This article discusses a dilemma that engineering educators encounter when attempting to develop pedagogical methods: that of finding efficient and scientifically valid didactic practices. The multitude of methods offered by educational consultants is perplexing. Moreover, the popularity of commercially offered solutions such as learning styles…

This article provides a response from the perspectives of a teacher of the gifted and a trainer of teachers of the gifted. Following a brief summary of the authors' collective experience, the article highlights major issues represented by the four articles and identifies common themes across the various disciplines with respect to consultation and…

Objective: To assess the effectiveness of expert training and consultancy for teachers of children with autism spectrum disorder in the use of the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS). Method: Design: Group randomised, controlled trial (3 groups: immediate treatment, delayed treatment, no treatment). Participants: 84 elementary school…

An outside evaluator can help an institution open up dialogue and bring about change by focusing the attention of top administrators, faculty, and students on goals seen as important by groups within the institution. Bringing in an outside evaluator to colleges and universities, English departments and writing programs, can be a touchy, often…

Describes the following roles of the Science Adviser in England: (1) the maintenance and development of teaching staff; (2) the development of the curriculum; and (3) the provision of accommodation and resources. (LS)

A case study examined the political campaign consultants' role as rhetor by analyzing consultant Robert Squier's strategy for Mike Sturdivant's 1983 Mississippi gubernatorial campaign. The examination compared Squier's ideal model (a "single vision" strategy) with a second model drawn from empirical data. Squier's strategy for the…

Human resource consultancy as a profession is misunderstood and often justly criticized. There are some standards for excellence in consultancy, and the process of human resource consultancy is at the very heart of training and development. A panel of four employers of consultants shared their views at the 1988 Dallas National Conference of the…

Consultants' goal is to have clients understand and accept their findings and to use them for constructive reform, yet unwelcomed findings may be dismissed, suppressed, or distorted. There are several strategies which consultants can use to communicate unwelcomed findings. The consultant can prepare the groundwork in the original negotiation of…

The resource teacher's role as a consultant for learning disabled children in the regular classroom requires the skill of consultation which includes establishment of a contract, a working alliance, and a communications system between the resource teacher and the regular teacher as well as criteria for evaluation and termination. (DB)

This monograph is intended to assist educators faced with the task of selecting and developing sound writing assessment procedures. Provided are: (1) practical background information on direct writing assessment procedures, alternative approaches, time requirements, advantages and disadvantages of each assessment approach, and (2) identification…

The facilitator's manual outlines a workshop schedule for training consultants in special education. The workshop is divided into two phases (change and leadership) with units which cover the following topics: resistance to change or to the change agent, levels of change, the change cycles, change processes, competition and confrontation, two…

An organizational need hierarchy can be used by consultants as a model for diagnosing organizational problems, after which an intervention plan can be made. The need hierarchy, which approximates Abraham Maslow's individual need hierarchy, is composed of five ascending levels related to organizational needs in the areas of survival of the…

MOST JUNIOR COLLEGES HAVE NEED FOR CONSULTANT SERVICES IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF NEW PROGRAMS. IN SUCH SITUATIONS, USE OF CONSULTATIVE SERVICES MAY HAVE FOUR PURPOSES--(1) OBTAINING SPECIALIZED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS, (2) SAVING TIME AND MANPOWER, (3) BRINGING TO THE COLLEGE OBJECTIVITY AND A FRESH VIEWPOINT, AND (4) EXTENDING RESOURCES BEYOND THOSE…

TEACHER EDUCATORS FROM 22 INSTITUTIONS IN 20 STATES RESPONDED TO AN INQUIRY FROM ASKING THEM TO LIST ANY FUNCTIONS THEY PERFORMED IN ADULT EDUCATION DURING A 2-YEAR PERIOD. THE FINDINGS SHOWED NO IDENTICAL PATTERN OF OPERATION. ONE-SEVENTH OF THE RESPONDENTS REPORTED THAT THEIR INSTITUTION CHARGES FEES FOR THEIR SERVICES AS CONSULTANTS, AND OVER…

This collection of papers provides a kind of handbook for academic librarians who are preparing to serve as library consultants in foreign countries. The papers describe challenges facing the American librarian working with and adjusting to foreign cultures. The papers include (1) "On Getting Ready for an Overseas Library Assignment" by Thomas R.…