Designed for community groups and organizations, groups of older adults, senior clubs, and agencies, this manual documents the process of developing community education programs for older adults. The first section introduces the concept of a community learning center, while the second section considers whether a learning center should be…

The key to successful adult vocational education is an appropriate system of recruitment and delivery in an adult environment. Other considerations include program environment (both within the learning situation and within the parent institution) and professional development of adult education staff. (CT)

Adult learner participation in program planning is accepted more in theory than in practice. Resistance to change and contextual constraints inhibit its implementation. Strategies addressing these two obstacles can encourage participation in situations where it meets learners' educational needs. (SK)

The research literature on aging was reviewed to determine findings with direct implications for educational programs for older persons and findings with no direct application but that raise further research questions. The focus was on cognition and learning in later life, predominantly on work published during the past two decades in major…

The British Broadcasting Company (BBC) Adult Literacy Project is described in terms of the radio and television programs, supplemental workbooks, telephone services, and tutor training programs it is developing. The basic aim of the project is to encourage adult illiterates to seek individualized help. (LH)

A project in adult basic education was established in the Model Neighborhood of Wilmington, Delaware. A delivery system of services using paraprofessionals was created to give eligible adults individualized instruction in their home or a nearby center. The results showed that most of the project enrollment and performance objectives were met. Data…

Adult education program designs are described for four institutions: Mary Baldwin College, Loretto Heights College, the Vermont State Colleges, and Clark University. A network formed among these institutions serving as a mutual support system by which research and literature could be exchanged. Four common premises developed: (1) the decision to…

Even Start is a family literacy and support program for families with young children. This paper identifies several characteristics of adult learners in order to suggest effective approaches for working with adults to improve literacy skills. The first section presents five case studies illustrating adults with different histories, circumstances,…

This discussion paper is part of a larger Movement for Canadian Literacy (MCL) project entitled "Linkages: Connecting Literacy and English as a Second Language" (ESL). The goal of the overall project is for MCL to work with national organizations that support the ESL/Settlement and literacy fields to identify common issues and concerns…

In 1991, Northern Maine Technical College (NMTC) conducted a survey of 122 individuals over the age of 55 years to determine their educational interests, their preferences regarding course delivery methods, and their demographic characteristics. The survey asked respondents to state their interest in specific subjects under the categories of…

Based on a study by the Institute of Study for Older Adults of the language needs, program models, and learning dynamics of older adults lacking English skills, this manual provides guidelines for establishing language courses for older adults. After definitions of common terms and concepts are provided, Section I describes the literacy needs,…

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…

The literature and research on adult learning in groups is reviewed in this paper. The adult educator must develop expertise in understanding leadership as it relates to groups so he can provide for the evolution of group cohesiveness in the curriculum development process. He must strive to organize varied group interaction and action…

This publication is designed to help Neighborhood Networks centers create programs that meet the goals of adult literacy learners. (The centers provide residents of federally assisted or insured properties with training in economic self-sufficiency.) Chapter 1 highlights the special characteristics of adult learners--the challenges they face and…