Non-traditional study (its nature and its appropriateness in adult higher education) is examined from the viewpoint of an adult educator in higher education. Six factors are cited which should be included in a feasibility study of non-traditional studies to help determine the studies' appropriateness. (AG)

Many colleges and universities have turned to private subcontractors for help in developing off-campus programs to attract employed adults and others who have shown little interest in traditional curriculums. Considers the use of subcontractors from the point of view of universities as well as that of accrediting commissions. (Author/RK)

Reviewing the status and ideology of continuing education, patterns of administration and program development, faculty attitudes and behavior, and financing problems it is concluded that imaginative, low cost programs, integration with the faculty, meeting student needs, and improved relations with the community are needed to promote continuing…

The library has traditionally been a center for independent learning and individual self-directed education. The Dallas Public Library, in cooperation with Southern Methodist University, set up a library independent study project (ISP). College credit could be obtained through the College Level Examination Program (CLEP); however, learning for…

Continuing education for rural Americans is seen as a "step-child" to conventional on-campus programs. Elements of the British Open University are explored with the view of adapting them to American rural continuing education. (KR)

The characteristics and educational needs of adult students, who now outnumber traditional college-age students, are described. Nontraditional baccalaureate degree programs, such as external degree programs, designed to accommodate adult needs, are discussed. Developments within the military and within academic institutions to promote programs for…

A consortial effort of nine state universities in six Midwestern states, the University of Mid-America develops mediated credit and non-credit courses for use off-campus in teaching-at-a-distance programs. (Author)

This paper outlines the method and theoretical basis for establishing and implementing an independent study music curriculum. The curriculum combines practical and theoretical paradigms and leads to an external degree. The computer, in direct interaction with the student, is the primary instructional tool, and the teacher is involved in indirect…

One response to the new climate in higher education has been a proliferation of what has come to be termed "nontraditional" studies. These studies include time-shortened degree programs, credits and/or degrees by examination, extended campus programs, special programs for adults, and secondary school-higher education coordination. Presents the…

Several essays are presented which discuss alternative delivery systems for adult education in Canada. The individual papers focus on the following topics: 1) an overview of an open Basic Training for Skill Development program; 2) Canadian open adult learning systems; 3) the affective relationship between television and the adult basic education…

A report on the status of the external degree in nursing, the article describes its progress to date, the processes involved, the clinical performance examination, and follow-up studies. (Author/EA)

The author discusses a possible framework for the development of continuing education through the production of learning materials at the local level, developing models, and the leadership role of the Open University in continuing education. (Author/BP)

Suggests alternatives to traditional methods of "dispensing" higher education to lifelong learners, focusing on changing teacher responsibilities, older college students, crediting experiential learning, extending services to private and public agencies, and learning contracts. Cites two examples of using contract learning. (JM)

Proceedings of an international conference on adult and external degree programs are presented. Selected papers are drawn from the areas of distance learning, support services, intra-institutional, curriculum, and teaching. They include: "Uses of Distance Education for Graduate Professional Degrees" (Ruth J. Person and Raymond Vondran); "Library…

In 1998, the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools established a fifteen-member Task Force to study the practices and procedures employed in adult degree completion programs. An adult degree completion program is identified as one that is designed especially to meet the needs of the working adult who, having acquired sixty or more…