This thesis undertakes an exploration of teaching at the margins in an effort to articulate teaching assumptions to improve education of multicultural groups. The methodology of retrospective dialogue is explained in chapter 1. Chapter 2 describes two theories that have been advanced for the education of poor/immigrant/working class…

Practical assistance for adult educators is offered in this four-part document, which outlines the present status of adult education, particularly with regard to courses about computers, and discusses an approach for improving the situation. Important considerations in the improvement of adult education are discussed, including the conditions of…

A study evaluated preparatory methods of developing competence to become certified as an Iowa Fire Fighter I. Hypotheses were that no significant differences in written examination scores would be found when comparing structured learning with self-study preparation or when comparing candidate gender; a significant difference would be found in…

A course outline and sample materials for a course in English for garment workshop employees in New York are presented, and theoretical considerations in establishing an English for specific purposes (ESP) course are explored. Attention is directed to the needs analysis process undertaken in the garment industry. Specifically, ESP is used to mean…

Recent research indicated that a field dependent cognitive style, often culture-based, can cause problems for learners of English as a Second Language (ESL). English language ability and learning styles, and field dependence (FD), and field independence, were tested in 157 adult Korean and Japanese ESL learners in university and…

The purpose of this research effort was to introduce the use of simulations in adult learning situations to enhance communication skills in a creative, effective, and enjoyable manner. Adult educators in academic settings or in business and industry training can use simulations not only to teach a concept but also to improve communication skills…

In order to study for citizenship tests, amnesty students need to be able to read U.S. history material, although they usually have no background knowledge for it. According to schema theory, background knowledge is important for reading comprehension. Research has shown significant improvement in the reading comprehension of intermediate level…