Cumulative research evidence on field dependence-field independence suggests that matching teacher and learner cognitive styles has limits, but can be used to identify varied teaching methods. Both learners and teachers should develop a flexible approach to cognitive style attitudes and behavior. (Contains 41 references.) (SK)

Return on investment was estimated from earnings data on Greek graduates of tertiary technological education and secondary education, using elaborate and Mincerian estimation models. Return rates were similar in both methods. Differences were greater for females. Both societal and individual investment in tertiary technological education was…

Reviews policy changes in the field of teacher training and qualifications in England since 1983 for elementary/secondary teachers, higher education faculty, and further education teachers. Concludes that the government's piecemeal approach to teacher training and development has created some serious anomalies, particularly in the situation of…

Addresses the skills debate in hospitality in four key areas: the nature of work and skills in hospitality, considering skills in terms of personal attributes, job requirements, and work settings; deskilling within the hospitality workplace; the technical/generic skills debate; and the education/training process in hospitality. Concludes that…

Data from 192 employers and 10 high schools participating in the National Academy Foundation's (NAF) career academies program reveal the benefits of employer participation and incentives and disincentives to their involvement. Findings demonstrate factors that bolster sustained employer involvement, including industry-specific support and NAF's…

Analysis of the University of Glamorgan's electronic learning module on employability and professional development demonstrates the feasibility of teaching transferable, "soft" skills online. Advantages compared with face-to-face include transparency, flexibility, development of information technology skills, openness, and teamwork; disadvantages…

Technical and vocational education and training was a central tool of international cooperation in economic development from the 1950s to the 1980s. Recent changes have shifted the focus to skills development, with a broader conceptualization of skills, the need for responsiveness to globalization, and new models of international development…

Case studies of four Australian apprentices and four trainees illustrate the following: their growing appreciation for the value of off-the-job training; preference for face-to-face training; centrality of relationships with off-the-job trainers; the implicit contract of expectations of the parties to the training contract; and dissatisfaction…

Content analysis of 1,000 job ads in marketing, management, finance, and human resource management showed that ads were significantly more likely to ask for specific personal skills relevant to the job category. A survey of 170 companies that placed the ads indicated their motives for stipulating personal skills; two-thirds conducted formal job…

Interviews with 36 hospital employees evaluated the impact of level 3 National Vocational Qualifications in operating room practice. Most said they had a positive effect on working relationships; implementation had overcome barriers between nurses and operating department assistants/practitioners. Those who trained under earlier systems were…

To overcome barriers to participation in small business training faced by rural Australian women, training needs and delivery issues were identified and a good practice matrix was developed with the following components: marketing, content, delivery, support, impact, and innovation. Underlying principles included unique needs, diversity, use of…

A survey of 135 education majors at the University of Cyprus found they tend to reject a purely instrumental or vocational approach to higher education, believe the university and the education department have a vocational orientation, and generally are satisfied with their professional preparation. A need to reaffirm the humanistic mission of…

Using National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1997 data, participation in school-to-work and career and technical education (CTE) between 1996-97 and 1998-99 was examined. There was a trend toward less participation in activities identified as school-to-work and an increase in the proportion of CTE concentrators. There was little socioeconomic…

A critical ethnography of reentry students in higher education showed how they construct "studenthood" as instrumental and transferable means of making them viable higher education participants. Studenthood is conceptualized as surrogate occupation, a prerequisite for completion of higher education and entry into desired employment. (Contains 22…

Evaluation of 17 Gambian skills training centers found that an open market did not result in high-quality training. Delivery had strengths (sponsorships for female trainees, self-employment strategies, formal evaluation) and weaknesses (retention rate, trainer qualifications, inadequate resources, lack of employer representation on governing…