In this paper, we examine the post-secondary plans and attainment of adult learners in Toronto, Ontario. We first describe the population of adult learners in Canada's largest city, describing how they are largely made up of immigrants who use the continuing education adult day programs at the Toronto District School Board to upgrade their skills.…

Reviews various proposals of the Economics Association (Great Britain) which address the need for improved economic understanding among adults. Discusses adult motivations, barriers to learning, learning methods, and sources of economic understanding. Recommends further research, pilot projects, and other means of promoting adult economic…

Since 1991, the U.S. has had a national research and development (R&D) center focused on programs that help adults to improve their language, literacy, and numeracy skills; to acquire a General Educational Development (GED) or other high school certification; and to transition into postsecondary education or training. For the first five years,…

Recent Congressional action on reauthorization of the Higher Education Act takes important steps toward equalizing postsecondary educational opportunities for adults. Provisions of the 1980 Education Amendments include more equitable treatment in financial aid programs, new emphasis on continuing education, and new studies of adult learning. (SK)

An explanation of the Continuing Education Unit (CEU) is offered in this paper. At Jefferson College in Missouri, the CEU is an evaluative unit used in awarding a Continuing Education Diploma. The CEU is defined as ten contact hours of participation in an organized continuing education experience under responsible leadership, capable direction and…

Through the years, many researchers have advanced theories of problem solving. Probably the best definition of problem solving to apply to adult learning programs is Wallas' (1926) four-stage theory. The stages are (1) a preparation, (2) an incubation period, (3) a moment of illumination, and (4) final application or verification of the solution.…

Analyzes and contrasts a number of Roman Catholic documents, published in the United States and foreign countries, emphasizing theological themes which are presented as central to adult religious education. Focuses on the tension between church authority and adult education principles. Concludes that the optimism of the documents is diminished by…

Although the origins of self-help groups can be traced back to early history, the self-help movement as we know it today began almost 50 years ago. Approximately 15 million Americans currently belong to about 500,000 different self-help groups. Adults in transition are likely to seek both formal and informal sources of help when faced with…

This sourcebook, intended for museum professionals, is an introduction to issues of lifelong learning, adult education, continuing education, and community education. It also provides a brief historical review and examples of museum programs for adults. These programs and services include bulletins and journals, slide-tape and video presentations,…

In October 1983, the National Institute of Handicapped Research (NIHR) released its report on the state-of-the-art meeting on the Special Rehabilitation Needs of Learning Disabled Adults. This article presents the seven research priorities forwarded to NIHR and the method by which they were generated. (Author/CT)

The Personal Adult Learning Lab was establsiehd at the Georgia Center for Continuing Education (GCCE) at the University of Georgia to serve self-directed adult learners and conduct research on self-directed learning. The lab allows adult learners to design, conduct, and evaluate their personal learning experiences while proceeding at their own…

A study was conducted to compare adult learning experiences within formal educational programs in rural areas with those in urban areas, predominantly at the postsecondary level. It focused on the phenomenon of adult learning in rural settings by analyzing participation rates, needs assessment data, interest inventories, program evaluations, and…

Considers the pedagogical and subject matter needs of students in an adult labor education course. Notes that students are motivated working adults, with little time for study, attending the course for assistance in dealing with workplace problems. Teachers need to adjust their approach and rethink economic theories from the students' perspective.…

The nature of adult economics education provided in the United Kingdom is outlined, and a framework within which it might be investigated is suggested. Androgogical learning principles are critically appraised and are compared and contrasted to pedagogical principles. An adult economics course model is developed, against which actual courses may…

Each year one week is designated by the Governor of New York as Adult Learning Week because of the growing importance of adult education to society and the economy of New York State. The major purpose of Adult Learning Week is to promote greater public awareness of the availability and variety of learning opportunities for adults. In practical…