Cites research on smiling and laughter to illustrate a dynamic systems approach to emotion communication. Maintains that emotion is relational and not individual; the nonreflexive aspects of emotion involve the connection between a person and a context taken as a whole. Presents findings regarding social processes involved in smiling and laughter…

Describes an Australian Catholic school district's efforts to pursue school effectiveness by implementing system-level practices embodying Fullan's notions of support and pressure. Key elements included school development processes and appraisal and professional development for principals and teachers. The system has mobilized resources for…

Discussion of the field of educational technology focuses on the influence of instructional design on its development. Topics discussed include instructional applications of the systems approach; programed instruction; learning strategies, including large group and small group instruction and independent study; and behaviorist, cognitivist, and…

A model using the systems approach in social work with abused, neglected, and at-risk children in disadvantaged neighborhoods is presented. The model incorporates practice at the systems levels of individual, family, and neighborhood. The theoretical framework, an illustrative case, and teaching methods are discussed. (MSE)

This article argues that a sound performance evaluation system benefits the employee, supervisor, and organization by providing a written record of efforts, by motivating employees, and by maximizing employee growth potential. It proposes that such performance evaluations are compatible with the Total Quality Management approach. Principles of…

The Diffusion of Multisystemic Family Preservation (MFP) Services Project worked successfully with rural African-American and white families who have chronic or violent adolescent offenders at imminent risk for incarceration. The MFP approach is an intensive time-limited intervention predicated on family systems and socioecological…

Defines and discusses self-training systems and explains strategies for successfully implementing such systems. Highlights include marketing the program; budgeting for the program; preparing the program administrator; preparing the learners, including motivation and resource availability; monitoring progress; and enhancing transfer of training.…

A study with 77 preservice teachers found that, in a reading methods course, students trained to use informal reading inventory concepts and procedures with a systematic cooperative learning approach performed better than those taught with direct instruction. In addition, the former group perceived lectures, group work, and feedback as effective.…

Classroom assessment and classroom research in the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system is traced to 1989 when the terms entered the community-college faculty-development vocabulary. They are now household words among the 500 faculty participating regularly in faculty development. Problems encountered and positive results are…

The future of educational design, development, and improvement lies in integrating "how" with "what" and "why." Critical strategic thinking factors include abandoning comfort zones; focusing on ends, not means; linking all three planning and result levels; starting with an ideal vision; preparing measurable…

A learning technologies director explains lessons gleaned from his school's strategic efforts to create a districtwide technology plan. The plan required an upfront vision, creative teamwork, facilitative leadership, instructional support, and patience. A sidebar details plans for incorporating assistive technologies for special-needs learners.…

Discusses distance education partnering strategies between faculty and academic librarians based on experiences at Louisiana State University (LSU). Highlights include the distance education program at LSU's library school; systems theory; supporting students for effective learning; supporting faculty for effective teaching; skills and abilities…

Describes the Alaska Rural Systemic Initiative (AKRSI), which is documenting Alaska Native indigenous knowledge systems and developing pedagogical practices to integrate that knowledge into formal education. Discusses the Alaskan context of rural education; AKRSI's yearly cycle of activities in Alaska's five cultural regions; and activities…

Concerns about health care costs and quality are focusing increasing attention on physicians and their continuing medical education (CME). These concerns have produced several calls for "a new definition," "a new vision," "repositioning," "reinventing," and "transforming" CME. However, differences in conceptualizations and vocabularies have…

The authors present a rationale for developing core competencies for training and organizational development in extension. Core competencies are defined as "the basic knowledge, attitudes, skills, and observable behaviors that lead to excellence in the workplace." Competency-based models can be used to create an infrastructure that…