This monograph presents the result of the authors' scientific research on the development of cognitive discursive approach to issues of intercultural professional and business communication (IPBC) and the study of the language of professional communication, the links binding the language with non-linguistic and extralinguistic realia in the framework of cognitive linguistics, as well as oral and written communication in intercultural professional business discourse. The authors proceed from the assumption that IPBC can only reach maximum efficiency provided that its participants assimilate its inherent norms and rules and are able to skillfully implement these norms and rules to verbalise their cognitive activity in the sphere of professional business interaction. Topics covered include: analysis of the theory of business communication, of codified and uncodified vocabulary, theory of euphemy, and euphemisms used in intercultural professional and business communication.

This book provides comprehensive and up-to-date coverage of research on technical and vocational education in China. It discusses various aspects that range from such conventional topics as teaching at different levels, development history, regulations, policies, curriculum, specialty setup, teaching, faculty and management; to the status quo, transformation and current trends; as well as quantity expansion and quality improvement, all of which highlight the unique characteristics of technical and vocational education in China. This book is intended for researchers and graduate students, and will also help international readers to grasp the general situation regarding technical and vocational education in China. Combining rich content and a broad scope, the book will undoubtedly offer a valuable key to understanding China's technical and vocational education in the 21st century.

This, the first comprehensive academic volume on vocational education and training (VET) or career and technical education in the United States, features insights into a variety of issues in this field of research. The international reader will find an up-to-date synthesis as well as a critical analysis of the relevant history, philosophy, governance, legislation and organizational structures. The coverage is structured according to the benchmarks applied to, as well as the theoretical discussions around, VET. The topics covered all have a strong contemporary relevance and include education versus qualification, the American community college, the issue of localization versus globalization in governance, vocationalism in higher education, career guidance and career counselling, and apprenticeships in the U.S.

This book supports the assertion of the relevance of career and technical education -both for the individual and the labour market. Scholars, policy makers and practitioners interested in issues of vocational education and training, technical education, and career education will find this collection of critical and reflective discussions very useful in any analysis of the features of VET approaches taken in America."

The present book collects, integrates, and discusses the range of perspectives and discourses on agency at work. In addition, the book compiles the empirical research that has been generated by various perspectives. The chapters deal with the relationship between (a) agency at work, and (b) professional learning and development. They encompass a wide variety of working life domains and/or contexts, and are based on a broad range of epistemological and theoretical standpoints. This volume is not only thought to bring together current research, but also to foster the contemporary discourse on workplace agency a few steps further. Although the book strongly focuses on research originating in the field of workplace learning, its contents may be of interest to researchers from other scientific domains, such as socio-cognitive and development psychology, organisational behaviour, leadership, economics, life-course research, and philosophy.

Competencies in Organizational E-Learning: Concepts and Tools provides a comprehensive view of the way competencies can be used to drive organizational e-learning, including the main conceptual elements, competency gap analysis, advanced related computing topics, the application of semantic Web technologies, and the integration of competencies with current e-learning standards. ""Competencies in Organizational E-Learning: Concepts and Tools"" is the first book to address competencies as a key observable workplace behavior, driving learning and knowledge dissemination processes inside organizations. This book works as a guide for implementing or improving competency-based approaches to e-learning.

Using two longitudinal survey projects as examples, the authors describe how to use organizational surveys to assesses employee attitudes and to develop and improve quality of work life programs.

A "Learning Network" is a community of people who help each other to better understand and handle certain events and concepts in work or life. As a result and sometimes also as an aim participating in learning networks stimulates personal development, a better understanding of concepts and events, career development, and employability. "Learning Network Services" are Web services that are designed to facilitate the creation of distributed Learning Networks and to support the participants with various functions for knowledge exchange, social interaction, assessment and competence development in an effective way. The book presents state-of-the-art insights into the field of Learning Networks and Web-based services which can facilitate all kinds of processes within these networks.

This book gathers work from over a decade of study, and seeks to better understand and support how learners become tradespeople. The research programme applies recent concepts from neuroscience, educational psychology and technology-enhanced learning to explain and help overcome the challenges of learning in trades-learning contexts. Due to the complex and multifarious nature of the work characterising trade occupations, learning how to become a tradesperson requires a significant commitment in terms of time, along with physical and cognitive effort. All modalities (visual, aural, haptic etc.) and literacies (text, numerical, spatial etc.) are required when undertaking trade work. Manual dexterity and strength, coupled with the technical and tacit knowledge required for complex problem solving, not to mention suitable dispositional approaches, must all be learnt and focused on becoming a tradesperson. However, there is a substantial gap in the literature on 'how people learn a trade' and 'how to teach a trade'. In this book, contemporary teaching and learning approaches and strategies, as derived through practice-based participatory research, are used to highlight and discuss pragmatic solutions to facilitate the learning and teaching of trade skills, knowledge and dispositions. The approaches and strategies discussed include the implementation of technology-enhanced learning; project-based inquiry/problem-based learning; and recommendations to ensure learners are prepared for the future of work.

