In continuing education, recruitment is the step whereby adults are inducted into a program of systematic learning; retention relates to the capacity of the program to transform the initial commitment into continuing participation. Adult students are more likely to initiate and to continue participation when recruitment and retention activities…

Describes the recruitment and retention of adult students in light of two varieties of organizational theory. Compliance theory was formulated to classify relationships between organizational representatives and "lower participants" in large organizations. Open systems theory emphasizes the nature of the interaction between an…

This chapter outlines a holistic approach to higher education program planning for adults in which the potential and limitations of conventional universities to serve adults are considered. (Contains 15 references.) (Author)

Successful introduction of technology-delivered education to adult students can be enhanced by attention to program development, reliance on easy-to-use technology readily available to a wide range of students, and the parallel development of online learner supports and student services. This chapter describes how one institution has succeeded in…

Adult learner participation in program planning is accepted more in theory than in practice. Resistance to change and contextual constraints inhibit its implementation. Strategies addressing these two obstacles can encourage participation in situations where it meets learners' educational needs. (SK)

With fewer recent high school graduates available to attend college, colleges need to increase their efforts to attract adults. If colleges want to attract more adult students, they must develop a comprehensive marketing plan. The marketing process entails a thorough marketing study that includes a detailed institutional analysis, an analysis of…

This paper, published in 1965, identifies contemporary developments in adult and continuing education in three categories: a new climate and milieu, institutional changes, and new program developments. The following evidence of a new climate and milieu is discussed: broader scope and wider acceptance of adult education; more federal activity in…

Summarizes current knowledge about literacy, as related to learning in second language situations, and describes three approaches to instruction. A Vancouver project for Indo-Canadian women is described that implements these approaches and assesses participants' learning processes. (46 references) (Author/LB)

To benefit adult basic education (ABE) teachers, national, state, and regional efforts need to be made for systematic dissemination of 309 (Adult Education Act) Projects' innovative teaching strategies. ABE teacher training programs need to be established at colleges and universities and state certification requirements need to be revised.…

Recent trends in institutional accommodation of adult students in postsecondary education are discussed, and five key issues are identified: integration, transition, developmental research, leadership and faculty redirection, and fair pricing of programs. It is argued that a commitment to serving learners of all ages gives institutions a new sense…

Studies show Hispanics to have substantially higher rates of illiteracy than any other major population group in the United States. Illiteracy is one of a number of language problems for this population; other problems include limited oral English proficiency and native language illiteracy. Hispanics drop out of school in higher numbers and leave…

Theories of life cycle phases, adult development, and adult motivation to learn provide a basis for planning and developing campus activities to attract the attention of this market. (MSE)

In an extensive review of research on participation in adult education, the author discusses limitations and problems in past studies. If lifelong learning principles are to be adopted worldwide, he suggests that participation data be systematically collected and experimental research be rigorously conducted. (SK)

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…

This volume reviews literature and current practices in both the Personalized System of Instruction (PSI) and adult education that are pertinent to development and implementation of a PSI program for nontraditional adult learners. Chapter 2 provides a review of literature and current practices of PSI, especially that research providing evidence of…