The study compared the career maturity levels of a sample of basic education students to the norms. Following a 10-week career development course, the gains of a treatment group were compared to those of a control group. No gains were found in the control group; however, the treatment group moved from the lowest to the highest norm quartile.…

While research on the human brain indicates that some learning difficulties may be related to differential development of parts of the brain, there are unanswered questions and design weaknesses in the research. Adult educators should concentrate on identifying students' preferred learning modes and helping them use all of their faculties. (JOW)

Discusses a study to assess the extent of association between measures of adult basic education achievement and selected teacher, student, and program organization variables. Provides descriptive data relative to the reading vocabulary and mathematics computation and achievement. (JOW)

Reviews recent literature on why some individuals do not participate in adult education. (CH)

Measures of syntactic knowledge and reading achievement were obtained for 41 students in an adult basic education center. Adults reading at or below fourth-grade level showed significantly less knowledge of syntax than adults at higher levels, even though the language test involved neither reading nor writing. (Author/CT)

The validity and usefulness of learning disabilities diagnoses have not been demonstrated. Identifying adult basic education students as learning disabled is not only unjustified but serves to confound understanding and remediation of their problems. (Author/JOW)

Established methods of teaching multiplication (tables, flash cards, repetitive exercises) do not work well with adult underachievers. The properties and concepts of multiplication of whole numbers must be presented as observable, fun, and practical. Finger math methods may succeed where pencil and paper fail. (SK)

Examines the relationship between locus of control and participation/completion among 553 clients in adult basic education classes. Findings only suggest a relationship between locus of control and completion. Findings do indicate variations among ethnic groups, educational levels, and age groups regarding completion and locus of control. (Author)

Describes a study that found that adult basic education (ABE) and general educational development (GED) students have low self-concepts and unrealistic career aspirations. Indicates the need for emphasis on building positive self-concepts and better career education programs for ABE and GED students. (JOW)

This assessment survey is intended to provide adult educators with some insights into the real and perceived stresses felt by their adult basic education (ABE) students. The test consists of 35 questions dealing with such items as failure in general, specific subject area, test taking, health, personal and marital problems, financial problems,…

Reviews numerous meaning-based vocabulary methods that use comparing, contrasting, making analogies, or developing examples of concepts and relates them to the adult basic education setting. (JOW)

An Iowa survey of 351 adult basic education participants uncovered 10 motivations for participation, which were used to develop a cluster-analysis market segmentation. Another Iowa study found 4 basic causes for nonparticipation: low perception of need, perceived difficulty, dislike of school, and situational barriers. (SK)

Discriminant analysis of data from Georgia counties was performed on eight variables (continuing education enrollment, vocational education enrollment, high school dropout, county employees, per capita income, per pupil costs, median years of education, criterion-referenced test scores). Results supported Schultz' argument for the impact of human…

Using Boshier's Education Participation Scale, this study analyzed reasons for participation in adult basic education programs. Patterns related to Levinson's life stages were examined. Recommended classroom strategies included small group instruction, mentoring, field experience, and community awareness programs. (SK)

The presence of a disabled student presents unique problems for the adult educator who is often unprepared for working with the handicapped. This paper presents a discussion of common difficulties encountered in working with disabled adults as well as strategies for improving their educational experience. (Author/SK)