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Amy Lehman, President and Executive Director of the Lake Tanganylka Floating Health Clinic delivers a Commitment Announcement at the 2012 CGI Annual Meeting.

This research proposal explores the potential of narrative communication to diminish the psychological distance (PD) associated with climate change and amplify pro-environmental behaviours among young people. Utilising an experimental design, participants will be assigned to one of three distinct reading activities: a narrative passage about climate change, a factual passage about climate change, or a passage unrelated to climate change, denoting the control group. Subsequently, participants will respond to questions assessing their psychological distance in relation to climate change and their intentions for mitigation. It is hypothesised that information portrayed in a narrative format will reduce psychological distance (hypothesis 1) and elevate intentions for pro-environmental behaviour (hypothesis 2). By investigating the dimensions of psychological distance, this study will offer insights into the efficacy of narratives in transforming attitudes and behaviours, contributing to both theory and practice in climate change communication.

This research proposal explores the potential of narrative communication to diminish the psychological distance (PD) associated with climate change and amplify pro-environmental behaviours among young people. Utilising an experimental design, participants will be assigned to one of three distinct reading activities: a narrative passage about climate change, a factual passage about climate change, or a passage unrelated to climate change, denoting the control group. Subsequently, participants will respond to questions assessing their psychological distance in relation to climate change and their intentions for mitigation. It is hypothesised that information portrayed in a narrative format will reduce psychological distance (hypothesis 1) and elevate intentions for pro-environmental behaviour (hypothesis 2). By investigating the dimensions of psychological distance, this study will offer insights into the efficacy of narratives in transforming attitudes and behaviours, contributing to both theory and practice in climate change communication.

This research proposal explores the potential of narrative communication to diminish the psychological distance (PD) associated with climate change and amplify pro-environmental behaviours among young people. Utilising an experimental design, participants will be assigned to one of three distinct reading activities: a narrative passage about climate change, a factual passage about climate change, or a passage unrelated to climate change, denoting the control group. Subsequently, participants will respond to questions assessing their psychological distance in relation to climate change and their intentions for mitigation. It is hypothesised that information portrayed in a narrative format will reduce psychological distance (hypothesis 1) and elevate intentions for pro-environmental behaviour (hypothesis 2). By investigating the dimensions of psychological distance, this study will offer insights into the efficacy of narratives in transforming attitudes and behaviours, contributing to both theory and practice in climate change communication.

This research proposal explores the potential of narrative communication to diminish the psychological distance (PD) associated with climate change and amplify pro-environmental behaviours among young people. Utilising an experimental design, participants will be assigned to one of three distinct reading activities: a narrative passage about climate change, a factual passage about climate change, or a passage unrelated to climate change, denoting the control group. Subsequently, participants will respond to questions assessing their psychological distance in relation to climate change and their intentions for mitigation. It is hypothesised that information portrayed in a narrative format will reduce psychological distance (hypothesis 1) and elevate intentions for pro-environmental behaviour (hypothesis 2). By investigating the dimensions of psychological distance, this study will offer insights into the efficacy of narratives in transforming attitudes and behaviours, contributing to both theory and practice in climate change communication.

This research proposal explores the potential of narrative communication to diminish the psychological distance (PD) associated with climate change and amplify pro-environmental behaviours among young people. Utilising an experimental design, participants will be assigned to one of three distinct reading activities: a narrative passage about climate change, a factual passage about climate change, or a passage unrelated to climate change, denoting the control group. Subsequently, participants will respond to questions assessing their psychological distance in relation to climate change and their intentions for mitigation. It is hypothesised that information portrayed in a narrative format will reduce psychological distance (hypothesis 1) and elevate intentions for pro-environmental behaviour (hypothesis 2). By investigating the dimensions of psychological distance, this study will offer insights into the efficacy of narratives in transforming attitudes and behaviours, contributing to both theory and practice in climate change communication.

