ALHRD/ IDEAS - Northern Virginia Center - Virginia Tech

ALHRD/ IDEAS
Juthamas Thongsukmag, Editor
Inside this issue:
New Department head 1
Informal Learning Course 1
Philosophical Foundation
of HRD class
Dialogue in Organization
Success Stories 2-3
Course List for Spring 4
AHRD Conference Info 5
The Virginia Tech Foundation 6
1
Fall, December 2000, Volume1. Issue 4
Adult Learning & Human Resource Development
Virginia Tech Northern Virginia Center, 7054 Haycock Rd, Falls Church, VA 22043
Office: (703) 538-8475, Fax: (703) 538– 8465
? New Department head in Blacksburg
In this issue, the ALHRD would like to welcome our new Human Development department
head in Blacksburg, Dr. Fred Piercy. Dr. Piercy comes from Purdue University with an extensive
background in Marriage & Family Therapy (MFT). As some of you may know, Dr.
Piercy visited NVGC to touch base with faculty, graduate assistants, staff members, and
students in the ALHRD and MFT program on November 27. During his visit, a meeting
was held where many important issues were brought up and discussed with Dr. Pierce. Unfortunately,
enough time was not dedicated to completely resolve all issues. The meeting
was productive overall and Dr. Piercy's visit will contribute in adding quality to the
ALHRD program in the future.
The informal learning course will not be available at the NVGC this upcoming
Spring semester. The course is limited only to students enrolled in a cohort at the FBI
Academy in Quantico campus. Therefore, Dr. Albert Wiswell will have to drive back and
forth between NVGC campus and Quantico. For those students who plan to register for
this course, the informal learning course will be available Summer Session I, 2001.
Those who plan to register for the Philosophical Foundations of HRD course please
noted that Lev Vygotsky's 'Thought and Language', published in English translation in
1962 will be the book that Jamie selected for the class and the first session begins on January 27.
Dialogue in Organization HD: 5984 # 16295
Dialogue in Organization is a an interesting course offered this spring. As students and professionals in organizations,
we need to be especially concerned in our technology– isolated dot.com world to find ways to communicate ideas and
relate to one another. To be successful team players we need to form collaborative, cooperative partnerships; actively listen to
and understand the meaning of what others say; and, learn to suspend judgment and respond in a non-confrontational way.
This course is a practical “hands-on” skill– learning course that focuses on how to effectively manage our interpersonal
communication behaviors and professional relations in the workplace. Students will examine the relevant the research, skills
and models, and practice dialoguing and during each of the class sessions.
Working with Emotional Intelligence By Danial Goleman, and SYMLOG, a standardized development tool for leadership
and teamwork effectiveness, provide the course a theoretical foundation. This course is framed by guidelines, the latest research
finding, model and best practices cited in the organizational literature. This course helps participants develop the following
skill
a) managing themselves ( personal competence, self awareness, self confidence, self- control),
b) handling their relationships ( social competence, building empathy , cooperation, rapport and teamwork), and
c) dialoguing one-on-one or in small groups for brainstorming and solving problems ( working with customers— coworkers
and clients— to get their needs met)
This course will be taught by Dr. Harriet Lawrence, an organizational consultant specializing in management development
through facilitation and coaching interventions. She has published many article focusing on communication skills and strategies,
and made numerous presentations in there areas ( http:// www.harrietlawrence.com)

Success Stories
Page 2
? Dr. Marcie Boucouvalas has been quite on the go these days, and has made several key presentations recently. In November 2000, she
and her students in International Adult Education class including Marge Battaglia, Vanviva Bhumibanit, The Reverend Margaret Ann
(Sam), Mary Falkey, Gale Kamen, Fernanda Mota, Katie Munive, Helen Bond Peters. Mary Repass; Charlan Smith made a presentation
entitled “ The United Nations and Human Rights: An adult education perspective”, at the International Pre Conference of the American
Association for Adult and Continuing Education, Providence, Rhode Island. In addition, Dr. Boucouvalas has also presented "Dialogues
in Andragogy (International)" to the commission of profession of Adult Education. She has also been active in serving as Chair of Malcolm
S. Knowles Memorial Committee, and currently speaks about the ongoing activities underway by the committee. If anyone is interested
in becoming involved with the aforementioned committee, please contact Dr. Marcie Boucouvalas (Tel: 703-538-8469) or email at
marcie@vt.edu.