If you are like many people, including the author at one time, your fear of public speaking may be holding you back and limiting your influence and potential. This book is designed to help you confront and conquer your fear of public speaking. Each of the twenty lessons builds upon the other and guides you through a systematic process to freedom. Public speaking is a skill that is important and valuable for many obvious reasons. Ralph Waldo Emerson declares rightfully, "Speech is power: speech is to persuade, to convert, to compel." Being a good communicator can enhance your chances to be a leader, to influence an audience, or perhaps to land a business deal or new job opportunity. Sooner or later, you will be asked or even forced to speak in a public setting. Though this thought is exhilarating to some, it also terrifies a great number of others. Sadly, fear of public speaking silences scores of voices, causing many to lose out on a variety of opportunities. Indeed, being a competent public speaker may enhance your career, business influence, and potential for success. Whether your fear of public speaking is slight or severe this book will help to face it down and defeat it, once and for all. You will also find a variety of tools and tips to help you improve your ability to speak in front of others. There really is a way to overcome your fear of speaking in public. By purchasing this course and looking for ways to apply it, you have taken an important first step. However, in order to deal with the fears that bind you, you will need to commit to doing some hard work. But, let me assure you that if you read the lessons carefully and do the exercises suggested herein, you will notice a marked difference in yourself by the end of this course. The only way you will conquer the fear of public speaking is confronting it head on. That is exactly what "Overcoming the Fear of Public Speaking" will help you do.

To meet the dynamic academic demands of twenty-first century digital learners, many institutions of higher learning are offering more online classes than ever before that are accessible to both traditional and non-traditional learners. As such, a growing demand for online courses implies that participating institutions provide faculty with appropriate professional development programs to ensure the design and delivery of quality online courses. The Handbook of Research on Virtual Training and Mentoring of Online Instructors is a critical scholarly resource that highlights the issues, challenges, and online engagement experiences to enhance effective teaching and learning in this learning environment. Featuring coverage on a broad range of topics such as media literacy, professional development, and virtual learning environments, this book is geared towards educational administrators, educators, and instructional designers interested in quality online instruction.

The contributing authors of this multidisciplinary text agree that workplace learning truly is extraordinary when it is marked by structural congruence and a positive synergy among the intended and formal preparation of professionals, that tacit learning occurs within the hidden curriculum, and that the subsequent demands, both formal and tacit, are embedded in subsequent workplace settings. Thus, for this text, these authors explore research and practice literature related to curriculum, instruction and assessment of professionals' learning in the workplace and the implications for best practices. But what makes this book truly unique is that the authors examine that literature in the context of four professions-education, nursing, medicine and clergy-at the point of those professions wherein students are learning during the degree program stages of their education.

"Extraordinary Learning in the Workplace" is broken into four main sections. Part I explores curriculum, both formal and hidden. Part II focuses on conceptions and theories of learning and instruction and is intended to inform the work of educators with regard to components of professional education that occur in the practice settings of the workplace. Part III covers assessment, using medicine as its example to argue that assessment has remained largely unchanged for years, thus making the multiple choice questions tests introduced in the 1950s the "de facto" gold standard for "quality" assessment. And Part IV focuses on the training of the instructors, visiting the three key themes of relationships, activities or tasks, and work practices."

This book provides a unique resource on the educational development of the American military profession. With nearly 140 entries from 65 authors, it covers the origins and major evolutionary developments of all major institutions from the Federal service academies and ROTC programs through the Capstone program for newly appointed general and flag officers. It provides sketches of personalities who made significant contributions as well as discussions of important concepts influencing professional military curricula, contentious issues affecting program development, and significant academic practices.

Most entries include a brief list of principal sources and a general bibliography is also provided. Simons introduces the historical dictionary with a comprehensive essay that locates most of the topics historically in relation to others.

