This paper investigates the methodological discrepancies underlying the measurement of adult learning and education (ALE) participation in the UK by focusing on four major surveys -- APiL, PIAAC, AES, and LFS. Grounded in the Total Survey Error (TSE) framework, we systematically examined the surveys' documentation and compared their definitions,…

With the exponential rise in scientific research as a result of the spread of information technology, there is an emerging need to process and systemize the information contained in such publications in both national and international settings. The academic journals, in paper as well as electronic forms, are the most used channels of academic…

Recent systematic reviews have found that the participation of adolescents and young people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) within research is limited despite an increasing international recognition of the importance of incorporating the views of all children and young people on matters that affect their lives. The purpose of this current…

An ecomap is a social work data collection tool that is used to gather data about a participant's environment. Derived from Bronfenbrenner's ecological system theory, the ecomap can be used in adult education and human resource development to record information of in-and-out-of-work and learning experiences and show how these interactions support…

The National Reporting System (NRS) is the accountability system for the federally funded, State-administered adult education program. It addresses the accountability requirements of the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act, Title II of the Workforce Investment Act (WIA-P.L.105-220). This document presents (1) the NRS measures that allow…

This literature review examines current practice in reporting school dropout rates and the impact that school dropout may have on adult education programs and policies. First, I investigate the five dropout estimates commonly reported by the U.S. Department of Education (USDOE), examining how these measures vary in their estimation of school…

Describes study designed to (1) determine frequency of use of descriptive research in adult education in the United States, (2) identify range of topics examined by descriptive research, (3) identify data collection procedures, and (4) determine if there is a trend in the publication of descriptive research. (Falmer Press, Falmer House, Barcombe,…

In this report, it is argued that the most salient factor in the contemporary communicative landscape is the sheer abundance and diversity of possibilities for literacy, and that the extent and nature of students' communicative resources is a central issue in education. The text outlines the conceptual underpinnings of the Literacies for Learning…

Examines a technique for data collection in adult education research that lends itself to conditions in which organizations are viewed as community. Outlines procedures for participant-observation research. (Availability: Dept. of Adult Education, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506) (SK)

Action research involves responding to practice problems through problem posing and solving. Its core processes are planning, acting, reflecting, and observing. Data collection methods include anecdotes, field notes, document analysis, logs, journals, portfolios, questionnaires, interviews, audio/video recordings, and tests of learner performance.…

The use of qualitative research methodology in adult education has (1) led to the concepts of marginality, enrollment economy, and perspective transformation; (2) stimulated research in participation, motivation, and self-directed learning; and (3) increased understanding of adult illiterates. Qualitative inquiry has potential for extending the…

Examines these questions: What are life histories? What problems and people are best suited for them? What motivates people to write them? Does the collection procedure affect the content? and How should the material be analyzed? (Author/SK)

This paper explains the methodology and procedures used by the Center for the Study of Community Colleges (CSCC) in carrying out a national survey of community college students to gather information on student demographic characteristics, educational background, educational objectives, and opinions about the college experience. As background…

Presents a research methodology related to needs assessment that can be used in a variety of settings in vocational education. It involves the use of small-group sessions and has five steps: introduction to meeting, silent generation of ideas, round-robin listing, discussion for clarification, and ranking of items. (Author/CT)

The National Household Education Survey (NHES) is a data collection system of the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), which has as its mission the collection and publication of data on the condition of education in the United States by providing information on those issues that are best addressed by contacting households rather than…