? A research paper by Mary Repass & Letitia Combs was selected for the International Congress held in Finland, August 21-22, 2000.
The title of the p aper was Retirement in Japan and Resulting Challenges for Japanese Adult Education. The conference was sponsored by
Northern Illinois University and the University of Finland.
? The Episcopal Preaching Foundation has selected Fondy Sam’s Sunday sermon ( Sam Faeth) as one of the outstanding sermons of the
year. It will be published in “Preaching through the year of Matthew - Sermons that work” ( available next fall )
? Dr. Letitia Combs has been promoted to the position of Director of Learning Strategies for VERTEX Solutions, a Falls Church firm that
works with organizations to build effective learning solutions. Vertex specializes in designing, building, and integrating the multiple dimensions
of enterprise learning solutions. The goal of the company is to increase human performance, augment knowledge capital, and
improve the way individuals and organizations learn. The Learning Strategies Practice provides effective, integrated learning solutions to
VERTEX customers that enhance individual, team, and enterprise performance. To compliment her work at VERTEX Solutions, Letitia
will continue her adjunct faculty appointment at Virginia Tech. She teaches Knowledge Management, Distance Learning Theory and
Practice, Facilitating Adult Learning, and Designing Adult Learning Experiences
? Have you ever wondered why Dr. Jamie Callahan has been working late in her office these days? Don't be surprised to learn that with
Have you ever wondered why Dr. Jamie Callahan has been working late in her office these days? Don't be surprised to learn that with
numerous publications in process, Dr. Callahan is preparing for two presentations for the AHRD conference at Tulsa, Oklahoma in March
numerous
2001. At the
publications
conference,
in process,
Dr. Callahan
Dr. Callahan
will be presenting
is preparing
a paper
for two
entitled
presentations
“Mary Parker
for the
Follett:
AHRD
A
conference
Philosopher
at
of
Tulsa,
HRD”,
Oklahoma
which was
in March
also
2001.
co-authored
At the
by
conference,
Leslie Wheelock,
Dr. Callahan
and will
will
serve
be presenting
as one of two
paper
keynote
entitled
speakers
“Mary
for
Parker
the “Toward
Follett: Forum
Philosopher
Opening
of
Ceremony”
HRD”, which
presentation.
was also
co-authored
Aside from her
by Leslie
hectic
Wheelock,
conference
and
preparation
will serve
schedule,
as one of
Dr.
two
Callahan
keynote
has
speakers
been active
for the
in
“Toward
other various
Forum
projects.
Opening
Just
Ceremony”
recently, Dr.
presentation.
Callahan
Aside
was appointed
from her
as
hectic
an editor
conference
for a special
preparation
issue entitled
schedule,
“Emotional
Dr. Callahan
behavior:
has been
A Leverage
active in other
Point
various
for Organizational
projects. Just
Change”
recently,
in Advances
Dr. Callahan
in
was
Human
appointed
Resource
as an
Development.
editor for special
What's
issue
more,
entitled
Dr. Callahan,
“Emotional
along
behavior:
with co-author, Leverage
Jerry Gilley,
Point for
has
Organizational
been writing an
Change”
article
in
entitled
Advances in
Human
“Transforming
Resource
supervisory
Development.
practices:
What's
A
more,
performance–based
Dr. Callahan, along
approach
with
for
co-author,
faculty and
Jerry
staff
Gilley,
development”.
has been writing
This interesting
an article
article
entitled
will soon
“Transforming
be published in
supervisory
the International
practices:
National performance–based
Reform. And last
approach
but not least,
for faculty
she has
and
also
staff
completed
development”.
co-authoring
This interesting
with Eric McCollum
article will
the
soon
be
article
published
entitled
in
“Conceptualizations
the International National
of emotional
Reform.
contexts:
And last
A
but
framework
not least,
for
she
understanding
has also completed
of HRD
co-authoring
research &
with
practice.