As higher educational learning enters a new age, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) are seeking innovative ways to establish strategies to compete with other academic institutions. As establishments that have played a pivotal role in transforming the landscape of higher education, HBCUs are facing rapid transformation and various obstacles leading to questions regarding to the cost, quality, and sustainability of these institutions. Examining Student Retention and Engagement Strategies at Historically Black Colleges and Universities is a pivotal reference source that provides vital research on the role of HBCUs in today's higher education and the various research methods addressing student retention rates, success levels, and engagement. While highlighting topics such as enrollment management, student engagement, and online learning, this publication explores successful engagement strategies that promote educational quality and equality, as well as the methods of social integration and involvement for students. This book is ideally designed for researchers, academicians, scholars, educational administrators, policymakers, graduate students, and curriculum designers.

"This book is not only a page turner; it also shares some very valuable information. I look forward to the follow up adventures of Joe and Betty." --D. Dale, Owner, Wayne Manufacturing

Over the years, Joe and his wife, Betty, have built a successful plumbing business, but it's at a crisis point--all because of interpersonal relationships. Joe faces an ultimatum from his managers: fire Betty, or they will quit.

In Communication Tools for Any Trade, authors Layton Park and Myrna Park tell Joe and Betty's story while exploring the key skills and traits of successful business and personal relationships. Using information gained from their personal experiences of starting and running businesses and from examples encountered consulting with clients, the Parks present a guidebook for overcoming communication challenges that many businesses face.

Focusing on the importance of both verbal and nonverbal communication, Communication Tools for Any Trade presents an informative guide to DISC behavioral styles and values in business and explores ways to recognize, remember, and use them. This business parable provides insight in the how and why of relationships and illustrates the fundamental principles necessary to succeed in business and in life.

Learn more at www.chameleoncommunicator.com.

This book provides an introduction to the philosophy of technology that is accessible to non-philosophers. It offers a survey of the current state-of-affairs in the philosophy of technology and also discusses the relevance of that for teaching about technology. The book includes questions and assignments and offers an extensive annotated bibliography for those who want to read more about the discipline.

This edited book focuses on practices of work in late modern society, taking an 'issue-based' and interdisciplinary approach to English Studies which acknowledges the impact of globalization on the position of English in the daily existence of millions of people around the world. Envisioning English as "a diverse yet unified subject" where the study of literature, language, and education can be pursued thematically, it constitutes part of an ongoing transformation and revitalization of English Studies. It will be of interest to readers with backgrounds in linguistics, literature and education, as well as fields normally seen as lying 'beyond' English Studies such as psychology, sociology, philosophy, urban studies, political science and childhood studies.

Over the past decades a new form of professionalism has emerged, characterized by factors of fluidity, instability and continual change, leading to the necessitation of new forms of professional development that support agile and flexible expansion of professional practice. At the same time, the digitization of work has had a profound effect on professional practice. This digitization opens up opportunities for new forms of professional learning mediated by technologies through networked learning. Networked learning is believed to lead to a more efficient flow of complex knowledge and routine information within the organization, stimulate innovative behaviour, and result in a higher job satisfaction. In this respect, networked learning can be perceived as an important perspective on both professional and organizational development. This volume provides examples of Networked Professional Learning, it questions the impact of this emerging form of learning on the academy, and it interrogates the impact on teachers of the future. It features three sections that explore networked professional learning from different perspectives: questioning what legitimate forms of networked professional learning are across a broad sampling of professions, how new forms of professional learning impact institutions of higher education, and the value creation that Networked Learning offers professionals in broader educational, economic, and social contexts. The book is of interest to researchers in the area of professional and digital learning, higher education managers, organizational HR professionals, policy makers and students of technology enhanced learning.

A pioneering contribution to the professional training literature, this book is designed to help trainers and human resource managers to more effectively manage training programs. The author develops a unified framework for the training function that combines a systems perspective with the experiential learning approach to training efforts. The result is a step-by-step guide to conducting key phases of any training program: pre-assessment, needs analysis, design, implementation, and evaluation. Sims focuses throughout on the principles of good training program design as well as on training for the development of certain pivotal skills, competency levels, and individual differences. No prior knowledge of training procedures and techniques is required to successfully use the concepts introduced.

The author begins by addressing training systems in general and the increasing need for training within the context of global markets and competition. He then discusses how to determine training needs within the individual organization. Subsequent chapters address each phase of the training process in turn. Sims reveals the importance of completing a thorough job analysis before embarking on a training program, shows how to design training programs to fill specific skill and competency needs, and demonstrates how to establish training objectives and determine program content. The experiential learning model is introduced as a viable system for managing the learning process in training in three major areas: the selection of training methods, trainees, and trainers; the development of certain training environments which are more responsive to trainee and trainer learning styles; and the provision of several psychological contracting activities which can facilitate various phases of a training program. Finally, Sims offers a systems analysis approach to the planning, design, and conduct of training program evaluations that includes a thorough discussion of the training audit and cost-benefit techniques. Both the novice and experienced trainer will find this book a comprehensive yet practical guide to the employee training process.

