Development of a policy for annual faculty appraisal discussions at New Zealand's University of Otago is described, tracing its evolution from the traditional faculty evaluation interviews. The role accorded to faculty development is examined, and the emphasis on a collegial rather than corporate view of university administration is noted. (MSE)

Two recent theoretical developments in adult education, self-directed learning and transformative learning, are applied to the college faculty development process. With this approach, faculty learn to direct their own learning process, become aware of their assumptions about teaching, and revise them using critical self-reflection. (MSE)

The American Council of Learned Societies (ACLS) humanities model in the Cambridge (Massachusetts) public schools has significantly affected curricular reform and teacher development. The endeavor is in its third year at the Pilot School, a program within the Cambridge Rindge and Latin School. The article describes progressive reform experiences…

Describes the interplay of goals, teacher development, and assessment in the context of a yearlong research and development project designed to integrate the teaching of science, reading, and writing processes in a conceptually based, constructivist curriculum for middle school students who read below grade level. (ZWH)

Examines three categories of forces believed to discourage or prevent faculty from adopting and applying educational technology, including incentives and disincentives; the need for faculty development; and an ingrained model of teaching that relies on the classroom lecture. Suggestions for avoiding or minimizing associated resistance are…

Paper describes the experiences of a Lithuanian-American teacher who traveled to Lithuania to conduct summer seminars for early childhood educators. Through the seminars, she not only taught the teachers about whole language, integrated curriculum, and cooperative learning, but she learned about the politics involved in educational reform in…

Describes a study of strategies used by language and literature faculty in Virginia's community colleges to keep abreast of new developments in their fields and of these strategies' perceived effectiveness. Suggests that increasing professional development time, collegiality, and accessibility and flexibility in graduate programs are essential for…

A University of Innsbruck (Austria) faculty development program brought faculty of different disciplines together to support each other in action research to improve teaching. Participants examined what they want to accomplish in the classroom and how to accomplish it. The program has also fostered interdisciplinary cooperation and institutional…

Presents ideas for broadening the perspective of teacher reflection, discussing ways to encourage teachers and principals to make suggestions about developing their schools and their perspectives of teachers' work. Finland's efforts toward that goal are examined, focusing on perspectives in reflection and tools for broadening perspectives. (SM)

Describes the Chita Institute for the Improvement of Qualifications which employs 120 specialist trainers for Sourthern Siberia. The institute uses a block-circle system for improving teacher qualifications (referring to the combined subject matter specialties and cyclic nature of the process). The system helps teachers realize creative…

Argues that grounded theory, an explicit approach to the analysis of qualitative data, is ideal for applied settings and can be adapted to the limited, sporadic opportunities available to faculty and faculty developers who focus on classroom interaction and social relations. Introduces key features and techniques of this approach. (JB)

Paper examines how four educators who did not elect to follow careers as formal school administrators engaged in learning activities to become educational leaders, following them through special leadership programs. The return of three of the four to the classroom rather than entering administrative posts suggests the need for broader definitions…

Participatory decision making can meld individual teacher goals into shared organizational goals that emphasize benefits for students. The article examines site-based management, organizational prerequisites, central office responsibilities, organizational culture, appropriate use of participation, decision-making strategies, and five obstacles to…

The effectiveness of teacher training for enhancing feelings of personal teaching efficacy was assessed for control and training-group teachers. Pretesting, posttesting, and followup examined personal and teaching efficacy, teaching satisfaction, and role integration. Results supported the value of training and of addressing teacher efficacy…

This article describes the author's experience as a teacher in an orientation and mobility program for Chinese special educators. It addresses course organization, vocational opportunities for blind adults, an "orienteering" meet held during the last session, the Handicapped Awareness Day activity, and program evaluation. (DB)