Between 42 and 45 percent of American students are "adult learners." They're over 25. They're returning to school for career change more than career advancement. And they're challenging the educational world to understand and meet their needs. Educational institutions have adult learners squarely on their radars. Over-25s are among the fastest…

Synthesizes information and research on adult female re-entry students and discusses its institutional implications for educators. Explores adult female learner's motivation for re-entry, problems confronting her, and challenges facing institutions as they attempt to meet her needs. (TE)

Offers an overview of the concerns and barriers that many adult students face before enrolling in college. Reviews literature on adult students' academic concerns, social and psychological needs, and financial problems. (DMM)

Examines learning problems encountered when adults return to the university as students, including lack of educational counselling, pressure of outside commitments, outdated mathematical and science skills, and anxiety about study skills. Strategies to assist mature students are described. (JJD)

Reports results of a study of adult students over the age of 24 at one community college in New York State. Explores (1) the reasons the mature person takes a life-step once confined to the young; (2) the difficulties and satisfactions they experience; and (3) what colleges can do to respond to their needs. (SR)

The University without Walls (UWW) program at Loretto Heights College is described. It emphasizes individualized programs and degree requirements based on a learner-centered approach to education. It is argued that such an approach, drawing on a wide array of learning resources and giving credit for experiential learning, can successfully meet…

Designed for adults entering college after having been out of school for some time, this book provides information about succeeding in school while meeting family and work obligations. Chapter 1 offers words of encouragement; chapter 2 offers advice on confronting and eliminating many fears and concerns reported by older than average students.…

Designed to help instructors create a supportive learning environment for older than average students, this guidebook outlines the special needs of adult students and offers advice on instruction and course management. Each chapter of the instructor's manual corresponds to a chapter in "Time for College," a book designed to teach adult students…

A study was conducted by the Appalachia Educational Laboratory (AEL) to determine impediments to and facilitators of adult students' success during their first semester of attendance at a community college and to recommend interventions which would minimize the difficulties of returning adults as they attempt to manage the learning process. The…

This document explains how tutors and managers in adult education programs across the United Kingdom can smooth the journeys of adults with mental health difficulties who are returning to learning. The handbook begins with suggestions for its use and case studies of two adult learners with mental health difficulties. Sections 1 through 4 discuss…

This document contains three articles on teaching the growing population of nontraditional students. "The Changing Demographics of the Classroom" defines "nontraditional students"; reviews the characteristics, risk factors, and special needs of nontraditional students; and identifies the following services as particularly important to…