Eric
Wow!
McCollum
What
the
a
article
success!
entitled “Conceptualizations of emotional contexts: framework for understanding of HRD research practice. Wow! What success!
Marjorie Battaglia presented a paper at International Dabrowski conference
The fourth Biennial Advanced Symposium The fourth on Biennial Dabrowski’ Advanced s Theory Symposium held July 8– on 11th Dabrowski’ , 2000 in s Quebec, Theory held Canada July was 8– 11th an experience , 2000 in Quebec,
Canada in another was world an experience or on another I shall planet. never I forget. had never It was before almost met like any landing of the participants in another yet world I felt or a on part
I shall
never forget. It was almost like landing
of the group and I was greeted with another open arms. planet. I sort I had of floated never before through met the any four of days, the participants just soaking yet it all I felt in. a The part participants of the group were and I all was deeply
committed to and involved in Dabrowski’ greeted s with theory open of Positive arms. I sort Disintegration. of floated through About the half four were days, psychologists just soaking who it all apply in. The the theory participants clinically.
The other half were educators were of the all deeply gifted who committed apply theory to and involved to teaching and Dabrowski’ counseling. s theory All lived of Positive and exemplified Disintegration. the theory About personally,
emanating empathy and concern were psychologists for others. The who experience apply the was theory much clinically. more a spiritual The other retreat half than were an educators academic of conference. the gifted who
half
The title of the conference was “The
apply
Labyrinth:
theory to teaching
Safe Journey
and
and
counseling.
Homecoming.”
All lived
Hence,
and exemplified
many presentations
the theory
revolved
personally,
about
emanating
myth and
meditation. Most were very creative.
empathy
I felt like
and
mine,
concern
“Historical
for others.
and
The
Spiritual
experience
Origins
was
of
much
Kazimierz
more a
Dabrowski’
spiritual retreat
s Theory
than
of
an
Positive
academic
Disintegration”
would come across as exceedingly
conference.
boring and academic. Yet the room was packed and my presentation was very well received.
Many thanks from the attendees ensured The for title embracing of the conference the topic. was Everyone “The Labyrinth: felt historical Safe research Journey on and Dabrowski Homecoming.” was badly Hence, needed. many I received
many additional references and entations suggestions revolved for about further myth research and meditation. paths. The contributions Most were very of creative. the group I are felt still like arriving mine, “Historical via my e-mail and
pres-
Most important to me was my introduction
Spiritual
and
Origins
acceptance
of Kazimierz
in to Dabrowski
Dabrowski’
’s “inner
s Theory
circle”.
of Positive
These
Disintegration”
are Dabrowski’
would
s closet
come
friends,
across
students
and coauthors. Each knew Dabrowski
as
exceedingly
very
boring
well,
and
each
academic.
form a different
Yet the
perspective.
room was packed
I gain
and
insights,
my presentation
stories, remembrances
was very well
and
received.
opportunities
for future correspondence. What
Many
a
thanks
precious
from
gift!
the
What
attendees
a way
ensured
to begin
for
a dissertation!
embracing the topic.
Everyone felt historical
research on Dabrowski was badly needed. I received many addi-
I was almost like landing in another world or on another
planet… what a way to begin a dissertation”
tional references and suggestions for further research paths. The
“ I was almost like landing in
contributions of the group are still arriving via my e-mail
Most important to me was my introduction and acceptance in to
Dabrowski ’s “inner circle”. These are Dabrowski’ s closet friends, students and coauthors. Each
knew Dabrowski very well, each form a different perspective. I gain insights, stories, remembrances
and opportunities for future correspondence. What a precious gift! What a way to begin a dissertation!
another world or on another
planet… what a way to begin
a dissertation”

Page 3
Redefining the Information Technology Workforce: A New Horizon for
Adult Education
By Milton Lawler
When I started the ALHRD program, I created a spiritual based training program called the Church Based Computer
Training (CBCT ©) program. The CBCT © helped 65 members from a local church prepare for positions in the computer industry.
