Designing a telematic learning environment in a social constructivist paradigm

The authors of this paper are engaged in designing and developing telematic learning environments to assist in programmes of initial teacher training. Two aspects have been supported by European Union (EU) funded programmes: the Telematics for Teacher Training (T3) and Reflect projects. Telematics is a term describing the combined use of information technology and telecommunications. The authors are not searching for a pedagogy of telematics but are seeking ways in which telematics can assist pedagogy. Their work specifically addresses the question of whether it is possible to design such environments in a social constructivist paradigm and the evaluation of their work regularly returns to the theoretical model of learning central to their training programmes. The authors will show that whereas the aspect of video-conferencing keeps faith with their view of the nature of learning, the design of the website is raising some issues that have, as yet, to be resolved     

The Effects of Modeling and Ambiguity Tolerance on Interview Behavior

Ambiguity tolerance is a learner characteristic that can affect the processing of stimuli in a wide range of learning situations, including modeling. It has also been shown to be related to effective counselor interview behavior. This study investigated the influence of differences in ambiguity tolerance and the effects of exposure to a videotape model on the interview behavior of counselor trainees. A two-way analysis of variance gave limited support to the hypothesis that counselor trainees would exhibit significantly more effective interview behaviors as a result of the interaction of high ambiguity tolerance and exposure to a model. It may be that video models can be used to diminish differences in counseling performance among high and low ambiguity tolerant counselors. The potential of creating a variety of learning strategies, such as video modeling, to override the detrimental effects of certain personality characteristics is discussed.     

Q-Sorting Gloria

The authors assessed differences in viewers' perceptions of a client (Gloria) as a function of treatment (i.e., client-centered, gestalt, rational-emotive) received. The stimulus material used was the film series, Three Approaches to Psychotherapy. Gloria was perceived differently as a result of the type of treatment received, although some of the differences were not statistically reliable. Implications of the findings are discussed.     

Trends in Gerontological Counselor Preparation

This study identifies current trends in preparation of counselors to work with older persons, including specialty course work in gerontological counseling and the extent to which gerontological counseling content and issues are incorporated into existing required and elective counselor preparation courses. Recommendations for increasing such content in existing courses, rather than the introduction of new specialty courses, are presented.     

A Structural Model for Identifying Counselor Skills

An analysis of the counseling process and the various clients a counselor might serve has yielded a structural model for identifying the knowledge and skills required of the counselor. The model specifies skill domain, targets of skill, and attained skill level. Developmental in nature, the model is seen as a first step toward providing a base for more systematic assessment, training, and evaluation in counselor education.     

EFFECTS OF DIFFERENT SAMPLES ON ITEM AND TEST CHARACTERISTICS OF CRITERION-REFERENCED TESTS

Although many have rejected classical test construction and analysis procedures for criterion-referenced tests, the present study was concerned with the possibility that classical procedures are both applicable and appropriate when samples of both mastery and nonmastery examinees are employed. A rationale for using these samples was presented, and empirical evidence was gathered which supported the practice of combining samples to increase the variance of test scores and thereby permit the proper estimate of reliability and item validities.     

Teaching the Design of Manufacturing Systems Using Simulation

This article describes a course in simulation for students at Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden. It is given during the third year of a 4½year programme in industrial engineering and management, and the objective is to introduce computer simulation as an advanced tool for the design of manufacturing systems. During the 8-week course the student gains the knowledge and skill to conduct a small-scale simulation project, consisting of input data analysis, model building and validation, and finally interpretation of output data. The course is divided into two main parts. The first consists of theory on statistics, input data analysis and basic concepts of modelling and simulation. In the second part, a general simulation language, SIMAN, is introduced, and used in case studies     

Renewal in Career Guidance and Counseling: Rationale and Programs

This article provides a strong rationale for renewal programs in career guidance and counseling. The rationale is based on the expressed needs of counselors, counselor educators, and supervisors, and the needs of clients, as well as on major position papers of APGA, ACES, and NVGA. The APGA Counselor Renewal and Development Professional Preparation and Standards Committee has clearly stated that counselor renewal is a professional imperative for those who seek to remain effective helpers. The ACES position paper, “Counselor Preparation for Career Development/Career Education”, also clearly points out the need for renewal in career guidance and counseling. In addition to the rationale, the article describes several career-counseling-oriented renewal programs that are currently available for counselors and counselor educators and supervisors who would like to upgrade their skills in this area.