An Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI) may be evaluated either during the interview procedure (direct-method) or from a tape-made oral interaction (semi-direct method). Such variety in methods of assessment can influence test takers' scores extensively. However, it is not conclusive whether such differences are due to test format or something else.…

Teacher action research seeks to bring together action, reflection, theory, and practice; and it is acknowledged as a way to value and honour teachers' practical knowledge. The purpose of this article is to conceptualize teacher action research as "Bildung," applying Gadamer's philosophical hermeneutics as a theoretical…

Used observation and interviewing techniques adapted from ethnography in lifespan human development courses. Technique assisted students in becoming aware of previously "invisible" everyday activities and in assessing their own values. Students began to develop vital observation and interviewing skills. Technique facilitated integration of…

Describes a rehabilitation counselor program which includes a package series related to intake interview skills, goal-setting, and systematic caseload management. Develops counselor skills including caseload management, relationship building, intake interviewing, arranging diagnostic services, diagnosing client problems, and goal-setting…

Despite research findings showing that mentoring exists in all types of organizations, it is unclear whether mentoring is critical to advancement to the highest levels of organizations, and if it is, what factors in the mentoring relationship are critical to that success. This paper presents case studies of mentoring taken from three…

What is the state of the art and science with regard to professional development for principals? What is the status of principal professional development in the four-state region of Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia? This policy paper attempts to answer these two questions through a review of the literature, seven interviews, and a…

Examines the life and career of Thelma Gwinn Thurstone. Discusses her career strategies and contributions to psychological testing, intelligence theory, and instruction. Bases article upon Thurstone's publications and a series of personal interviews. (Author/BH)

A conversation with James Stigler, professor of psychology at the University of California, Los Angeles, about how to improve professional development for teachers. (PKP)

Describes the Learning Behavior Dilemma, a developmental admissions model which evaluates students' level of intellectual development and their readiness for undertaking educational challenges. Discusses the importance of understanding the optimal match between students and their educational environment. (JAC)

Describes the Directed Individual Response-Educational Consulting Technique (DIRECT) which delineates seven steps in the consulting process and further specifies four levels of appropriate consultant "leads" to facilitate the development of each step. The DIRECT model is specifically designed to promote development of consulting interview skills.…

A customer can recognise a professional institute almost immediately from the manner in which the customer is dealt with. The institute makes the customer (read student) feel special and deals with the customer as a matter of priority rather than as a secondary issue, less important than the undertaking of other activities. The customers of…

Discusses fieldwork experience in human development/gerontology that focuses on tapping reflections of individuals through interrelative process of interviewing. Presents phenomenological data gathering technique and explores method of life review and reminiscence collection taught to 200 college students. Describes protocol, discusses samples of…

Business schools, rich in resources and flooded with applicants, are doing little planning and are ignoring important trends. A three-year study that included visits to 60 business schools, interviews with 200 corporate executives, and surveys of 9,000 educators, executives, and business-school students and alumni is described. (MLW)

Evaluates how simulations of varying complexity are used for various purposes in the process of management development. Explains the theoretical rationale for the use of simulations as research tools to study managerial behavior, as assessment devices, and as learning experiences. Evaluates the appropriateness of using simulations in management…

Professionals (N=228) were interviewed about their case experiences with neglect and abuse of the elderly. It was suggested that environmental contexts and situational problems trigger such behavior, and that the behavior is primarily based on flawed development of the perpetrator and disordered family relationships. (Author)