The author discusses two significant directions taken by nursing that appear to have governed the profession's transition from self-confidence to obsessive self-scrutiny. These are the decision to seek legitimacy for the profession within the university and the unquestioning acceptance of Flexner's description of professions. (CT)

Discusses various aspects of high technology: computers in cars, computer-assisted design and manufacturing, computers in telephones, video recorders, laser technology, home computers, job training, computer education, and the challenge to the technology teacher. (CT)

Extension has four roles in the economic development arena: (1) providing perspective, (2) increasing the knowledge base, (3) teaching management skills, and (4) shaping institutional structure. In different states, extension will find different appropriate roles in economic development education. (CH)

The Perkins Act makes funds available for programs that combine the resources of community-based organizations (CBOs) and vocational education. Partnerships between postsecondary institutions and CBOs are being designed around private sector needs. (SK)

The author describes the open-ended vocational programming being used at the Maryland Correctional Training Center. The programs are competency-based and feature a Student Competency Profile Record that helps instructors know what competencies a student already possesses. (CH)

Studied motivational and environmental influences on training effectiveness. Tested an exploratory model describing the influence on trainee career and job attitudes on training outcomes (learning, behavior change, performance improvement). Results suggest that job involvement and career planning are antecedents of learning and behavior change.…

This discussion of methods of selecting and training present and future staff in business and industry emphasizes importance of the incorporation of senior management's goals and objectives into the process. An example of a Functional Skills Rating Form for use in interviewing is included. (LRW)

Discusses results of a survey of trainers in midwest business and industry to identify the different data collection methods they used to determine job and task training needs as well as organizational and individual training needs within their organizations. (MBR)

The focus of this article is to examine the relationship between the workplace and business. In doing so, the concept of profitability will be considered first followed by an examination of three concerns in reducing expenses: geography, technical efficiency, and people. (CT)

While agreeing on balance with the four preceding articles on the changing workplace, the author cites some research that indicates that the net effect of technology is to lower skill requirements of jobs. Concludes that we will need a flexible, well-educated work force. (SK)

This study estimates a multiple regression model of the level of apprentice employment on their wage rate and other controlling factors for firms in 10 construction occupations. Findings indicate that the wage rate of apprentices has little impact on the number employed. (Author/CT)

Recent data from one British school district are analyzed to illustrate that despite some changes that could have had a levelling effect, staying on at secondary school beyond minimum leaving age still varies widely between districts and between schools in the same district. (Author/CT)

Describes Merrill's content performance matrix in terms of content (facts, concepts, processes, procedures, and principles); levels of performance (recall and applying content in job-like context); and instructional methods that support each task on the matrix (information displays and practice exercises). (MBR)

An introduction is presented to three articles introducing readers to evaluation in the employment and training field. (LMO)

The article describes a supported work approach to providing vocational placement and support to persons with moderate and severe disabilities in competitive employment settings. Four major components (job placement, job-site training, ongoing monitoring, and follow-up) are outlined. Proposals are made for integrating a supported work approach…