A new perspective on client service: From on-the-job to structured competencybased training. The University of Wollongong Library experience,a descriptive case study

Abstract

Skilled and knowledgeable staff equipped to respond to change is a key learning and growth goal of the University of Wollongong Library. But how do front line staff develop and maintain their client-centred service skills and behaviours? How do they manage the myriad of diverse needs and expectations from a constantly changing student population, within a volatile technological environment? By challenging established approaches to service delivery training, it was possible to demonstrate a need to be more adaptable and responsive. We recognized that earlier approaches such as on-the-job training were no longer adequate. In 2009 the University of Wollongong Library introduced competency-based training. This represented a new approach to staff training and an opportunity for renewal. Numerous factors contributed to this decision, with the overarching goal being to keep our staff on the cutting edge of service delivery. A systematic approach was used that involved researching competency-based training ideologies; identifying core client service skills, knowledge and behaviours; identifying learning outcomes; developing module content; identifying assessment criteria; and programme delivery.     

An Online Stress Management Support Group for Social Workers

SUMMARY

This article describes the use of a listserv to make a contribution to that sector of the human service profession which struggles with burnout. The author develops, conducts and evaluates an online support group for social workers.     

How Rehabilitation Professionals Define the Concepts of Spirituality and Religion When Working with Individuals with Disabilities

ABSTRACT

Recently, some helping professionals have called for the inclusion of spirituality and religion in practice. This has created an important debate. As a result, it has become apparent that individual educators and practitioners are unclear about what is meant by these concepts as they relate to practice. This study utilized in-depth interviews to understand the essential meanings that fifteen rehabilitation professionals assigned to the concepts of spirituality and religion in their practices with individuals with disabilities. Two essential themes developed for spirituality, and three developed for religion. Implications for the future use of these concepts in practice are discussed.     

Counseling Competencies for Sexual Minority Clients

Abstract

Being able to work effectively with clients from diverse backrounds has become a necessity in good counseling practice. Professional associations have acknowledged this in recent years by identifying and articulating multicultural competencies that inform both the practice of counseling, but also the training of counselors. Specific attention to competencies in working with LGBT clients has been identified as a sub-set of these overall cultural competencies. In this paper, leaders within the Association for Gay, Lesbian, and Bisexual Issues in Counseling present specific ways in which counselors can provide culturally sensitive counseling to sexual minority clients and their families that are in line with the counselor training guidelines established by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).     

技工院校一体化教师培训现状调查与研究

教师培训是教师走上教学岗位后对其不断地进行知识更新和技能锻炼的有效形式.结合技工院校一体化课程教学改革的要求,在对全国7 0多所技工院校一体化教师培训现状调查研究的基础上,探讨了技工院校一体化教师培训的有效措施,以促进教师专业成长.     

高职学生顶岗实习存在的问题及对策

高等职业教育培养具有一定理论知识和较强实践能力的技术应用型人才,职业教育的人才培养模式要切实落实工学交替、顶岗实习的环境,要根据职业活动的内容、环境和过程来研究职业教育的培养模式.文章对高职学生顶岗实习的必要性、存在的问题及改进对策进行了探讨.     

国家示范校中职“双师型”教师培养途径的研究——以广西玉林农业学校为例

立足国家示范校建设需要,针对中职“双师型”教师培养中存在的问题,从学校与教师两个层面设计“双师型”教师的培养途径,即在学校发展层面实施“双师型教师培养五大工程”,在教师发展层面实施“双师型教师培养四个主动方案”,为提升教师的教学、实践、科研等综合素质提供一个切实的举措,最终实现学校发展与教师自身发展的双赢。     

高职院校师资队伍建设存在的问题及其对策

高职院校师资队伍建设是提高高职教育质量的关键因素。对高职院校师资队伍建设存在的问题进行梳理,同时提出了高职院校师资队伍建设的一些对策。     

产学研用相结合，创新高职院校实训基地建设

实训基地建设对高职院校人才培养起着至关重要的作用。新时期,以产学研用为指导,拓展高职院校实训基地在教学、科研、服务领域的新功能．对更新教学理念、创新教学方法,提升创新能力,提高人才培养质量有着重要的意义。