This article discusses the teachers' role in self-directed learning (SDL) -- a central concept in adult education. We explore the use of Socratic questioning to develop critical thinking, which is the outcome of SDL in problem-based learning (PBL). In particular, we analyse 11 adult learners' reflective journals in relation to a Socratic seminar.…

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to examine students' experiences with a case-enhanced e-learning environment in a higher-education institute. Design/methodology/approach: In total, 67 graduate students volunteered to take part in this experiment. The participants were assigned to treatment groups using tutorial with case-based learning (CBL)…

A key factor motivating the organisation of tutorial classes for adult learners, based on collaboration between the Workers' Educational Association and universities in England and Wales, was a belief that they offered an educational vehicle for the promotion of liberal concepts of political citizenship. Attempts to disseminate this tutorial class…

This research examined the impact of formative quizzes on e-learning designed to teach volunteers how to tutor struggling readers. Three research questions were addressed: (1) Do embedded quizzes facilitate learning of e-content? (2) Does the announcement of upcoming quizzes affect learning? (3) Does prior knowledge interact with quizzing and…

The West Midlands (England) Police Force and the University of Nottingham collaborated on the development of a remedial course designed to assist ethnic minority applicants who failed the recruitment examination. Issues raised by formative evaluation of the course have implications for police-community relations and lifelong learning. (SK)

Reviews the major successes and failures of Athabasca University's efforts to extend access to a credible and academically sound university education to adult Canadians, largely through home-study packages. Discusses issues including rural/urban student differences, the role of tutors, adult student needs, student preparedness, and organizational…

Describes a university literacy tutorial program in which older adult college students received tutor training and then carried out one-to-one reading tutorials with adult male learners who were rehabilitating addicts. Offers two case studies, and shows that the program had a significant impact on tutors' commitment to community volunteerism and…

In response to the need for the tertiary sector to ensure the ongoing quality of teaching and learning, a Western Australian university has implemented a divisional strategic plan in order to gain quality student feedback and support staff professional development. In 2000-2002 the Business Division within the university established a systematic…