Following an Introduction by editor Gerald A. Straka that posits various definitions of self-directed learning and discusses the views of the various authors in the text, this book consists of nine papers addressing issues and conceptions of self-directed learning in Europe. The following are included: "Self-Directed Learning in Continuing…

This document contains the proceedings of a conference on adult learners conducted to identify barriers that prevent certain groups of adults from participating in lifelong learning opportunities and to deepen understanding of practices and institutional arrangements that better enable such adults to learn. Following a summary of the workshops of…

This book explores the nature and purposes of formulaic language, examining patterns across research from the fields of discourse analysis, first language acquisition, language pathology, and applied linguistics. There are 14 chapters in 6 parts. Part 1, "What Formulaic Sequences Are," includes (1) "The Whole and the…

Success in the specialized form of teaching reading to adults is conditional upon teachers understanding the relationship between language and the physical world. A lot can be learned from the Direct Method techniques used by those who teach foreign languages. Suitable reading materials are at last becoming available for beginners. (Author/AJ)

A sense of urgency about meeting demands for university continuing education has resulted in bewilderment and disarray; pilot projects (Kellogg Foundation Centers, University of Chicago Center) offer hope, but six major problem areas require university dedication to philosophy and purpose, that continuing education may be rescued from mediocrity…

Author draws attention to the need for a proper physical development program that will give adults an incentive to continue their mental and physical progress. (RK)

Presents analysis of the relative impacts of course content and cognitive and affective factors on behavior of adult learners, based on research at Brandon University, Manitoba. Research involved testing of a systems model to determine relationships and interactions between certain specified variables and learner behavior. (EAO)

How to provide a program within the correctional setting which is in compliance with the law and concurrently in keeping with the needs of the handicapped individual is the question explored in this paper. (CT)

Regional counseling, assessment centers, and the telecommunications revolution, it is suggested, will have a significant impact on the shape of prior learning assessment programs in the 1980s. Educators must resist the temptation to tie in all assessment programs to courses and credentials. (MLW)

THREADS, the humanities project of the Amalgamated Clothing and Textile Workers Union, is described. The interdisciplinary programs involve the active participation of the students. Three formats are used: ongoing discussion groups, programs conducted as part of regular union activities, and single programs or short series on topical issues.…

A fellowship program designed to increase nonclinical faculty skills among academic family physicians is described. The fellowship curriculum addresses five components of the academic physician's responsibilities: curriculum planning, evaluation, and instruction; clinical and educational research; professional and organizational development;…

Reviews research relating teacher flexibility to teaching effectiveness and presents results of a survey of adult students' perceptions of flexibility and its effect on their own learning. (SK)

Reports on a reading program that showed parents of underachieving inner-city primary school children how to help their children improve their reading performance. Concludes that the parents not only helped their children but also improved their own reading ability. (FL)

Three broad topics are considered including the changing demographics of education and the accompanying interest in lifelong learning, motivations that lead adults to seek out education, and the relevance of the liberal arts to the mature student in the midst of that changing demography and pluralism of motivations. (MLW)

Findings from research on adult learning abilities and patterns are summarized, with examples of their application to the operation of the Manitoba (Canada) New Careers training program. The author stresses that adult education materials and experiences must be relevant to the real life concerns, backgrounds, and environment of the adult. (MF)