The paper reports on the findings of a Learning and Skills Research Centre (LSRC) funded study investigating the impact of different modes and methods of assessment on achievement and progress in post-secondary education and training. Data were collected across Advanced-level academic and vocational preparation programmes in schools and colleges,…

This book is designed to provide specific and practical suggestions for teachers and tutors of adult students. It is divided into two major parts. Part 1, which is devoted to adult learning, includes information on the characteristics of adult learners, their expectations and motivation, and issues related to equal opportunities and access. Part 2…

This paper addresses the issue of whether four of the learning styles instruments currently available are of sufficient psychometric quality to warrant their continued use either for research or educational purposes. Four instruments, which purport to measure learning styles, were selected for review. Criteria for selection were based in part on…

This comprehensive study explores the chronological and geographical expansion of the assessment of adult and experiential learning--known as AP(E)L--around the world. The authors describe and compare initiatives in their own countries and their effectiveness at the levels of government, educational institutions, and employment. They highlight…

Adult secondary education learners approach the goal of college-level postsecondary education through three assessment gateways: (a) measures of adult education program learning gains, (b) a high-school equivalency exam, and (c) college placement tests. On the surface, the assessments in this sequence might appear to work in concert and point…

This study was commissioned to investigate whether or not, and if so, how, use of different assessment methods makes a difference to learner achievement and progress in the learning and skills sector (LSS). This is the first comprehensive study of assessment procedures and practices employed across the full range of LSS contexts--school sixth…

This thesis reviews activities of a study to develop a systematized course for teaching advanced typewriting on an individual basis to part-time adult students. The introduction presents a rationale for the study and section 1 presents the purpose of the study and definition of terms. Section 2 describes the data gathering procedures, and section…

In March 1959, Howard McClusky introduced his Power Load Margin (PLM) theory and proposed that it be used for studying the adult years and for developing and building realistic educational programs for adults. His formula, which states that the key components of adulthood are load (the demands made upon the individual by self and society) and…

The vocational education program at California State University at Long Beach received a three-year grant to design and field-test a training curriculum in the area of curriculum-based vocational assessment for secondary school students with handicaps. A series of eight training modules was developed during the first project year (June 1986 to May…

If current trends continue, it is likely that adult programs and adult vocational programs in particular, will play an increasingly important role in the nation's educational system, eventually absorbing the role currently played by secondary vocational education. Therefore, vocational educators must develop new approaches and new attitudes to…

This book, which is intended for individuals teaching in the United Kingdom's further education (FE) sector, provides practical advice regarding teaching and learning within the context of the changing FE environment and addresses the diverse nature of the curriculum and the student body for which FE is designed. The following are among the topics…

The different views regarding what constitutes learning success and progression in England's post-16 learning sector and the problem of meeting current policy and funding priorities stressing tangible and measurable outcomes while simultaneously responding to learners' needs and preferences were examined in a discussion that drew upon policy…

This handbook is designed to assist occupationally skilled individuals to become competent instructors in their field. It covers topics intended to be of interest to new instructors during their first few weeks of teaching. The content is in nine units. Unit 1 presents an overview of the occupational teacher's job and offers some general teaching…

This publication describes the activities, deliberations, and products of a semester-long, graduate-level class dealing with policy development related to self-directed adult learning. The first section of the document provides a brief overview of the scope and content of the course. After a section of definitions of terms relating to…

A study explored learning and assessment experiences of Australian apprentices and trainees (A&Ts) using focus groups of 66 stakeholders in every state and territory; case study analyses of 20 diverse sites; and a national questionnaire of 595 A&Ts in motor mechanics and hospitality work. Stakeholders viewed apprenticeships and…