This research proposal explores the potential of narrative communication to diminish the psychological distance (PD) associated with climate change and amplify pro-environmental behaviours among young people. Utilising an experimental design, participants will be assigned to one of three distinct reading activities: a narrative passage about climate change, a factual passage about climate change, or a passage unrelated to climate change, denoting the control group. Subsequently, participants will respond to questions assessing their psychological distance in relation to climate change and their intentions for mitigation. It is hypothesised that information portrayed in a narrative format will reduce psychological distance (hypothesis 1) and elevate intentions for pro-environmental behaviour (hypothesis 2). By investigating the dimensions of psychological distance, this study will offer insights into the efficacy of narratives in transforming attitudes and behaviours, contributing to both theory and practice in climate change communication.

This research proposal explores the potential of narrative communication to diminish the psychological distance (PD) associated with climate change and amplify pro-environmental behaviours among young people. Utilising an experimental design, participants will be assigned to one of three distinct reading activities: a narrative passage about climate change, a factual passage about climate change, or a passage unrelated to climate change, denoting the control group. Subsequently, participants will respond to questions assessing their psychological distance in relation to climate change and their intentions for mitigation. It is hypothesised that information portrayed in a narrative format will reduce psychological distance (hypothesis 1) and elevate intentions for pro-environmental behaviour (hypothesis 2). By investigating the dimensions of psychological distance, this study will offer insights into the efficacy of narratives in transforming attitudes and behaviours, contributing to both theory and practice in climate change communication.

Middle Tennessee State University announced Thursday it will reinstate untapped academic scholarships awarded to new freshmen and transfer students for Fall 2020 who paused their education because of the pandemic or picked another college or university and are reconsidering their choice. Learn More: https://mtsu.edu/how-to-apply/bridging-the-gap.php #MTSU #trueBLUEtogether

Middle Tennessee State University announced Thursday it will reinstate untapped academic scholarships awarded to new freshmen and transfer students for Fall 2020 who paused their education because of the pandemic or picked another college or university and are reconsidering their choice. Learn More: https://mtsu.edu/how-to-apply/bridging-the-gap.php #MTSU #trueBLUEtogether

Middle Tennessee State University announced Thursday it will reinstate untapped academic scholarships awarded to new freshmen and transfer students for Fall 2020 who paused their education because of the pandemic or picked another college or university and are reconsidering their choice. Learn More: https://mtsu.edu/how-to-apply/bridging-the-gap.php #MTSU #trueBLUEtogether

Middle Tennessee State University announced Thursday it will reinstate untapped academic scholarships awarded to new freshmen and transfer students for Fall 2020 who paused their education because of the pandemic or picked another college or university and are reconsidering their choice. Learn More: https://mtsu.edu/how-to-apply/bridging-the-gap.php #MTSU #trueBLUEtogether

Bridging the Gap dumped with WikiTeam tools.

Bridging the GAP Interview with County Council President John Cannon

Bridging the GAP Interview with County Council President John Cannon

This article is from JMIR mHealth and uHealth , volume 1 . Abstract Background: Mobile health (mHealth) has the potential to solve human resource issues in the health care sector. mHealth is of particular interest in developing countries, where widespread mobile networks and access to devices are connecting people like never before. Objective: The aim of this paper was to review published and unpublished literature, field projects, and pilot studies on mHealth usage in overcoming shortage of human health resources in developing countries. Methods: A narrative literature review was undertaken using an iterative approach in extracting literature focused on mHealth and human health resources of low-income countries, especially India. The present review has undertaken comprehensive coverage of the work on related field projects that have been either published, accepted for publication, or pilot tested. Results: This review presented the use of mHealth across various dimensions of primary health care, including data collection, disease surveillance, health education, supervision, monitoring, and feedback. Field studies of fast, error-free data collection and transmission using mHealth were also documented. New apps for supervision, monitoring, and utilization of innovative health education tools were documented in the current review. Practical limitations of mHealth and challenges set forth in developing countries included issues of data security, cost constraints, health provider privacy, and technical barriers. Conclusions: In the present review, we have documented a few mHealth projects that contribute to the proficient use of human resources. These projects pave the path for the efficient utilization of mHealth, offering solutions to emerging human resource challenges and simultaneously revamping the health care delivery in resource-limited settings.

