Although the Japanese term "kyo-iku" is translated into English as "education," significant differences exist between the two terms. A new term, "ergonagy," has been advocated to help integrate the Japanese concept of kyo-iku and the Western concept of education. "Ergonagy" is formed from the Greek terms…

During the past 25 years, self-directed, informal, and independent learning by adults has been the subject of a significant amount of research in North America but comparatively little research in Great Britain. In the United States and Canada, "self-directed learning" has become an umbrella term that has been used by different…

The term "ergonagy" is formed from the Greek terms "ergon" (work) and "agogos" (lead). Ergonagy integrates concepts associated with education and training related to preparation for, and performance of, work. Pedagogy may be defined as the art and science of teaching, and andragogy may be defined as the art and…

A study examined the relationship between different types of learning climates and the levels of academic achievement in extra-mural classes in Nigeria. Investigated during the course of the study were the following six types of learning climates: open, autonomous, controlled, familiar, paternal, and closed. To determine what, if any, relationship…

This document is designed to introduce practitioners in the United Kingdom's learning and skills sector to the principles and practice of benchmarking. The first section defines benchmarking and differentiates metric, diagnostic, and process benchmarking. The remainder of the booklet details the following steps of the benchmarking process: (1) get…

This document contains summaries of the presentations and discussions that were part of a conference on human resource development (HRD) research and practice across Europe that focused on the theme of creativity and innovation in learning. The document begins with summaries of the following presentations: "Introduction" (Jim Stewart);…

The Faculty of Mechanical Engineering at the University Teknologi MARA, Malaysia, developed an undergraduate-level engineering curriculum that balances national interests with those of employers and academics. The curriculum was based on materials posted at the Internet sites of universities in the United States, United Kingdom, and Malaysia…

This document is designed to help adult educators implement the Teach with Style model of teaching adults. The introduction discusses how adults learn and the best way to teach them. Chapter 1 explains the tenets of the Teach with Style model, which is based on four distinct instructor styles. Chapters 2-5 detail the strategies and activities…

Computer-mediated instruction is particularly well-suited to typical community college students because it offers an alternative to the time and place constraints of traditional classrooms. Key characteristics of computer-mediated learning are as follows: instructors and students are separated by distance; instruction is delivered via computer…

A study examined whether Australia's technical and further education (TAFE) institutes are currently learning organizations or on the road to becoming learning organizations. Data were collected through a literature review and a questionnaire administered to staff at two dual-sector universities, two metropolitan TAFE institutes, and two…

The determinants of successful training practices in large Australian firms were examined. The study's three phases were as follows: (1) a review of existing literature; (2) a meta-analysis of previously conducted case studies of 49 large Australian firms in 14 industrial sectors; and (3) a comparative analysis of the findings of the past studies…

The question of why some employers opt to lay off current workers and hire new workers with different skills while other employers retrain and retain their workers was examined. First, the literature on employer-provided training and the role of social capital in the workplace was reviewed. Next, data from a 1994 national employers survey of firms…

European structures of qualification levels were examined through a review of reports on recent developments in Germany, Spain, France, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom. The examination focused on the following topics: the scope of the national frameworks; the definition of standards and qualifications; the definition of levels in…

Participation of U.S. adults in formal learning activities during the 1990s was examined by analyzing data from the 1991, 1995, and 1999 Adult Education Surveys that were part of the National Household Education Surveys Program. Overall, participation in adult education between 1991 and 1999 increased among all but one age group (35-44 years), all…

This bibliography lists 1,721 reports and publications that examine adult education in at least two countries and were published between 1945 and 1995. The oldest publications date from 1949, and the final 44 documents listed constitute a partial list of the international comparative adult education publications published in 1996. Publications are…