Training Older Workers: Implications for HRD/HPT Professionals

In corporations across America, a race is on to find new ways to maximize human capital. An emphasis on lifelong learning will be vital for the success of our future workforce. As demographic shifts occur, the “older worker” will emerge as a primary target for this human development effort. This article explores the implications of this demographic shift for the human resource development and human performance technology (HRD/HPT) professional and recommends strategies for meeting this business need. First, we discuss the realities of this demographic shift and compare our current workforce demographics to those of the future. Next, we examine the common myths about the “older worker,” as well as what current research reports about this special population. Finally, we examine the impact of this trend on our profession. We discuss strategies for modifying the workplace environment, reassessing workforce motivational strategies, and altering training practices in order to serve this older worker population. In conclusion, we look at the implications for the future in HRD/HPT research.     

Teacher Evaluation Within a Community of Truth: Testing the Ideas of Parker Palmer

Parker Palmer, in The Courage to Teach (1997), proposed an alternative approach to traditional teaching evaluations, one deeply rooted in a holistic view of education which focuses on the potential for creating self-knowledge and relationships between colleagues. This article describes a project in which we studied these claims and tested the feasibility of an open-door evaluation process. Our main purpose was to determine whether Palmer's methods could help us to improve our teaching. In addition, we asked whether this holistic approach may influence summative evaluations that affect personnel decision-making and its potential for influencing the culture of teaching in higher education.     

A good sub is hard to find: Establishing a substitute referral system

Finding and keeping good substitute child care workers is a problem that touches everyone in the field: teachers, administrators, resource and referral workers, and of course, the subs themselves. This article is addressed to all these groups in the hope that coordinated efforts can lead to better practices and new solutions. Below, you will find information on what's causing the substitute crisis and how community agencies around the country are responding.This article is excerpted from the bookletA Good Sub is Hard to Find. To order copies please write: Child Care Employee Project, P.O. Box 5603, Berkeley, CA 94705.     

Physical Chemistry in Practice: Evaluation of DVD Modules

The Physical Chemistry in Practice (PCIP) DVD contains video programs (modules) and experimental data that present the research of scientists working in applications of physical chemistry. The DVD allows students to learn about cutting edge research in physical chemistry while making connections to the theoretical concepts learned in lecture. PCIP-DVD allows students to build verbal and pictorial models of the experiments, instrumentation, and data that can be integrated with the material covered in lecture. For each of the modules implemented students were tested in a pre/post test fashion over content related objectives. For every module the students demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in their understanding.     

Effects of a diagrammatic display of coordinate concept definitions on concept classification performance

This study investigated the effect of an innovative method for presenting coordinate definitions on learning defined concepts. A text that arranged definitions and examples of seven coordinate concepts in a tree-like diagram was contrasted with a text that arranged these same definitions and examples in a standard textbook format. In addition, this study examined a method of creating concept examples that required different levels of discrimination and generalization, called a rational set generator. Forty-six junior and senior high school physics students participated. Results confirmed the predicted interaction between text method and reading ability, with the lower ability students benefiting more from the diagram method than their counterparts exposed to the textbook format.     

Thresholds of Quality: Implications for the Social Development of Children in Center-based Child Care

We assessed the quality of center child care relationships with adults and peers for 414 children (ages 14 to 54 months). Classrooms were classified by ratio and group size provisions of the Federal Interagency Day Care Requirements (FIDCR) and by the Early Childhood and Infant and Toddler Environmental Rating Scales. Children cared for in classrooms meeting FIDCR ratios were more likely to be in classrooms rated as good or very good in caregiving and activities. Children in classrooms rated as good or very good in caregiving were more likely to be securely attached to teachers. Securely attached children were more competent with peers. Children cared for in classrooms meeting FIDCR group size were more likely to be in classrooms rated higher in activities. Children in classrooms rated high in activities were likely to orient to both adults and peers. Children with social orientations to adults and peers were more competent with peers.