This article is from JMIR mHealth and uHealth , volume 1 . Abstract Background: Mobile health (mHealth) has the potential to solve human resource issues in the health care sector. mHealth is of particular interest in developing countries, where widespread mobile networks and access to devices are connecting people like never before. Objective: The aim of this paper was to review published and unpublished literature, field projects, and pilot studies on mHealth usage in overcoming shortage of human health resources in developing countries. Methods: A narrative literature review was undertaken using an iterative approach in extracting literature focused on mHealth and human health resources of low-income countries, especially India. The present review has undertaken comprehensive coverage of the work on related field projects that have been either published, accepted for publication, or pilot tested. Results: This review presented the use of mHealth across various dimensions of primary health care, including data collection, disease surveillance, health education, supervision, monitoring, and feedback. Field studies of fast, error-free data collection and transmission using mHealth were also documented. New apps for supervision, monitoring, and utilization of innovative health education tools were documented in the current review. Practical limitations of mHealth and challenges set forth in developing countries included issues of data security, cost constraints, health provider privacy, and technical barriers. Conclusions: In the present review, we have documented a few mHealth projects that contribute to the proficient use of human resources. These projects pave the path for the efficient utilization of mHealth, offering solutions to emerging human resource challenges and simultaneously revamping the health care delivery in resource-limited settings.

This article is from JMIR mHealth and uHealth , volume 1 . Abstract Background: Mobile health (mHealth) has the potential to solve human resource issues in the health care sector. mHealth is of particular interest in developing countries, where widespread mobile networks and access to devices are connecting people like never before. Objective: The aim of this paper was to review published and unpublished literature, field projects, and pilot studies on mHealth usage in overcoming shortage of human health resources in developing countries. Methods: A narrative literature review was undertaken using an iterative approach in extracting literature focused on mHealth and human health resources of low-income countries, especially India. The present review has undertaken comprehensive coverage of the work on related field projects that have been either published, accepted for publication, or pilot tested. Results: This review presented the use of mHealth across various dimensions of primary health care, including data collection, disease surveillance, health education, supervision, monitoring, and feedback. Field studies of fast, error-free data collection and transmission using mHealth were also documented. New apps for supervision, monitoring, and utilization of innovative health education tools were documented in the current review. Practical limitations of mHealth and challenges set forth in developing countries included issues of data security, cost constraints, health provider privacy, and technical barriers. Conclusions: In the present review, we have documented a few mHealth projects that contribute to the proficient use of human resources. These projects pave the path for the efficient utilization of mHealth, offering solutions to emerging human resource challenges and simultaneously revamping the health care delivery in resource-limited settings.

This volume contains abstracts that have been accepted for presentation at the workshop on Impact Cratering: Bridging the Gap Between Modeling and Observations, February 7-9, 2003, in Houston, Texas. Logistics, onsite administration, and publications for this workshop were provided by the staff of the Publications and Program Services Department at the Lunar and Planetary Institute.

Bridging The Gap on GtownRadio.com June 6, 2014 - With Hezekiah Jones

Planning research in Artificial Intelligence (AI) has often focused on problems where there are cascading levels of action choice and complex interactions between actions. In contrast. Scheduling research has focused on much larger problems where there is little action choice, but the resulting ordering problem is hard. In this paper, we give an overview of M planning and scheduling techniques, focusing on their similarities, differences, and limitations. We also argue that many difficult practical problems lie somewhere between planning and scheduling, and that neither area has the right set of tools for solving these vexing problems.

An overview of the now open-source NASA ARC software PuMA will be provided.\nOn top of the well-documented ability to import and compute material properties from micro-CT images, PuMA has the ability to design microstructures and compute/predict material properties such as: porosity, permeability, tortuosity, thermal and electrical conductivity, tensile strength, etc. Therefore, a whole new range of capabilities is available, and provides users with the ability to build TPS materials (both fibrous and woven types) and optimize their properties based on missions and requirements. This talk will aim to provide a seed to start bridging the gap between microscale modeling of TPS materials and additive manufacturing.

