Describes the variety of types of products produced by instructional designers, discusses the role of the designer, lists the critical instructional design attributes needed by instructors who design and implement loosely structured instructional products, and discusses prototype evaluation methods for less flexible, instructor-centered products.…

Argues that the personal commitments of teachers, common sense, and normative requirements can be valid bases for action. Asserts that overreliance on research knowledge is unwarranted: its value lies primarily in the scientific ethos and in processes of inquiry and only secondarily in the facts researchers lay claim to. (Author/KH)

This paper explores the notion of philosophic-mindedness as it relates to the conceptions of educational leadership and democracy. Three essential questions are treated: (1) Ought educational leaders to be philosophic in their work? (2) Need educational leaders be democratic? and (3) How do these conceptions of leadership, democracy, and…

Provides a "deliberately provocative bird's-eye view" of new directions in thinking among economists concerned with education. Looks at the socialization function of schooling, the use of educational attainment as a hiring criterion, the importance of the "incomplete" employment contract, and labor market segmentation theory. Considers…

A definition of social skills needed by individuals with mental retardation in employment settings is proposed. Three measurement approaches are discussed, involving the perceptions of others in work settings, the social goals and perceptions of the targeted individuals, and the performance of social behaviors in natural contexts. (JDD)

Summarizes results of three surveys of K-12 teachers, college faculty, student teachers, and teacher educators, to ascertain training needs, their views toward computers in education, and their computer skills and knowledge. Implications of the findings for teacher educators and teacher education programs are discussed. (MBR)

Discussed is the elementary science teacher curriculum and its role in students' interest in science. Qualifications, teacher attitudes about science, college preparation, hands-on experience, science instruction, science method instruction, and the role of the administrator are described in terms of effective elementary science programs. (KR)

Six articles on music and computing address development of computer-based music technology, computer assisted instruction (CAI) in ear training and music fundamentals, a machine-independent data structure for musical pitch relationship representation, touch tablet input device in a melodic dictation CAI game, and systematic evaluation strategies…

This paper analyzes the effectiveness of teacher selection practices with reference to literature sources and recommends experimentation with a structured interview approach based on life style themes. The first variable in selection involves identification of characteristics of effective teachers. Some agreement concerning particular teaching…

Trends in teacher competency testing, test bias against minority group teachers, and ways to encourage qualified personnel to join the teaching profession are discussed. Currently, 21 states require students to pass a test to enter a teacher education program, and 31 require teacher candidates to pass a certification test. Admission tests include…

Possible ways of conducting research examining the changing context of workplace basic skills policy in the United Kingdom were explored. First, workplace literacy was examined from the perspective of its role in the U.K. government's lifelong learning agenda, and existing research in workplace literacy policy and related studies were reviewed.…

These proceedings summarize the information exchanged at a teleconference involving more than 3,000 participants focusing on the following aspects of the relationship between schooling and employment: (1) what employers are looking for in employees, (2) employers' priorities in making hiring decisions, and (3) education and training on the job.…

This document contains 14 papers on human resources (HR) and human resource management (HRM) in virtual organizations. The following papers are included: "Series Preface" (Rodger Griffeth); "Volume Preface" (Robert L. Heneman, David B. Greenberger); "The Virtual Organization: Definition, Description, and…