Impact evaluation of two continuing education symposia gathered data from participant evaluations and follow-up interviews that assessed learning gains. The results were used to improve program promotion in four areas: copy for print and broadcast announcements, future program titles, speakers' reputations, and consideration of the nature of the…

Although mandatory continuing education (MCE) has a positive effect on the knowledge level of medical practitioners, effects on performance are limited and impact on quality of care is unproven. Similar effects in law have not been studied. Compulsory education has improved quality of and access to programs, but MCE is not assurance or guarantee…

Men and women (N=60) who had begun doctoral studies between ages of 37 and 48, half in traditional and half in self-directed learning (SDL) programs, completed 2 questionnaires. Significant ego development was found in the nonauthoritarian SDL environments, which were challenging and nurturing and fostered content mastery, skill acquisition, and…

In continuing professional education in United Kingdom universities, both of Schon's models of professional practice are apparent. The majority probably follows the technical-rationality model, but a growing number of providers is committed to the stance of the reflective practioner, in which the client and the practitioner are involved in a…

The methods used in corporate assessment centers for personnel selection and development are being applied in other areas such as performance evaluation and the development of work teams. Response to dramatic changes in jobs and occupations will keep the assessment center concept at the forefront of personnel development. (SK)

Among theories of student departure from college, interactional theories--that attrition is a result of interaction between attributes of students and the institutional environment--are currently popular. Of particular interest to continuing educators is the direct effect of absenteeism and academic advising on dropout. (SK)

The fragmented field of continuing education may lack leaders because of the lack of a single model of practice. Preserving the diversity of the field may require spokespersons rather than leaders. Career success in continuing higher education may depend on commitment to continuing education itself, to administrative advancement, or to a vision of…

The Off-Campus Degree Program at Linfield College (Oregon) provides quality coursework to a group of part-time adult students who would not otherwise have access to a four-year degree program. In 1980, Linfield joined six other institutions to form the National University Consortium (NUC), the first national organization of colleges and…