UNESCO established the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities (GNLC) to encourage the development of learning cities. By providing technical support, capacity development, and a platform where members can share ideas on policies and best practice, this international exchange network helps urban communities create thriving learning cities. The…

In the October 2007 issue of "Adults Learning," Paul Stanistreet wrote an article which celebrated the successes of the countryside access movement of the twentieth century. He highlighted how, while some of the legal barriers to access have been reduced, not all citizens are able to take advantage of the rights that were won by an…

In March 2006, Premier Wen Jiabao acknowledged that the situation in the Chinese countryside is desperate and claimed new resources would be devoted to healthcare and education. This announcement should have pleased architects of the Chinese "learning initiative" who are building learning cities and villages. The authors describe why…

Planning guidelines for community resource centers (CRCs) are introduced by an overview of current thought and existing programs in education, information, library, communication, and social services. Criteria for locating and housing a CRC are discussed. User diagrams, space diagrams, and performance guidelines are provided for ten services which…

This document contains a number of models that describes how a museum can act as a communications device to the public. The argument is made that a one-dimensional model is no longer sufficient to explain the communication between museum and visitor. The focus is on a model that provides what the visitor desires and needs in exhibits, tours,…

This research examines some of the factors that influence the learning process in an informal science education setting such as the Explora Science Center. Goals of the study include the completion of a qualitative as well as quantitative study on adult learning in an informal, hands on setting, observing and determining the learner…

This document is a compilation of papers on adult basic education in corrections presented at eight seminars held for decision makers in corrections. (The seminars provided training in the systems approach for planning and evaluating adult basic education programs for adult offenders in correctional institutions.) The first section focuses on the…

This handbook gives advice to the adult learner on such problems as effectively concentrating and listening, improving reading skills, responsibly participating in group discussions, and taking tests successfully. Also included are discussions concerning adults' learning processes and efficient study habits. Concluding chapters deal with the use…

An ecological framework for predicting citizen participation in grassroots community organizations and predicting community disorder problems (such as crime and fear) was developed and tested. The framework, which is called an ecological framework for sustainable community learning and development, delineates the relevant economic, political,…

Describes a study that looked at keyworkers' (mediators between museums and public) contributions to lifelong learning and to helping members of public overcome cultural exclusion. Reports that field studies were undertaken in the United Kingdom, Sweden, and Ireland. States that the study was used to develop museum policy, to attract public to…

The ARIN Adult Learning Center in Indiana, Pennsylvania conducted a project to develop language arts and consumer mathematics curriculums for O-4 level adult basic education (ABE) students. Using the five knowledge areas of the adult performance levels as established by the University of Texas, (consumer economics, health, occupational knowledge,…

Although this training manual was developed as a tool for trainers of African American and rural family caregivers of elders with dementia, it can easily be adapted for trainers of caregivers (both formal and informal) of persons other than those with dementia. The first section educates potential trainers about dementia, rural issues, ethnic…

This Replication Plan describes an Administration on Aging funded Project, "Assisting Caregivers of Black and Rural Elders with Dementia: Progressive Training through Trusted Resources." The project directly developed the capacities of trusted community leaders (n=69) who served as trainers of African American and rural family caregivers…

This manual provides a leisure education program for individuals with disabilities, to facilitate leisure functioning in their homes and communities. The program is first introduced to participants and families upon admission into supported employment and is designed to be facilitated by a training specialist or job coach. The program can be…

The possibility of using the concept of social capital as an analytical tool for exploring lifelong learning and community development was examined. The following were among the topics considered: (1) differences between definitions of the concept of social capital that are based on collective benefit and those that define social capital as a…