Interest in how to better connect research to policy and practice is gaining momentum globally. Also gaining widespread agreement is the view that intermediary organizations have an important role to play in facilitating multi-stakeholder partnerships between researchers, practitioners and policymakers in order to increase the mobilization of research and its impact in public service sectors. Knowledge mobilization (KMb) includes efforts to strengthen linkages between research, practice and policy in public service sectors. This special issue explores a range of intermediary organizations, networks and initiatives in order to showcase how research-practice-policy gaps are being addressed in different contexts.

This article explores the effect that the use of e-portfolios initiated and organized by apprenticeship training offices has had on the learning processes and assessment practices of apprentices in Norwegian vocational education and training. Although these intermediate structures have the potential to bridge the gap between work and education, they seem to maintain a system of two parallel learning arenas. However, the article summarizes the innovative effects of these transformations as supportive structures for expansive apprenticeship. The study is based on data from a national project on quality assessment, which is supported by documentary evidence from e-portfolios in three different trades: plumbing, industrial mechanics and sales.

This article explores the effect that the use of e-portfolios initiated and organized by apprenticeship training offices has had on the learning processes and assessment practices of apprentices in Norwegian vocational education and training. Although these intermediate structures have the potential to bridge the gap between work and education, they seem to maintain a system of two parallel learning arenas. However, the article summarizes the innovative effects of these transformations as supportive structures for expansive apprenticeship. The study is based on data from a national project on quality assessment, which is supported by documentary evidence from e-portfolios in three different trades: plumbing, industrial mechanics and sales.

Bridging the Gap: An Interview with Jill Brookshire

Bridging the Gap - Outer Cape Healthcare

The hardest step is the most important next giant step to settling the tensions and improving the quality of living for all residents in St. Louis. And it will take the efforts of each resident to make changes for good to happen in St. Louis. The forum, moderated by STL TV’s Debbie Monterrey and Vern Fuller, intended to offer helpful and resourceful information for healing and moving forward in the wake of the outcry following the Michael Brown shooting. It is hoped that this discussion, and others like it ,will push St. Louis forward and encourage residents to be proactive in their communities to make St. Louis a better place for us all. Topics discussed will center around issues like building better relationships between the police and the community; opportunities for training and employment; our education systems - the dropout rate and its impact on the community; the role of the church as a change agent, and how communities can work together to reduce crime. Invited audience members will drive the discussion further through questions asked during the town hall. - Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/STLTV Friend us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/STLTV Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/STLTVChannel Visit our website: http://stltv.net View our channel on digital cable channel 992, or On AT&T U-Verse on channel 99 Streaming on the net: http://stltv.net/live_vbrick.asx (requires Windows Media Player, or Flip4Mac plugin: http://www.telestream.net/flip4mac-wmv/overview.htm )

The report includes three papers on the exceptional bilingual child and summaries of 22 bilingual/bicultural special education federally funded training programs. The first paper "Bilingual Special Education Report" by P. Landurand describes Massachusetts' Bilingual Special Education Project (BISEP) which has cooperated with regional education centers in developing a clearinghouse, resource directory, and training workshops for school personnel. N. Dew and R. Perlman ("The Illinois Resource Center: A Model Program for the Provision of Support Services") describe the activities of a state resource center in the areas of inservice, publication and dissemination, and teacher training. In "Mainstreaming Inservice Project for Children of Limited English Speaking Ability," A. Schuhmann and M. Napoliello review a program at Kean College, New Jersey, for special education, bilingual education, and teachers of English as a second language. The 22 project descriptions concluding the paper provide a brief summary of each project as well as the name and address of a contact person. (CL)

Many of the research skills needed to succeed in higher education are never explicitly taught. Most students learn through experience and exposure. However, working-class students don't always grow up in academic environments that provide the same exposure to these skills. This paper will explore ways to help working-class and non-traditional students develop fundamental research skills while respecting their busy schedules. The University of Central Florida Library's "Research Tips Tuesdays" webinar series will be used as a model to help instructors identify skill gaps, design scaffolded skill building programs, and brainstorm potential campus partners. [For the complete proceedings, see ED597786.]