Professionals deal with complex problems which require working with the expertise of others, but being able to collaborate resourcefully with others is an additional form of expertise. This book draws on a series of research studies to explain what is involved in the new concept of working relationally across practices. It demonstrates how spending time building common knowledge between different professions aids collaboration. The core concept is relational agency, which can arise between practitioners who work together on a complex task: whether reconfiguring the trajectory of a vulnerable child or developing a piece of computer software. Common knowledge, which captures the motives and values of each profession, is essential for the exercise of relational agency and contributing to and working with the common knowledge of what matters for each profession is a new form of relational expertise. The book is based on a wide body of field research including the author's own. It tackles how to research expert practices using Vygotskian perspectives, and demonstrates how Cultural Historical and Activity Theory approaches contribute to how we understand learning, practices and organisations.

Training and development professionals are faced with a host of responsibilities and goals that can be met only if they integrate the latest thinking in the field with their own experience and thereby develop a new arsenal of skills and knowledge. The contributors to this volume, all of whom have extensive professional, consulting, and/or research experience in the training field, thoroughly examine the leading training issues by speaking straightforwardly to the training practitioner. These issues include the strategic linkage of training to business objectives, the determination of training needs, transfer of training, training technologies, holistic training and development, and the multiple roles of the professional trainer.

The contributors provide the training and development professional with pertinent frameworks, revealing examples and real-life cases, specific recommendations, and various application ideas. References are provided throughout to support key findings, to point the reader toward the most promising and relevant training research, and to provide a comprehensive resource base that would be a valuable addition to any trainer's personal library. In addition to external and internal training professionals, students and instructors of human resource management, instructional systems technology, and industrial/organizational psychology will benefit from the contributors' insights.

With higher education around the world in a period of extreme flux, this volume explores its underlying philosophy, a core element of the ongoing debate. Offering a diverse range of perspectives from an international selection of renowned scholars of higher education, the book is full of imaginative insights that add up to a substantive contribution to the discussion.

As universities attempt to adapt to a new environment characterized by stiff international competition, networked remote learning, burgeoning student numbers and comparative performance assessment, how we conceptualize the purpose and ethos of our higher learning institutions is more important than ever. This publication features a multitude of distinctive approaches that illuminate potential solutions to the complex issues universities must grapple with in these uncertain times. Rather than espousing a singular philosophical approach, the editors have assembled views from across the spectrum and from differing national contexts, representing a multidisciplinary response to the situation. This collection of papers aims thus to inspire fresh developments in the way we think about the complexities of and options available to, higher education.

This book's original contribution to a crowded literature on work and learning will attract strong international interest. Its focus on the philosophy of learning at work brings a fresh perspective on a topic normally viewed through psychological, anthropological and sociological eyes. It assembles a host of internationally recognized scholars who reflect on the various philosophies of work-based learning. Full of distinctive and original contributions that provide perceptive insights into the subject, the work will be a practical support to teachers, trainers and researchers at the same time as it gives readers a clear philosophical grounding in learning at work. It is, however, not simply a book about philosophy, but a gazetteer of approaches to education in work that will sustain and inspire those who provide, engage in, and support the learning of new knowledge and skills in the workplace. With adaptability to new employment opportunities so vital to existing workers, the authors stand behind continued provision of work-based learning in the face of tightening economic constraints.

This volume, Technological Aspects of Mentoring, edited by Frances K. Kochan and Joseph T. Pascarelli, will examine mentoring in the technological age. It will focus upon the impact and use of technology in terms of program development, mentoring roles, problems and solutions and issues to be addressed including confidentiality, ethics, and implications for future practice. The editors will explore the possibilities for tomorrow from the work of today.

Business educators everywhere are looking for opportunities where students can gain experiences through study or work in an international context. Study abroad offers meaningful opportunities for exposing business students to cross-cultural learning. In this volume, experts share experiences and guidelines for initiating study abroad programs in business schools. A variety of key issues are discussed, including funding for study abroad fellowships, integrating foreign language training, administrative arrangements for study abroad, and best practices. Perspectives from both US and European business schools are addressed.