The appropriate use of humor is a powerful tool that can help adult educators positively affect changes in people's knowledge, attitudes, skills, and aspirations and the didactic process. (JOW)

The author discusses observations about adult education drawn from his experience as an adult educator. Topics covered include (1) aims and objectives, (2) planning and organization, (3) relationship between teacher and learner and teaching and learning, and (4) motivation. (CH)

Demonstrates how Gibb's principles of learning have influenced case study outcomes from a holistic perspective. Presents abstracts of strengths, weaknesses, and instructional strategies from 15 case studies and compiles the information to present an instructor/learner situation. Principles of the holistic approach to teaching adult literacy are…

Argues that adult educators must be more aware of choices relevant to teaching and that this can be accomplished by reflective thinking. (CH)

The author attempts to (1) sensitize teachers to the difficulties of teaching adults, (2) review components of the learning process, and (3) give a prospectus for an adult learning theory and supportive instructional theory and strategies that enable classroom teachers to reach every adult learner in the class. (CH)

Deals with the history of theory and instrument development and problems related to the field. Discusses the older, cognitive style theories followed by a transitional discussion of the relationships between cognitive style and learning style theories. Discusses the field of learning style theories and concludes with a summary of key issues. (JOW)

Presents a conceptual framework for planning and conducting the first session of an adult education program. Indicates that the purpose, expectations, roles, and content of the course should be presented to the students at the beginning. (JOW)

Six suggestions are offered to help adult basic education teachers to develop adults' critical thinking skills. The suggestions recommend that teachers (1) seek reasons for an answer, (2) look for alternative answers, (3) take a passive role in discussion, (4) do not give an opinion unless asked, (5) ask students to back up their opinions, and (6)…

Moral development is a part of the healthy adult personality that continues throughout one's life. Churches, as societal institutions, play a vital role in the development of moral reasoning in adults and religious educators can foster it through andragogical methods of learning and teaching. (JOW)

A survey of adult educators asked how they design and implement programs. Answers ranged from a single approach to selection from a set of alternatives according to the situation. Synthesizing the descriptions, the author developed a model that presents the focal point and factors common to situational-specific approaches used in adult and…

The author discusses the use of adult education precepts in professional realms outside its mainstream, specifically patient education. He cites the effect of role playing on cardiac rehabilitation education. (JOW)

This article focuses upon recent research on educational orientation as measured on an andragogical-pedagogical scale, especially since some of the findings are not completely consistent with andragogical theory and/or beliefs. (CT)

The author observes that the report from the Council on the Continuing Education Unit, "Principles of Good Practice in Continuing Education," is a list of reductive, formal stipulations that imply that adults are not capable of self-directed learning. (CT)

This article discusses the National Issues Forum (NIF), a national, nonpartisan program designed to encourage citizen discussion of important public issues. The programs try to recreate the town meeting concept of reaching consensus on public issues. Short workbooks are available on two reading levels for issues such as the superpowers, crime,…

This typology classifies distance education according to the kinds of instructional support provided by educational agencies and by the dimensions of learner self-sufficiency. The classification is then applied to the educational delivery system in British Columbia. (SK)