American Telephone and Telegraph instigated this program to help students discover how their schooling relates to assuming the responsibilities of citizenship, useful careers, earning power, and the possibilities of work that satisfies. The four interrelated objectives are to: (1) help students who are underachievers, (2) break down barriers and bridge the communications gap between students, counselors, teachers, businessmen, and public officials, (3) improve the educational process, and (4) arrange for the cooperation of many businesses and public organizations. Five programs are available to accomplish these objectives: (1) 4-week counselor-teacher summer workshops, (2) 1-day teacher workshops at local businesses, (3) six half-day workshops for students, (4) all-year-long company resource programs, and (5) evening parent workshops. Guidelines for implementation and suggestions for conducting workshops are provided. Materials used for establishing and evaluating workshops which have been conducted are included in the appendix. (RR)

This exemplary project is designed to help all students bridge the gap between school and work by creating change through an inservice program for counselors and through the implementation of a program of occupational information, orientation, and exploration for grades K-12. Phases of the project are: (1) staff recruitment and planning, (2) district staff orientation, (3) program implementation, and (4) evaluation data collection. Phases I and II were initiated during the first year of operation, and the framework and materials are available for continuation of the third phase. A complete summary of the first year of operation is included in this report. (GEB)

Under the sponsorship of the Engineering Foundation and the co-sponsorship of the Society of Women Engineers, a conference on "Women in Engineering--Bridging the Gap between Technology and Society" was held. The conference's goal was to consider the extent to which a greater participation of women in technology can arrest the widening gap developing between technology and society and to propose a national strategy for increasing this participation. This document contains the addresses of invited speakers concerning various aspects of the problem as well as background information. The main thrust of the conference was carried out through action-oriented workshops. Workshop I addressed the problem of the gap between technology and society and the role of women in reducing it, and Workshop II considered women as engineers and their opportunities. These two workshops served as background primers. Workshops III, IV, and V considered programs for the effective participation of women engineers in industry, government, and education, respectively. A sixth workshop pursued the philosophical aspects of the problem being considered. In the summary an outline is given of workshop activities, including recommendations and resolutions. A selective bibliography and a post-conference newsletter are presented in the appendices. (Author/PG)

This study focuses on the SeaTrek Distance Learning Project, housed at Mote Marine Laboratory in Sarasota, Florida. The educational goal of the SeaTrek project is to spark student interest in science and communicate information about real-world research and conservation work at Mote to students and teachers in Florida. To accomplish this goal, the program uses interactive video conferencing technology and the Internet to deliver science courses to 4th through 8th grade students in schools across Florida, and in Virginia, New York, New Jersey, Texas, Wisconsin, North Dakota, Indiana, Michigan, Illinois, and Missouri. The SeaTrek videoconference sessions are conducted from a studio at Mote Marine Lab, and are facilitated by two Mote education staff, a dynamic program presenter and a technology coordinator. This report contains the following sections: First, it describes the Evaluation Design and Research Methodologies. Second, it presents the Major Findings, organized within two subsections: Project Impact on Teachers and Students, and Implementation of Program Components (program content and program delivery). Third, this report includes a Discussion section. Finally, the research team draws its Conclusions and Recommendations.

The purpose of this study was to compare the quality of information service provided in Swedish and Chinese medical libraries and to judge the information gap between China and Sweden. Two libraries of key Chinese medical universities and a Swedish medical library were selected for the study. Based on the number of databases, print journals, electronic journals, user education courses, level of library research activities, and other services such as navigation systems and biomedical links, an evaluation of information service quality was given. Results are presented in the following areas: (1) differences in library collections, including a comparison of the latest shelved journal issues in the libraries; (2) information services in library management, professional promotion, knowledge sharing, user-centered library service, and contents of library services; (3) research activities; (4) extensive services in information technology; (5) continuing education for librarians; (6) the ability for library development; and (7) the future of medical libraries in China. The conclusion was that a large information gap exits between China and other developed countries. (Contains 10 references.) (MES)

