This extensive literature search started on the Internet. The initial literature search yielded two lists of occupational competencies. Both lists emphasized subject-matter competence. Olson's study also pointed to a number of skills that were required more by trainers than teachers and vice versa. Education-specific literature on teacher development occurred frequently in ERIC searches.
Database searches for details on specific induction and certificate programs yielded very little.
Most references focused on K-12 teachers. Very few references focused on post-secondary technical instructors. General information on adult learning, mentoring, and induction were of greatest benefit. Industry-specific literature focused on performance and training. These resources also provided definitions on training types and indicated frequency of use and trends, which were used to design research tools.