This study explored the types and uses of informal, on-the-job learning occurring among American Speech-Language-Hearing (ASHA)-certified Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) working in medical settings as part of a rehabilitation team. In addressing this purpose, a qualitative, phenomenological approach to research methodology was used. Participants were selected through a process of purposeful sampling, each meeting the criteria of having earned the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology from ASHA and working in a medical setting as part of a rehabilitation team. Twenty-four SLPs from varying demographic profiles took part in one of three online data collection methods. Nine participants completed a computer-mediated interview, 11 participants completed an online journal entry and 4 participants completed a virtual focus group method. All data collection methods were accomplished via internet technologies. Data analysis was performed through a process of thematic analysis and resulted in four significant findings. First, both internal and external forces triggered SLPs to learn informally in the medical workplace. Also, SLPs went through an individually-determined, goal-directed process when learning informally in the medical workplace. SLPs used a combination of collaboration, workplace experience and research to learn informally in the medical workplace. And finally, SLPs employed informal learning activities for the purpose of meeting personal, patient and organizational needs. / It was recommended that (a) the American Speech- Language-Hearing Association review its professional development policy and consider implementation of a process whereby clinicians can document their goal-directed workplace learning and receive professional development credit for these activities; (b) healthcare organizations recognize, support and reward the informal learning in which their SLPs are already engaging; and (c) SLPs enhance their informal learning in the medical workplace through proactivity, critical reflectivity (of their own and others' learning), and creativity. The significance of this research included the use and support of existing theory in both Adult Education and Human Resource Development. Further, this research represents the first of its kind in investigating informal learning in rehabilitative therapies, specifically Speech-Language Pathology. Peer professions such as Physical and Occupational Therapy may also benefit from this study's conclusions and recommendations, as these professionals work in similar medical contexts. / by Patrick Roy Walden. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2008. / Includes bibliography. / Electronic reproduction. Boca Raton, Fla., 2008. Mode of access: World Wide Web.

This investigation, which was conducted on the post-secondary level and included vocational and academic students, was undertaken to develop an instrument to assess the attitude and knowledge of students concerning body language and to develop a module of instruction in body language to favorably influence their attitude and knowledge concerning body language. Hypotheses were formulated related to the differences in mean effective and cognitive scores of the experimental group who were taught body language and the control group. Additional hypotheses were formulated related to mean differences in the scores of students differing in age, sex, business experience, and prior exposure to body language. The findings of this study included first, the testing of the instrument; second, the testing of the validity of the research design and third, the testing of the hypotheses. The following conclusions are based on the findings of the study: the instrument seems to be acceptable for assessing the attitude and knowledge of post—secondary students concerning body language, the module of instruction in body language seems to be acceptable as a basis for influencing the attitude and knowledge of post—secondary students concerning body language, the mid-management and speech students were comparable in attitude and knowledge concerning body language before and after being taught the module, any prior exposure to the principles of body language seemed to favorably influence student's attitude and knowledge concerning body language both before and after they were taught, the age and business experience of students produced no apparent influence on student attitude and knowledge of body language, the sex of the student seemed to produce no apparent influence on student attitude and knowledge of body language.

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This study explores the effects of intercultural training from the perspectives of learners and facilitators. Three central questions are addressed: How does participation in an intercultural studies program affect the way learners approach intercultural interactions? How do learners engage learning between the educational and practice contexts? What are the implications for program planning? In-depth interviews were conducted with eleven learners and eight facilitators from a certificate program in intercultural studies at a Canadian university. The program is delivered through a combined on-site and online format. With its emphasis on practice-based learning, this program offered a unique opportunity to explore learner change and the application of learning in the workplace. This study was undertaken to inform program planning for intercultural training. The conceptual resources that guided the study are frameworks for program planning and transfer of learning. Perceived learner change as a result of training is explored through multiple lenses of transfer, including application (engaging and creating knowledge in practice) and diffusion (sharing ideas with others formally and informally in the workplace). Factors that contribute to engagement of learning between the practice and training contexts include the integration of theory and practice and the building of an online learning community. The study explores the concept of emotional safety, the impact of identity and representation on intercultural interactions within the training context, and the challenges of facilitating difficult dialogues related to race, power and identity. This study is situated within the larger context of the field of intercultural training. This is contested terrain comprised of two major streams: international and domestic training. Domestic training is represented by three frameworks: diversity, multicultural and anti-racism training. The study indicates that learning is influenced by the degree to which analyzing power or respecting differences is emphasized in the exploration of intercultural interactions. The study concludes with suggested reflective questions for planners of intercultural programs.

