Changes in the postindustrial era are forcing people to rethink goals, strategies for working, and how they organize to accomplish these aims. Innovations can reshape staff development programs, For some organizations, these times offer opportunities for "training not as usual." (JOW)

The author describes the preparation, delivery, and evaluation of five teleconferencing sessions and draws out the lessons learned. She relates the findings to the literature on the topic. (JOW)

Reviews the operational steps in conducting a major needs assessment study. Discusses who should be involved in the process, when the process should be conducted, how the process should be conducted, general steps, and criteria for an effective model. (CT)

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…

When traditional approaches to literacy programs and learners are examined critically, a new participatory paradigm that recognizes learners' capacities to shape and control program development emerges. (Editor)

A national literacy effort built on participatory principles will require study of existing learner-centered theory and practice, resource development, research and development, training and networking, and careful planning. Literacy educators and learners must support each other to create a constituency for the participatory alternative. (Editor)

Needs assessment is an integral part of designing instruction for adults. However, more work needs to be done to strengthen the definition and theory. Needs assessment will be served by carefully designed studies that analyze the extent and type of impact needs assessments have had on subsequent program development activities. (CT)

This article is concerned with short-term residential adult education conferences of four to five days duration--approximately the time normally allocated to large-scale national conferences. The author offers suggestions for enhancing the effectiveness of short-term residential conferences and touches on some of the theoretical concepts that…

Four major forces will provide the major influences on all adult learning in the next decade, and they affect conferences and meetings as well. The author discusses these four forces: friendly competition, appeals to the emotions, demands for quality, and increased research and development. (CT)

This article describes a needs assessment strategy for assessing client interest in a graduate liberal arts degree for adults. It is recommended that, in planning a new off-campus graduate degree program for adults, attention should be given to assessing needs both externally and internally. (CT)

The authors describe the wide array of NCR Corporation's training offerings that incorporate personal computers. The article looks at the personal computer not only as an effective resource for learning but also as a powerful resource for faculty engaged in instructional development. (Editor)

Learner-centered literacy programs in the United States have developed a range of participatory practices for instructional and management purposes. Participation can occur on a number of levels; learner participation can serve any of three purposes: efficiency, personal development, or social change. (Editor)

When labor, management, and literacy educators collaborate to develop a learner-centered literacy program, literacy educators must be willing to learn about the work and lives of industrial workers. The Academy at Eastern Michigan University is an alternative to traditional adult basic education that engages adults in collaborative learning.…

Effective administrators demonstrate three areas of proficiency--administration, program development, and planning and the use of research. (Editor)