Results from a year-long study on the education-to-work transition are presented in the final report, with an examination of existing linkages between the two and proposals for their expansion and improvement. Background material is provided in a preface, summary of chapter content, and introductory chapter. Further chapters include: Framework for Studying the Education-to-Work Transition, discussing the subject area and how it has been handled; Survey of Current Linkages, presenting procedures and results of a four-State survey; Survey Analysis and Interpretation, and Alternative Linkage Approaches, combining to analyze survey findings and provide analytic structure for linkage development; an examination of Barriers and Proposals; and, Recommendations for Further Research and Development for the National Institute of Education. Nine figures and seven charts supplement the discussion. An extensive bibliography containing 244 titles arranged under planning, curriculum, guidance, manpower utilization, and evaluation is provided. The references represent the broader topic of career education as well as the relationship of education and work. Lists of consortium members, survey participants, and action proposals reviewers; a survey guide and related instruments; and Florida follow-up policy guidelines for community colleges are appended. A glossary of key terms is provided. (LH)

Summaries of the seven chapters and 12 proposals contained in the final report are presented in the document. Chapter 1: Introduction, discusses the roles assigned by society to schools and the workplace; Chapter 2: A Framework for Studying the Education-To-Work Transition, explores the subject area and how it has been handled; Chapter 3: Survey of Current Linkages, presents procedures and results of a four-State survey; Chapter 4: Survey Analysis and Interpretation, and Chapter 5: Alternative Linkage Approaches, combine to analyze survey findings and provide analytic structure for linkage development: Chapter 6: Barriers and Proposals, lists and discusses 12 proposals and four categories of barriers; Chapter 7: Recommendations for Further Research and Development for the National Institute of Education, discusses recommendations. (LH)

The present study examined proximal and distal barriers and supports within the Swedish service system that may affect implementation of early and intensive behavioral intervention (EIBI) for children with autism. A case study approach with roots in ethnography was chosen to explore this issue. Two preschools exemplifying "high quality practice" were studied and information was collected through multiple sources during a 12 month period, this included participant observations, direct observations, semi-structured interviews with key informants; paraprofessionals, parents, special educators, habilitation specialists and a focus group interview. Interview transcripts and field notes were combined and analyzed using an abductive grounded theory approach. Findings highlight the relevance of researchers understanding and taking into consideration the effect that distal variables have on implementation within proximal settings. A theoretical model of factors affecting implementation was conceptualised to include: staff entry knowledge and competence, development through supervision, the role of the preschool administrator, as well as distal influences and inter-organizational tensions, values, and bridges. Findings are discussed within the context of implementation science. Implications for future research are discussed as well as areas in need of further development to bridge the gap between research and practice.

With the Department of Defense under the scrutiny of the American public and the media always nearby, how should the military best prepare the leaders of tomorrow to cope with change during fiscally austere times? In my opinion, the key to bridging what I will call the "resource gap" is threefold: a solid and standardized training institution, continuing education on a self-development basis, and professional education and training throughout one's career. The combination of education and work experience prepares one to manage public funds efficiently. We owe it to America to remain proficient and to be prudent fiscal managers, particularly during times of the shrinking budget, by maintaining a fiscal prowess. Most Army officers do not receive resource management training. However, as leaders and as custodians of public funds, we must be prudent and frugal fiscal managers. Funds have become a scare commodity. As leaders we must fight for adequate funding to train the force, to equip the force and to maintain the force. To do this we must learn everything we can about fiscal management. An early investment in fiscal awareness will mold frugal and prudent leaders capable of giving Americans the "most bang for the buck." What is the bottomline? Simply that it is time for change in the military educational system. It is time to go the next step and mold young warriors into prudent fiscal managers. If America is to survive the outrageous and out of control deficit and win the national debt, we must bridge the resource gap by formalizing resource management instruction at all levels. The leaders of tomorrow must be the absolute best: tactically and technically proficient warriors and frugal and prudent resource managers. Bridging the resource gap is the key to conducting business during the next century.

