The European Community's vocational training policy of the 1980s influenced the competency-based National Vocational Qualifications in England and Wales. This historical perspective is needed if closer cooperation with European partners is anticipated. (SK)

Observations of job training of special needs students were analyzed in terms of operational demands, staffing levels, resources, and trainee interaction. The competence approach often disappeared in the face of more pressing concerns; it serves to legitimate a political response rather than solve an educational problem. (SK)

A study of the training and assessment of air traffic controllers illustrated how context, especially of specific occupations, affects the purpose and design of qualifications as well as the value attached to them by recipients and employers. (SK)

The narrowly behavioristic model used by the competence movement is part of a New Right process of culture change aimed at displacing the prevailing professional ethic and culture. The competency method oversimplifies the nature of organizations and work as well as social relations. (SK)

Functional analysis, the method used to produce national standards, has weaknesses at several levels, and its philosophical and conceptual bases are problematic. Placing it at the center of vocational education reform is a questionable policy. (SK)

Adults have different power relationships with the "teacher" and bring into educational settings varied experiences. They should be encouraged to develop as self-directed learners, which requires certain personal characteristics, a conducive environment, development of self-direction skills, and facilitation. (SK)

Team teaching effectively enhances adult learning and can be a process for self-evaluation and professional development. Keys to success are planning process and content, determining what stance each person takes as teacher, and developing trust among colleagues. (SK)

A cooperative learning seminar using action-based learning was developed by students getting degrees in adult education. Three competing agendas--those of the academy, of vocational education reform, and of social and political action in adult education--can be integrated by this model. (SK)

The Open Foundation Course offered at Newcastle University allows adults to explore their readiness for higher education. Evaluation of its effectiveness was complicated by the expectations of both adult education and continuing vocational education. (SK)

A comparison of 24 Canadian aborigines who withdrew from college and 25 who persisted showed that withdrawers were often nonmatriculated, lacked time management skills, frequently missed class, worked over 25 hours per week, felt lonely and alienated, had family problems, and socialized excessively. (SK)

Explores the use of technology by independent continuing education providers, universities, and business/industry continuing education in terms of learners, time frame, pressures/challenges, environments, and costs. (SK)

Colleges and universities generally advertise themselves poorly because of improper planning, resistance, inexperience, and lack of marketing plan. Components of effective advertising include an appropriate and strategic plan, correct choice of planner, coordination with other marketing efforts, contingency planning, and follow-up activities. (MSE)

Marketing higher education has been criticized for its consumer (interpreted as student) orientation. An alternative concept, situational marketing, considers the student as one of a number of environmental forces on which the marketing mix focuses. Other forces include funding and regulatory agencies, businesses, alumni, faculty, parents, the…

This article proposes that providing an 800-number for prospective students who want additional information may be a cost-effective means for colleges and universities to enhance student recruitment efforts. The use of service bureaus that provide this service is discussed, and administrative considerations are explored. (MSE)

A Trinity University (Texas) study identified a strong correlation between campus visits by admitted applicants and the proportion of admitted applicants who matriculated there. It is suggested that college marketing strategists consider the important role of this sales promotion device. (Author/MSE)