This book examines the relationship among theory, practice, and research in adult education. Chapter 1 analyzes key features of modernity and postmodernity to highlight significant contemporary socioeconomic and cultural changes that have an impact on adult education. Chapter 2 sketches what a contemporary adult education for citizenship might…

A review of research on the development of linguistic competence in second language learners looks at the role played by input to children in their development of linguistic competence, the nature of children's metalinguistic development, and the same processes in the naturalistic second language learning of adults, and then examines the role of a…

The New Resources Program at the College of New Rochelle has consciously tried to develop a philosophy of education for adults (already experienced learners) and establish a program based on this philosophy. These programs include life experience credits, core seminars, independent study, curriculum development, increased student-faculty…

The author outlines music education and instruction in the Soviet Union. He points out the accent on group rather than individual performance. (RK)

Outlines the goals, learning environment, recruitment strategies, and program procedures of the basic adult education program in the U.S. Included are statistical tables. (GB)

Parallels are drawn between T. S. Kuhn's theory of scientific revolutions and George Kelly's personal construct systems. Personal construct psychology is depicted as a particularly innovative approach to adult learning with implications for: (1) the philosophy of lifelong learning; (2) the importance of experience; (3) recognition of individual…

Provides a model for "coordinate status consultation," a method of improving instruction in which the client-professor and the counselor-instructional developer work together as equals. This paper defines the process, summarizes the conceptual basis, describes the major phases in the process, and provides an example of its use. (JJD)

The characteristics of adult learners and how business educators can take advantage of these characteristics are discussed. A specific methodology for adult learners is examined, including such elements as relevance of instruction, varied experience, learning time, anxiety, vocational goals, and physical attributes. (CT)

Describes the use of andragogy (a process for helping students become self-directed learners) in an oral communications course. Reveals that the use of performance contracts increased students' involvement in planning, conducting, and evaluating their own learning. Reviews indicators of the strategy's success. (DMM)

Discusses varying philosophies on the nature of being human and the question of freedom v determinism. This leads to a consideration of the decision-making responsibility and self-knowledge needed by the adult learner and the similar qualities required of the adult counselor/facilitator in working with adult students. (MF)

Describes the "New Start" preenrollment program in Auckland (New Zealand) University for mature-age students to prepare them for the requirements of university study and show them how to cope with degree work. Discusses factors to explain the success of mature-age students, in particular the "New Starters." (MF)

Research on factors affecting the aging learner, including intelligence, memory, motivation, loss of speed, and physical health is reviewed, refuting the belief that learning ability declines with age. Strategies and techniques for the education of older adults are recommended. (SK)

Reports on an evaluation of the self-directed English study program for adults of C.R.A.P.E.L. (France). The evaluation is based on an analysis of 15 recorded interviews covering 20 hours of conversation between individual students and program counselors. Only students' comments on their progress, their problems, and learning strategies are…