US military airlift policy strives to maximize the available wartime reserve of airlift for a given investment. Unfortunately, the capacity of America's strategic airlift system has consistently fallen short of the proposed wartime requirements and remains so today. During the 1970s and 1980s, the Military Airlift Command's attempts to reduce the airlift deficit included a CRAF Enhancement Program that subsidized the conversion of CRAF jumbo aircraft into cargo-convertibles. Although several aircraft were modified, the program was allowed to die during the 1980s. However, this option needs to be re-examined since Air Mobility Command's efforts to close the contemporary airlift gap such as C-17 procurement, the C-141 Service Life Extension Program, and the outright purchase and operation of a fleet of commercial cargo aircraft are expensive and problem-ridden. This study determines if a revival of the CRAF Enhancement Program is feasible and if it could be developed into a viable program for addressing AMC's airlift shortfall problem. To achieve this goal, the study analyzes the failure of the first CRAF Enhancement Program to determine if the barriers to its success were surmountable and if these same barriers might impede the success of a future program. The study determines that the first Enhancement Program failed because MAC was unable to develop an incentive plan that was attractive enough to ensure airline participation, yet be persuasive enough to elicit the required support and funding from Congress.

"Engaging Places" is a partnership between the Department for Culture Media and Sport (DCMS), English Heritage, the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE), in association with the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF--formerly DfES) and the Academy for Sustainable Communities (ASC). It was set up by DCMS to develop an approach that can make people more aware of the learning opportunities available in the built environment and to "unlock" the educational potential for schools of the historic and contemporary built environment. "Engaging Places" hopes to increase schools' engagement with the built environment by developing a national advocacy network which can harness and improve the delivery of the built environment learning services to schools. This report summarizes two research projects which independently considered the supply side (built environment education providers) and the demand/audience side (teachers/schools) of built environment education. Both sets of research focused on three pilot regions (London, the South East and Yorkshire and the Humber). The report describes the key findings and issues from the research. "Engaging Places" may be the effective vehicle to develop and promote the role and value of buildings, places, and spaces in teaching. It has a key role to play in bridging the gap between what organizations provide on learning and what learners and educators need.

The article recounts in detail the process used to include all department faculty members in the design of outcomes assessment measures for the management major, basing these on broad learning outcomes which the department had previously identified. While other literature has described the outcomes assessment design process in broad terms, the current article relates specific steps used to produce test questions. The article incorporates theory from the outcomes assessment, HRD, and the organizational behavior literatures. (Contains 2 tables.)

This paper advocates flexibility in the use of textbooks and materials for teaching languages for specific purposes. Language and communication instructors are encouraged to adopt a positive approach in drawing the relevant aspects out of textbooks and printed materials and linking them to the interactive features in the business and professional world. It is suggested that, in this way, an effective link from the base to the action can be built and communicative competence in learners can be prompted. Individual sections address the following topics: real world communication--interactive performance; the nature of real-world interactions; real-world communication tasks; an approach to textbooks and published materials; materials evaluation; use of textbook materials; adapting textbook materials; illustrations of materials adaptation; and the role of language instructors. (JL)

An adult education program designed to help limited-English-proficient students through the transition from basic English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) instruction to more comprehensive adult basic education (ABE) is described. This transition is often difficult because of a mix of student needs, literacy backgrounds, and language proficiency levels and because the step from basic ESL grammar to higher-level language use and comprehension can be difficult. In addition, instructional materials for ESL and ABE have very different emphases. The program described here used a curriculum that promotes holistic use of English, emphasizes higher-order thinking skills, encourages students to move from a passive to an active learning role, emphasizes the reading/writing/speaking connection, uses a whole language approach, and provides cultural information as a basis for future work. A pilot class of 12 tested the curriculum. Student response to the curriculum was positive, and achievement gains were significant. It is concluded that the kind of curriculum designed for the program is effective in supporting the transition from ESL to ABE. (MSE) (Adjunct ERIC Clearinghouse on Literacy Education)

Combining three strategies, a composition instructor has attempted to bridge the gap between peer response and teacher expectation in the first-year writing course taught at Florida State University. The focus is on writing that is exploratory and based on personal experience. The instructor: (1) establishes a criteria for producing and evaluating exploratory writing; (2) uses class time for extensive student discussion of student text; and (3) uses a grading system that involves the teacher and the students as well. The students and the instructor value five elements (self-involvement; curiosity; risk; thought; and discovery) in exploratory writing and make those elements the basis of assignments, discussion, and evaluation in the writing process. The format of the class centers on open classroom workshops. The paper portion of students' end-of-course portfolio is graded by the student, three peers chosen by lottery, and by the instructor. The workshops are a forum for communication of ideas, and all participants are free from any restraint or artificial tool, such as anonymity. Despite the success of teaching the course during a summer session, the instructor became unsure of her role as a teacher and went back to grading each essay in the traditional manner. Perhaps the instructor can let go of some of that traditional teacher authority if she can learn to trust the students for their individuality, thinking ability, and responsibility. (RS)

