This monograph presents five papers which focus on the importance of computers and technology as tools for increasing the amount and the quality of adult counseling, especially in the area of adult learning. The first paper, "Excellence, Equality, and Education: A Future for Counseling," by H. B. Gelatt, discusses the compatibility of the concepts…

This fact sheet offers guidelines to consider when developing educational programs for adults. Characteristics of adults which affect learning are discussed under the following headings: adult life cycle; time orientation geared toward immediacy; broad base of experience; independent self-concept; and social roles. The importance of allowing…

This monograph is based on the authors' visits and communications with directors and staff, and presents an analysis of adult counseling programs operating in many sites around the nation. General characteristics of adult counseling centers are assessed in terms of start-up and funding, public relations and referrals, location, hours of operation,…

The purpose of this paper is to review and synthesize the literature on adult development and to suggest how this information can be applied to the practice of adult education. The first section discusses the nature of adult development, its definition, and key concepts. Sequential patterns of change in adulthood are examined in section 2,…

Various researchers, including Carl Jung, Charlotte Buhler, Erik Erikson, and Robert Havighurst, have formulated sequential models of adult development. More recent investigators, such as Daniel Levinson, Roger Gould, and Gail Sheehy have formulated age-related sequential models of adult development that view the various stages of adulthood in…

Although volunteer tutors traditionally have formed the basis of the programs of Laubach Literacy Action and Literacy Volunteers of America, volunteers have begun to play a greater role in adult literacy instruction provided through community-based organizations, correctional institutions, churches, and federally funded adult basic education.…

This paper attempts to provide information in response to the needs of educators of adults with learning problems. For the adult education teacher, information is offered on the nature of learning, information processing, problems that can be diagnosed, and strategies suitable for adults with learning problems. For the administrator, focus is…

The Adult Education for the Homeless (AEH) program was initiated with funds provided through the McKinney Act of 1987. During its first 4 years, the AEH program served over 100,000 homeless adults. In 1991, 34,000 adults participated in AEH programs in 31 states; nearly half were women. Approximately 60% of those served were between the ages of 25…

R. G. Brockett in two recent articles (1988, 1990) has proposed a model for helping adult educators think about their decision making relative to ethical issues. This model describes a process that allows adult educators to draw upon their basic values in making practice decisions. The model's three interrelated dimensions or levels of ethical…

The literature on retention of adult learners strongly suggests that previous educational attainment is closely tied to participation and persistence. Educationally disadvantaged adults are more likely to lack self-confidence and self-esteem, have negative attitudes toward education, and need mastery of basic skills such as literacy before…

Research has suggested that many adults choose not to participate in available literacy programs because they equate literacy education with school. Two new directions in adult literacy program development are being explored in an effort to make programs more appealing to nonparticipants. The first is connected to program content and the second…

Reports on research probing job-related literacy demands and on programs promoting job literacy. (JT)

The need for a better educated work force has created a corresponding need for workplace literacy programs. A number of issues have emerged as the focus of literacy education has shifted from improving social mobility to providing employment-related literacy programs. Some of these issues are related to the need for more resources for workplace…

This fact sheet presents the needs and characteristics of handicapped adults as an aid in developing and adapting educational programs. Following a discussion of the desire which adult educators feel to provide opportunities for all students, four general problem areas are described: attitudes of others, lack of mobility, diminished cognitive or…

This monograph focuses on preretirement education and counseling programs as short-term events presented for the benefit of mature adults approaching retirement. The first section examines preretirement education from a historical perspective and includes a review of current programs. Forces affecting the future direction of preretirement…