Describes a model of organizational listening competency (developed in a 10-year study) that applies directly to the workplace. Describes how it provides a basis for assessing listening ability largely through the observations of coworkers, and emphasizes two effective behaviors: accuracy (confirming the message sent) and support (affirming the…

Economic globalization is having ill effects on employment, wages, and job quality. Training is not a panacea for these problems, and adult educators should not allow themselves to be manipulated by the rhetoric. They should inform themselves, stimulate public debate, and propose alternatives. (SK)

A literature review found that business spending on vocational education and training varied by size, specialty, and location. Business interest in return on investment differed from government goals for encouraging training investment and may not be aligned with long-term national goals for laborforce development. (SK)

Gives an overview of contextual learning theories and characteristics of work-based learning. Presents a case study of the use of real work processes for systematic onsite apprentices training in Germany to demonstrate applications. (SK)

Discusses the success of the Leonardo da Vinci program, a European laboratory of innovation in vocational training, a priority focus of investment in human resources and intelligence, and a way to mobilize innovative forces beyond national boundaries. Trends identified by the program focus on new information and communication technologies. (JOW)

Women Working Technical is a six-month training course to place women in entry-level jobs in electronics. It was designed for women who are displaced homemakers, single parents, and/or recipients of public assistance. (JOW)

Inexperienced trade apprentices were presented with text in a visual-only manner and in both auditory and visual forms. Results show that the diagram-only presentation was the least intelligible, but after two specifically designed training sessions the advantage of the visual diagram-auditory text method disappeared. In a second study, the…

A study of 500 British employers operating Modern Apprenticeships found the following: (1) 58% were small businesses; (2) 63% recruited only 1 apprentice; (3) they were highly satisfied with participation; and (4) the current good economy may help entrench Modern Apprenticeships in the training infrastructure. (SK)

Describes the role of human resource development (HRD) in the restructuring of the Mexican economy since 1982. Presents new challenges faced by the HRD system, including the influence of the World Bank, and recent changes linked to liberalization of the economy. (SK)

Interviews with eight diversity managers in multinational corporations revealed a variety of domestic and international diversity initiatives, especially in leadership and management. Formal and informal methods were used to plan them. Business unit managers were responsible for implementation. Evaluation was difficult and time consuming. (SK)

A literature review identified differing learning needs of new and more experienced workers. Novices need to learn over extended time periods with deliberate practice and feedback. Experienced workers need to develop existing knowledge and skills. Different approaches to training and supervision are needed. (SK)

Discusses the need for custodial training and presents training tips. Also examines how to identify what specific training may be needed for a particular school, the training areas that need frequent repeating over time, and ideas for conducting effective training classes. (GR)

Young female dropouts may make several kinds of educational investments, all of which enhance earned income. Completing the General Educational Development (GED) Test increases income 25%; GED plus 1 year of training or college increases it 50%. How4ver, the increase in earnings is not enough to lift a family out of poverty. (Contains 312 notes…

The Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals (ITEP) (Flagstaff, Arizona) provides training and support for tribal professionals in the technical job skills needed for air quality monitoring and other environmental management tasks. ITEP also arranges internships, job placements, and hands-on training opportunities and supports an…

Reports partial results of a year-long study of a job training program serving mostly indigent clients. Focuses on the communication competencies taught explicitly and implicitly in the curriculum and the unmet communication needs of clients. Finds that of the 20 communication standards (for K-12) distributed by the National Communication…