This paper discusses some of the methodological issues facing language trainers who are required to identify the second language needs of adult learners within a specific vocational context, namely business sales negotiations. It also proposes a research model that responds to the difficulties of matching learner perceptions of language and cultural needs with the realities of the negotiation situation. The model was developed by analyzing 30 interviews with Irish sales representatives with varying levels of knowledge of German who had conducted negotiations with German-speaking customers. The model consisted of a simulated sales presentation and negotiation session, followed by a debriefing of both sellers and buyers. The interviews and simulations demonstrated that all sellers had difficulty in listening to and understanding potential buyers. For this reason the majority of sellers found it difficult to implement an interactive strategy of listening to and questioning potential buyers about their needs. Sellers also found it difficult to read the sales situation in which they found themselves and the personality of the potential buyer, largely due to cultural differences in conversation and negotiation styles. In conclusion, the paper warns of relying too heavily on learner perceptions of second language needs and competence. (MDM)

This paper discusses the increasing cooperation between university business schools and foreign language departments in establishing effective language programs for business students, focusing on the development of a computer-assisted language learning course in business Spanish at the University of Texas, Austin. The course utilizes HyperCard computer card files of information in Spanish and English on six Venezuelan companies, based on transcripts of interviews with employees of the companies. The student can retrieve information about individual companies, specific employees and their jobs, translations of passages into English, pronunciation, usage, and grammar. The course is designed for intermediate-level students with a basic knowledge of Spanish who would like to learn business vocabulary and usage. The benefits of such a course to the business school and the foreign language department are also discussed. Samples of HyperCard files are provided. (MDM)

This study analyzes the professional and personal development of acquisition officers and their ability to cope with a rapidly changing environment. The paper compares Carl von Clausewitz's elements of genius to the formal and informal learning processes in the Air Force. In the review of formal learning, the major professional military education programs, such as Squadron Officers School, Air Command and Staff College, and Air War College are reviewed. Additionally, the acquisition professional development program is assessed for its contribution to Clausewitzian genius. Experience, self-directed study, and mentoring fall under the rubric of informal learning. The Air Force counseling program and the non-commissioned officer mentoring culture is evaluated. Recent literature on the personal and professional development of employees is also reviewed. Finally, individuals from the warfighter, developer, and industry communities are interviewed for their thoughts on the strengths and weaknesses of the acquisition officer.

The objective of this study was to examine the methods commonly employed in epidemiologic and biomedical research and to relate them to the methods traditionally used in the field of psychology. The intent of this report is to describe some of these methods and explain them in a clear and concise fashion. It is concluded that, despite the differences in terminology and frequent use of rates which are not found in psychology, the gap between biostatistics and psychological statistics is neither large nor complex. Because the methods of epidemiology, biostatistics, and psychology are based on common statistical principles, relatively few shifts in statistical thinking are required, other than an understanding of the terminology employed, for psychologists to attain a basic comprehension of epidemiologic findings.

Conference papers calling for newer constructs in organizational theory to explicate problems in understanding educational organizations were content analyzed to explore paradigmatic assumptions and to demonstrate a fit between assumptions. Papers supporting the use of qualitative methodologies were also analyzed. The papers were from the 1983 conferences of the American Educational Research Association and the Association for the Study of Higher Education. The underlying assumptions of organizational constructs such as "loose coupling" were analyzed and contrasted with older and more traditional constructions of organizations. The results show that assumptions grow typically out of the same, or a very similar, value framework; that effective methods of inquiry are those that match assumptions about organizations; and that methods that present reductionist pictures of organizations fail to inform the change process because they produce necessarily limited and nonholistic views of organizational functioning. It is suggested that increased interaction between organizational theorists and methodologists should insure that methods fit newer constructs to create a descriptive science of organizations. A list of the 11 conference papers and authors is included. (Author/SW)