When traditional approaches to literacy programs and learners are examined critically, a new participatory paradigm that recognizes learners' capacities to shape and control program development emerges. (Editor)

A national literacy effort built on participatory principles will require study of existing learner-centered theory and practice, resource development, research and development, training and networking, and careful planning. Literacy educators and learners must support each other to create a constituency for the participatory alternative. (Editor)

Teletraining is a human performance system that integrates telecommunications into planning, designing, and delivering training programs. For international teletraining, the instructor must be aware of cultural diversity and training in the country in question. (JOW)

Explores how marketing recreation and physical activity programs for females might be undertaken based on the growing body of research about female involvement in recreation, sport, and leisure. The paper addresses product, place, price, and promotion, discussing females as people who represent a growing market segment with unique characteristics.…

Case studies of six extension agents and four extension program developers show that three types of factors constrain or enable planning: organizational structure and culture, available resources, and power relationships. Planning is affected in terms of needs addressed and processes used; personal and organizational interests of adult educators…

The provision of high quality orientation and mobility (O&M) services to older persons with visual impairments requires consideration of problems in attitudes, client characteristics, financial resources, inservice training, and the availability of age-appropriate assessment instruments. This paper discusses research on O&M interventions and…

Four types of program failure are (1) termination before implementing a planned program; (2) insufficient enrollment; (3) failure to meet participant expectations; and (4) failure to achieve objectives. Speculations about probable causes of failure can lead to principles for improving practice and to theories about program failure. (SK)

The Family Support Act has given new impetus to adult education through collaboration with welfare systems to provide adult literacy, high school equivalency, and English proficiency classes for welfare recipients. (SK)

Provides an overview of the Start SMART smoking cessation program which combines nicotine withdrawal therapy with behavior modification. The Start SMART program provides seven, intensive one-hour group sessions that are shown to be a most effective intervention with a specific population--motivated, yet highly dependent smokers. (GLR)

Focus groups conducted with 17 working adults found they were attracted to a degree completion program because of the adult learning environment, flexibility, applied content, and collaborative climate. The high level of participation, quality of responses, and dynamic group interaction confirmed the usefulness of focus groups for continuing…

Friends University in Kansas turned its program around by offering more programs during the evening. Success of the adult programming is attributed to business-industry support, pioneering attitudes of faculty and administrators, and adult-learner population needing flexible scheduling. (JOW)

Reviews research literature on youth suicide that has emerged during the past two decades and examines the possibility of linking this research to the practice of suicide prevention. Such research could be used to develop and evaluate appropriate crisis centers and hotlines as well as school-based suicide awareness curriculum programs. Table…

Reviews the prevalence of suicide among older people in the United States and how it has changed over time. Considers the characteristic intent and implementation of suicidal behavior, and reviews literature on risk factors. Discusses training primary care providers to recognize high-risk, isolated older people. Provides recommendations concerning…

Explains why philosophy should undergird development and marketing of educational programs, employment and supervision of teaching staff, and program evaluation and accountability. (SK)

Contrasts two models of adult education program planning: (1) the technical rational model, which asserts that planning is rational application of decision-making processes; and (2) the political model, which views planning as negotiation of personal and organizational interests. Finds a place for both political sensitivity and technical…