Over the years, a number of studies have identified the failure of expatriates - the early termination of an international assignment - as a major problem for multinational enterprises (MNE). MNE's in, for example the USA, have reported expatriate failure rates as high as 40 percent for assignments to developed countries and 70 percent when assignments are in developing countries. These failures can cost the MNE three times the expatriates' annual salary plus the cost of the relocation. Even if an expatriate stays the full duration of an international assignment it has been determined that many, as much as 50 percent, operate at less than optimal levels of productivity. International studies have, however shown that if expatriates are properly prepared, supported and trained, the success of their assignment can be ensured. The presented study focuses on the effectiveness of the orientation process and crosscultural training (CCT) and its impact on cross-cultural adjustment for the expatriate. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of the orientation process for expatriates and to determine a need for a separate orientation and culture training. By improving the orientation process and identifying a need for culture specific training, the company can thus eliminate relocation and replacement costs. A further objective of this research is to design a guideline for the implementation of a culture specific orientation process for the expatriate. This will be done based on the recommendations made by the candidates questioned. In order to determine the preparation and training needs of expatriates this formal study was undertaken, consisting of a literature study as well as an empirical study. At first a literature study was conducted in order to determine what was happening internationally in respect to expatriation and expatriation preparation and training. The background of the study reviews what has been written and said in the areas of cross-cultural training, cross-cultural adjustment, the orientation process and the expatriate. The study highlights specific issues regarding cultural training, assignment failure and success, and the expatriate experience. The research is motivated by the need to reduce assignment failure and the subsequent costs associated with expatriation, and ensure smooth transition into a new culture. The research methodology utilized was qualitative, based on e-mailed questionnaires and personal interviews. The study attempts to recommend, based on the findings, a culture centred orientation process for the expatriate. / Thesis (MBA)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville, 2006.

The purpose of this study was to explore Midwestern Community College (MCC) communication adjunct faculty members’ descriptions of techniques used to prepare for a diverse student population. This research was conducted in order to gain a better understanding of how adjunct faculty members teaching communications courses at MCC understood diversity as it related to their teaching preparations and practices. As an adjunct faculty member at a community college, this study has been enhanced by my own experiences, along with in-depth interviews with other adjunct faculty members from the same institution. Data, interpreted from a Critical Race Theory perspective revealed elements of dysconscious racism and whiteness from some participants. As a result, Culturally Relevant Pedagogy and Inclusive Pedagogy were examined as potential frameworks to guide next-level faculty development programs for adjunct faculty teaching communications courses at a community college. In the absence of such faculty development programs, data did not demonstrate any evolution of preparation strategies as part of the pedagogical practices of adjunct faculty, nor any practices as process of continual improvement for teaching in diverse classrooms. The findings can be used to better understand the complexities of how adjunct faculty understand diversity and how that understanding impacts their teaching preparations and practices. / Department of Educational Studies

This study explores the effects of intercultural training from the perspectives of learners and facilitators. Three central questions are addressed: How does participation in an intercultural studies program affect the way learners approach intercultural interactions? How do learners engage learning between the educational and practice contexts? What are the implications for program planning? In-depth interviews were conducted with eleven learners and eight facilitators from a certificate program in intercultural studies at a Canadian university. The program is delivered through a combined on-site and online format. With its emphasis on practice-based learning, this program offered a unique opportunity to explore learner change and the application of learning in the workplace. This study was undertaken to inform program planning for intercultural training. The conceptual resources that guided the study are frameworks for program planning and transfer of learning. Perceived learner change as a result of training is explored through multiple lenses of transfer, including application (engaging and creating knowledge in practice) and diffusion (sharing ideas with others formally and informally in the workplace). Factors that contribute to engagement of learning between the practice and training contexts include the integration of theory and practice and the building of an online learning community. The study explores the concept of emotional safety, the impact of identity and representation on intercultural interactions within the training context, and the challenges of facilitating difficult dialogues related to race, power and identity. This study is situated within the larger context of the field of intercultural training. This is contested terrain comprised of two major streams: international and domestic training. Domestic training is represented by three frameworks: diversity, multicultural and anti-racism training. The study indicates that learning is influenced by the degree to which analyzing power or respecting differences is emphasized in the exploration of intercultural interactions. The study concludes with suggested reflective questions for planners of intercultural programs. / Education, Faculty of / Educational Studies (EDST), Department of / Graduate

This study evaluated the Say It Straight™ (SIS) Training Program for its ability to improve straightforward communication, increase self-esteem, increase an individual's overall perception of group and family belonging or cohesiveness within a residential treatment setting and decrease an individual's perceived level of anomie. Effectiveness of SIS training was evaluated with paired sample t-tests (2-tailed) on six objective questionnaires given before and after training. Participation in the study was voluntary. Of the 39 patients in residence, 26 participated in SIS training, (23 attended over 80% of the sessions and 3 attended over 50%). Three were excluded from the study due to developmental or dementia-related diagnoses, 3 chose not to participate, 5 were discharged routinely prior to completion and were not post-tested; and 2 were discharged against medical advice during the training. It is interesting to notice that on the average there are about 5 discharges against medical advice per month at the facility, but during the five weeks of SIS there were only 2. Self-reports of empowering behaviors, quality of family and group life and self-esteem showed highly significant increases following SIS. Self-reports of disempowering behaviors (placating, passive-aggressive, blaming, irrelevant, intellectualizing) showed highly significant decreases following SIS and anomie showed a significant decrease. All p values are results from 2-tailed t-tests for paired observations. Subjective reports regarding training effectiveness were also very positive. Recommendations include: 1) follow-up and compare SIS trained Sante alumni and non-SIS trained Sante alumni for recidivism rate and participation in recovery oriented group activities; 2) develop a tool for measuring anomie specifically related to treatment settings as a construct versus a single variable, and 3) develop a tool for measuring group cohesiveness specifically related to treatment settings as a construct versus a single variable.