At the time there were 28,000 vacant computer positions in the Washington metropolitan area. The participants of the
CBCT © realized at least one of the following three results:
1. They overcame their apprehension of computers.
2. They received training to pass certification examinations for the Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE).
3. They became self-directed learners and continued their education at a local community college or on the job.
These results gave the participants the confidence to change their personality and become true adult learners. The CBCT ©
was a success because the training was based in the spiritual doctrine of our church. Faith Based Training © (FBT©) is the
driving force behind my latest initiative in adult education. Portions of American society are faced with the reality of caring for
their grandchildren or elderly parents. Some Americans in this situation are either retired or preparing to retire. My latest initiative
in adult education will help members from my church prepare for the GED and receive basic information technology training.
By helping them qualify for information technology positions they will gain skills to become telecommuters. As a telecommuter
they can care for their parents or grandchildren while working from their home. This initiative compliments information
technology initiatives in the private and government sectors. As of June 2000, there have been initiatives to find ways to increase
the number of minorities and women in information technology careers. These initiatives have included defining the digital
divide. This definition highlights the number of households with access to the INTERNET. Also the digital divide definition
identifies the number of high school/GED holders along with the number of people
who have earned a degree or
have some college. The INTERNET in turn is the portal to INTERNET Based Trainpopular
leg of distance education/learning.
IBT is more popular than its stand -alone counterpart; computer based training,
(CBT). IBT gives a user access to colleges offering degrees leading to a Ph.D.
and school districts, which awards high school diplomas via the world- wide- web.
Most IBT is delivered in an asynchronous learning environment. This gives the selfdirected
learner the flexibility to receive their training at any time during the day.
A just in time learning environment is a perfect fit for the adult learner seeking
information technology training. Since information technology changes on a daily
basis, the workforce must have access to the latest training to qualify for information
ing (IBT), ergo the current
“ I discovered during the CBCT © that I
teach better when I teach from the heart.
When I teach from the heart I am able to
share an energy which conveys a lesson
better than traditional methods.”
technology jobs. As people qualify for better paying positions, they leave information technology positions vacant for entry to
intermediate level employees. A problem exists when the entry level to intermediate level positions require a degree or at a
minimum a high school diploma or GED. Most employers use this requirement
as a screening mechanism while others require their employees to have
basic reading, writing, computing, INTERNET and mathematical skills. I
agree with the latter and believe these five components are necessary to ensure
a literate information technology workforce. This problem is compounded
because most students who attend accredited training at 4 -year institutions of
higher education use federal funds to finance their education. These institutions
require a student to have a high school diploma or a GED in order to access
federal funds to receive training in information technology. FBT © will
help adults prepare for their GED exam or update their high school education
in order to prepare for training in information technology at a 4-year institution
or via the INTERNET. FBT © will give enrollees the ability to learn in a
non-threatening spiritually enriched environment.
I discovered during the CBCT © that I teach better when I teach from
the heart. When I teach from the heart I am able to share an energy which
conveys a lesson better than traditional methods. The instructional methodologies I employed in the past were lecture, demo n-
stration, and facilitation. I employ these methodologies now but the spiritual framework adds a different and exciting dimension
to the classroom environment. Along with IBT, faith based training will give participants exposure to state-of-the-art information
technology training while they prepare for their GED or update their high school education. Inclusion of adults retraining into
information technology not only redefines the information technology workforce but it adds a new horizon to adult education as a
practice and a field of study.

Page 4
During November 27, 2000 - February 23, 2001 you can register for the Spring 2001 courses through ALHRD
website. Steps are so simple as follows : 1) Go to www.nvgc.vt.edu/alhrd 2) Click on a course button on your
left 3) Click on Enrollment 4) Type your PID and password. 5) Go to Hookia spa 2000 area.
Below are courses offered for this spring.
