A discussion of classroom research to promote instructional improvement at the college level looks at how it can be effective in faculty development and describes several research projects. Issues in research promotion, design, and methodology and the feasibility of such projects in instructional development units are considered. (Author/MSE)

Describes Oakton Community College's Critical Literacy Project (CLP), which includes a faculty seminar on critical thinking and analytical reading/writing, all-college staff development programming, and a national conference. Considers faculty ownership, college support, an interdisciplinary focus, and intellectual rigor among the keys to CLP…

The extent to which current concern with teaching quality in British universities will enhance serious pedagogical development is examined. Recent government initiatives for faculty development from the Department of Employment are seen as useful but not a replacement for rigorous intellectual training, and improved incentives and funding. (MSE)

A major barrier to the exploitation of college faculty renewal programs has been a lack of tangible measurements of achievement in academic functions. Functional productivity indices can be used as tools to motivate both individuals and institutions to take advantage of renewal opportunities and assess their renewal experiences. (Author/MSE)

An approach to college faculty development based on the perceived needs of the faculty is recommended over the traditional faculty development approach for its capacity to accommodate varied needs and changing circumstances. A concerns-based program model in place at Massey University (New Zealand) is offered as illustration. (Author/MSE)

The calm appearance of dental faculty life belies the dynamic, fluid nature of faculty careers. The responsibilities, worries, and professional needs of beginning and experienced professors are distinctly different. A developmental framework can enhance a dental school's efforts to plan appropriate strategies for keeping faculty vital. (MSE)

Education guru Madeline Hunter crusades against the intuitive, spontaneous, improvisational approach to teaching and spreads her model of teaching as an applied science in which education is based on proven research findings that link cause and effect. The article details her beliefs and reactions by supporters and critics. (SM)

Discusses promising professional development strategies for schools seeking to operate as learning communities. Recent shifts in conceptions of schools and implications of these shifts for school leadership are explored, and the principles of professional development are discussed which are then connected to recommendations for staff developers.…

Examines role changes in school administrators, especially with respect to the professional development of staff members. Nontraditional images of the principal are explored, their new activities are linked to the staff development needs, and the implications of this changing image to staff development are discussed. (GLR)

Suggests 28 activities for motivating day care center staff. The activities can help enhance the staff's understanding of their role as teachers, heighten awareness of the staff's personal daily behavior, and encourage the staff to take a close look at their daily routines and verbal interactions with children and co-workers. (BB)

A survey of 236 social-work field instructors from 2 state universities examined their opinions of the knowledge and skills of their BSW and MSW students and their needs for development and continuing education. Rural and urban field instructors were remarkably similar in their demographic characteristics, views of their students, and desires for…

Describes Rogers State College's (Oklahoma) "Myth, Religion, and Culture" project, an interdisciplinary approach to the faculty seminar, which involved 14 faculty from 8 disciplines. Explains the project's methods, which included a semester of reading and preparation, a four-week series of lectures/discussion by four outstanding…

Summarizes current efforts to promote faculty and staff development in the nation's community colleges by describing a range of strategies from simple, one-purpose publications to multiyear consortia efforts. Provides brief descriptions of specific projects to meet faculty needs and improve instruction. (MAB)

Focuses on current reform efforts in teacher development and links teacher reflection to what the author considers the essence of current educational reform. In addition, examples are provided from research and practice to support the argument that teachers who are able to reflect are better able to accomplish their goals. (GLR)

The article discusses the use of action research as a means of professional development. After describing action research and its benefits, the article explains the cyclical, collaborative process of action research, notes its possible applications, and presents implications for school reform. (SM)