Discusses Robert Mager's theory of performance-based objectives that keeps trainers on a goal-oriented track and offers the promise of results. Indicates that society and the workplace are increasingly more complex and that trainers must be more versatile and know when to adapt Mager-type objectives to meet their needs. (JOW)

As the world economy continues to evolve, businesses and industries must adopt new practices and processes in order to survive. Quality and cost control, work teams and participatory management, and an infusion of technology are transforming the way people work and do business. Employees are now expected to read, write, and communicate…

Case studies of five British retail companies with National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) identified factors affecting implementation: (1) their motivation to offer NVQs; (2) their initial reactions; (3) extent of implementation; (4) resource requirements; and (5) benefits/disadvantages of competency-based qualifications. It is recommended that…

A germ cell model of development based on a cognitive view of learning is used to propose that the cognitive skills needed in today's workplace necessitate reconceptualizing skill acquisition, learning, and training. The model is contrasted with the limitations of competency-based, behaviorist approaches. (SK)

Pressure from policymakers and industry and the drive for competitiveness are the impetus behind national industry skill standards, already in place in some industries and states. Obstacles include controversy over the cluster versus specific approach, union fears, and employer and school acceptance. (SK)

As the world economy continues to evolve, businesses and industries must adopt new practices and processes in order to survive. Quality and cost control, work teams and participatory management, and an infusion of technology are transforming the way people work and do business. Employees are now expected to read, write, and communicate…

As the world economy continues to evolve, businesses and industries must adopt new practices and processes in order to survive. Quality and cost control, work teams and participatory management, and an infusion of technology are transforming the way people work and do business. Employees are now expected to read, write, and communicate…

Steps for writing measurable objectives for students which reflect employable standards include: (1) the outcome state, (2) the condition statement, and (3) the criterion statement. Measurable objectives will help students to know if they are employable and, if not, what is needed to achieve employment. (EA)

Secondary teachers (n=58, 40% response) identified student behaviors for the five affective areas of the Secretary's Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills (SCANS) report (responsibility, self-esteem, sociability, self-management, integrity/honesty). The list of behaviors could provide a foundation for secondary schools implementing…

As the world economy continues to evolve, businesses and industries must adopt new practices and processes in order to survive. Quality and cost control, work teams and participatory management, and an infusion of technology are transforming the way people work and do business. Employees are now expected to read, write, and communicate…

The industrial production program is a regular education program which was designed to provide vocational training to handicapped students. The program incorporates individual programing, close supervision, small group instruction, and academic support in a skill based framework intended to produce specific occupational competencies in students…

A study conducted to determine essential competencies for school media specialists revealed that 21 competencies (in library organization and management, library services, instruction) met Florida Council of Teacher Education criteria for an essential competency and 42 did not (in curriculum planning, research, audiovisual production,…

The author argues that competency-based education does not fit all vocational education applications and should be used in moderation. He also discusses vocational education's focus on actual occupational tasks and the use of criterion-referenced measurement of performance. (CT)

Reviews development of competency-based standards for National Vocational Qualifications in purchasing as well as criticisms of the competency-based concept related to higher order skills, subjectivity, atomism, and imprecision. Argues that validity of qualifications lies in practitioner involvement in development; their value is in personnel…

A 12-year study of National Vocational Qualifications in England and Scotland suggests that they have had limited impact on the competitiveness of the British economy, their value or significance to the national skill base remains unproven, and debate about them is based on ideology or theory rather than independent empirical research. (SK)