National policy stresses the key role of adult learning and skills in securing economic recovery. This close linking of adult learning policy to the recession agenda raises important questions. How has the recession impacted on the implementation of adult learning policy? What has it meant for service delivery? And what have been the consequences…

Describes the implementation of a 1989 law that mandated acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) education for Washington State health care workers. Makes recommendations for other states considering legislation and for educators and professionals involved in implementation of similar legislation. (JOW)

These proceedings contain twenty-one presentations made at the Second Annual Conference of the Council on the Continuing Education Unit (CEU). The opening speeches--Introduction to the CEU and Future Directions for a Learning Society--are followed by the panel discussion presentation, The CEU: Can It Withstand Scrutiny?, and two respondent…

The authors describe a series of workshops given on the topic of scientific literacy. Titles included (1) Human Genetics, (2) Microbes and Man, and (3) The Science of Growing Plants. They discuss program development, implementation, content, and outcomes. Policy-related observations are included. (Author/CH)

The New York State External High School Diploma Program is a competency-based assessment system serving adults who can demonstrate both basic and life skills. It represents an alternative to the General Educational Development (GED) program for busy, working adults--offering flexibility in time, location, and mode of assessment. Developed in the…

Lessons learned from the French experience in integrating continuing education into the universities include these: politically and ideologically, adult and continuing education are different and must be treated thus; autonomy is necessary; the university has no monopoly; and marginalization of adult education is a hazard of this approach. (MSE)

This article describes a workshop designed to provide registered nurses contemplating further education with both factual information and assistance in the decision-making process. It discusses the need for such workshops and describes how to plan and implement them. (Author)

This book describes and analyzes program planning and development in the field of continuing education. The book contains seven chapters. Building on the phases of program development and the role of the program planner in chapter 1, the book draws attention in chapter 2 to some of the many challenges that are common when programs are planned. The…

This book offers step-by-step guidance on using needs assessment to design high-quality programs in continuing education. The book begins with a definition and description of needs assessment as part of the process of developing a continuing education program. The first of the book's 10 chapters describes the role of needs assessment in…

This report summarizes the papers and discussions of a conference on education of older people. The conference had the following objectives: (1) to highlight examples of good practice in education and training for older people; (2) to encourage interprofessional contact and cooperation; and (3) to strengthen international networks in order to…

Gathering information is futile without implementation of programs based on the findings. Data from a single needs assessment study can provide useful information to decision makers at several levels. Studies of a general population of adults provide data for state, regional, and local continuing education practitioners. (CT)

This article elaborates the various goal orientations currently characterizing continuing professional education and identifies their practical implications. A goal orientations model is presented that may prove useful in addressing both programmatic and policy considerations. (CT)

Despite recent attempts at implementation, the government must play a more active role in promoting lifelong learning in Hong Kong. They did little until 1989, when the Open Learning Institute (OLI) was established. The OLI was innovative because it provided degree level courses for adults, without concern for prerequisite academic qualifications.…

Adult educators should be concerned with interpreting the concept of adult education to significant others. The newcomer to adult education needs to be aware of the following eight themes for a basic understanding: social and cultural climate, philosophical roots, program structure and forms, institutional bases, implementation processes, planning…

Quality circles can be defined as small groups of employees who meet regularly to solve problems and to find ways of improving aspects of their work. Quality circles are based on western ideas, but developed in Japan. Well-established guidelines for quality circles include support from management, clear reasons for the program, support of unions,…