The variability effect occurs when learners' exposure to highly variable tasks results in better learning. It was hypothesised that learners who studied high variability worked examples would obtain higher post-test scores compared to learners who studied low variability examples, and learners who self-generated problem solutions for the same high…

Distance learning has become increasingly popular among higher learning institutions, and more academic disciplines, such as mathematics, are now being offered at a distance. This experimental study investigated whether an objectivist-based teaching strategy or a constructivist-based teaching strategy yields greater achievement scores for adult…

In researching how adult numeracy teachers actively motivate and enable learners to apply the numeracy skills they learn to their own real life practices, a case study of two adult numeracy teachers and their learner groups was undertaken. This paper compares the teachers' contrasting personal experiences of mathematics learning to consider how…

This paper describes application of innovative practice and procedures in relationship to recognized principles and theory of adult education used in college math instruction. Adult learning principles provide the theoretical constructs and foundation of the practice supporting a learner-centered approach to learning. The purpose was to explore…

"Connected teaching" is a feminist theory first proposed by Belenky, Clinchy, Goldberger and Tarule (1996, p. 214) then related to the teaching of mathematics by Becker (1995, 1996), Buerk (1994b) and Morrow (1996). The theory of intellectual development elaborated by Belenky and her colleagues uncovered themes common to many women's…

The definition of "English language classroom" is changing. When students have the opportunity to learn content and language at the same time, disciplinary boundaries overlap. Teachers are rethinking how they design courses, plan lessons, assess students, and collaborate with colleagues to support student learning and facilitate their…

In K-12 classrooms, as well as on the college and university level, the incorporation of digital games has played a vital role in the educational system. While introducing teachers to new fields, these digital games have been designed and implemented for the classroom and have shown positive results at a variety of educational levels. Cases on…

Suggests five steps for organizing learning experiences involving computational skills for adult basic education programs: (1) meet the needs of students; (2) incorporate lessons in communication; (3) use a variety of materials; (4) begin instruction where the student's knowledge leaves off; and (5) teach by means of concrete useful examples. (MB)

While special care is needed to adapt approaches and strategies to the instructional requirements of adult populations, the innovative learning experiences inspired by the NCTM Curriculum and Evaluation Standards for School Mathematics are examples of good pedagogy that integrate nicely into an androgogical learning environment. This paper…

This literature review provides a portrait of the current state of theory, instruction, assessment, and professional development of numeracy education for Adult Basic Education (ABE) students. It addresses the following five research questions by summarizing key findings from the literature: (1) How does adult numeracy develop and how does it…

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to investigate the blended learning preferences under which adult students study mathematics, electronics and industry certificate examinations like project management and e-SAP (systems, applications and products). Design/methodology/approach: The study is based on four case studies in mathematics,…

A project was conducted at Reading Area Community College (Pennsylvania) to develop the basic reading, writing, and mathematics skills of students with learning disabilities, to develop the self-esteem of these students, to motivate them, and to develop a model program that could be used by other adult education providers. The project featured a…

A mathematics curriculum, based on building up an adult's confidence through success and in teaching practical math abilities that are relevant to adult needs, is discussed. (BP)

Investigates the role of language in adult numeracy classrooms, utilizing the resources of systemic functional linguistics and constructs derived from conversational analysis and ethnomethodology to examine how these classrooms are constructed in discourse. The study characterizes these classrooms as mixed-mode discourse sites and examines how…

Describes a study that investigated the influence of small-group work on confidence level and achievement of adults in mathematics, specifically in algebra. Students who participated in the experimental (small-group) method of instruction experienced significantly greater increase in confidence level, and higher completion rate, than students who…