The AL/HRD Spring Course list
CRN Course Title Cr Hrs Seat Instructor Day Time
15990 ALHR- 5514 Adult Learning 3 13/25 M. Boucouvalas W 7:00– 9:50 PM
15984 ALHR– 5534 Des& Cond Adult Learning 3 17/25 L. Combs M 7:00– 9:50 PM
15991 ALHR– 5544 Small Groups in Adult Learning 3 15/25 B. Wiswell S 9:00AM-
5:00PM
15996 ALHR– 6804 History of American Adult Education 3 15/15 H. Stubblefield T 4:00 – 6:50
PM
15981 ALHR-6814 Consulting with Human Systems 3 15/25 J. Callahan T 7:00– 9:50 PM
15983 HD–5984 SS-Philosophy of HRD 3 12-15 J. Callahan S 9:30- 5:30 PM
First meet
1/27
16078 HD-5984 SS-Prof Concerns in ALHRD
Limited to ALHRD Ph.D. students in
Residency
1 20-25 M. Boucouvalas (ARR) TBA
First Meeting
1/17/01 at
5:00PM
16295 HD-5984 SS: Dialogue in Organizations 3 24/25 H. Lawrence R 4:00- 6:50 PM
15653 EDRE-5404 Found of Ed Res Eval 3 17/25 Staff T 4:00- 6:50 PM
Spring Research Courses for NVGC
15657 EDRE– 6614 Qual Meth in Ed Res 3 21/25 M. Lichtman W 4:00-6:50 PM
16208 EDRE- 6634 Advance Stat for EDuc 3 24/25 G. Belli W 4:00-6:50 PM
15654 EDRE-6704 Eval Meth in Ed 3 18/25 M. Cline R 7:00-9:50 PM
15655 EDRE-6794 Advan Topics : Survey Res Design 3 23/25 G. Belli T 4:00-6:50 PM
15656 EDRE-6794 Advan Topic: Beh Sci Mthds II 3 15/25 M. Lichtman R 4:00-6:50 PM
16061 EDRE-6794 Advance Topic: Coding 3 18/25 M. Cline R 4:00-6:50 PM
? Training Specialist
Tetra Tech EM Inc. currently seek a hands-on training specialist,
for Reston , VA office, who will be responsible for managing
complex training projects and working directly with other employees
and federal clients to develop and deliver technical training
courses, including computer-based training. Candidate must have
5+ yrs. of training exp., including expertise in instructional design
and adult learning. A BS in instructional design or related field
required. Prior exp. in the environmental field is desirable. For
consideration, forward your resume to dcresume@ttemi.com.
Visit the website at
www.ttemi.com.
EOE
Job Announcement
? Team Leader of Organizational Learning' position.
The Zammataro Company needs someone to be a department
head of the instructional design and development
department and will give preference to someone with a
graduate degree in AL, T&D, ISD, etc. the recruiters are
from Ohio. If interested, stop by Jamie’s office and make
a copy of the job announcement or contact the Zammataro
Company (recruiters) at 330-656-1055.

Adult Learning/ Human Resource Development
Virginia Tech Northern Virginia Center
7054 Haycock Rd, Falls Church, VA 22043
Phone: 703-5388475, Fax: 703-538-8465
Visit our website at
www.nvgc.vt.edu/alhrd
Gifts and Endowments for the ALHRD Program
As you are thinking about end of year charitable deductions, the ALHRD Program now has a special account with the Virginia
Tech Foundation. You may make tax deductible donations targeted for the benefit of the Adult Learning and Human Resource Development
Program and it's students. This can be in any amount, from a few dollars to support scholarships, to higher amounts
which we will use to begin an endowment. If you or your organization are interested in providing even a more generous contribution
which could result in naming a building in honor of the contribution, let us know! Checks can be made to The Virginia Tech Foundation,
memo ALHRD Program, and sent to our program office.
Subscribe ALHRD Listserv
? Get on line and subscribe ALHRD LISTSERV !! Periodically we will be sending out important information about the program,
call for papers, and job announcement from many organizations. Only you can make sure our listserv is complete. If you have
not join our student or alumni LISTSERV, we encourage you to send e-mail to :
?
alhrd-students@tomato.nvgc.vt.edu,
alhrd-alums@tomato.nvgc.vt.edu