predicts that in the next 20 years, conventional full-time, permanent jobs will almost disappear; flexible working, in every sense, will be the…

The author examines the shift from generalized management training to learning experiences specifically tailored for application on the job. He argues that acquisition of knowledge is not enough, if learners do not have the skills of application to follow through on what was learned. (SSH)

The Houston Plan for Excellence in Education aims to achieve quality in staffing and in education by recruiting and rewarding excellent staff, initiating a competency-based selection process for all school personnel, and providing renewal and professional growth opportunities. (SK)

Investigated compensatory education teachers' opinions/attitudes toward the Florida minimum competency program. Compensatory education, math, and English teachers from semi-rural (N=67) and urban (N=200) areas were surveyed by questionnaires mailed to their homes. Results focus on value of the approach, program implementation, and unanticipated…

A problem-based, criterion-referenced examination of clinical competence was developed in order to positively influence students' learning in the direction of the faculty's clinical objectives. High satisfaction and high perceived relevance among students accompanied high reliability and validity. (MSE)

Techniques of competency identification, module preparation, and learning management are discussed in "An Effective Measurement of Performance" by Kenneth Allen; "The Making of a Module" by Jan Danford; and "Managing a CBVE Classroom" by Sonja Irlbeck. (SK)

Summarizes key differences between academic and industrial settings and offers illustrations of what modern instructional craft has accomplished in industry. Describes a typical developmental sequence related to criterion-referenced instruction, including techniques for instructional analysis, design, development, and implementation. Includes…

Results of the application for two years of a competency-based format in the undergraduate social work curriculum at University of Wisconsin-Superior are reported. The rationales for the approach and processes of developing curriculum for specific competencies are examined. Interrelationships in competencies are described. (MSE)

The desirability of a comprehensive assessment of social welfare students is suggested. The multidimensional system of grading is described as a flexible approach to better student evaluation, which complements performance-based curriculum designs. The synergistic effects of a set of objective assignments in a social work research course is…

One of the developers of Cabrillo Unified School District's Basic Proficiency Monitoring System outlines basic principles for designing and implementing such a system: believe in the process, concentrate on the fundamentals, keep it simple and inexpensive, and always follow up. (SJL)

Five major components of the Florida Vocational Instructional Materials Development System are (1) state division of vocational education, (2) instructional materials assessment survey, (3) Florida educators' information service, (4) decentralized instructional materials development, and (5) local educational agencies. Ten priority courses have…

Self-paced and lecture versions of a general geology course were taught by the same instructor using identical exams and nearly identical instructional materials. No significant differences were found in apparent scholastic abilities, exam results, or levels of satisfaction with the course. Enrollment was notably higher in the lecture version.…