In the early 1960s, European adult educators developed a new theoretical model of adult learning called "andragogy." In 1968, Malcolm Knowles introduced the concept of andragogy into U.S. adult education literature and identified four primary assumptions about adult learners: adults become increasingly independent and self-directing;…

Liberal education projects supported by the Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education are described. Many Fund projects are surveyed in order to indicate the range and relevance of their approaches to liberal education. (MLW)

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…

The majority of students on campuses today are over 21 years old. They present new issues and challenges to student services professionals. These changes are discussed in a philosophical and pragmatic context. Specific proposals for developing strategies to meet the needs of the adult learner are made. (Author/BEF)

Major forces that will create more change in adult education programs and new concepts for the future of the adult learning society are described in this report of the Adult Education Conference of 1979. Changing demographics, new delivery systems, career education, competency-based education, credit for experience, and illiteracy are discussed.…

Analyzes the demographics, motivation, and environment of the lifelong learner. Offers potential responses of community college educators to meet their needs. Calls upon community colleges to fulfill a genuine social responsibility to lessen the gap between adults with formal education and those without it. (JM)

Discusses seven basic principles related to instructional design for adult trainees in a business environment. Topics discussed include objectives of instructional design; performance problems; feedback; assessment; analysis; production, using the most suitable medium; evaluation; implementation; incentives; motivation; and job aids. An adult…

Analyzes current opinion on the development of information literacy skills among adult higher education students. Highlights include lifelong learning; information literacy and the role of the academic librarian; adult learning theory; defining information skills; and information literacy and the external student, including continuing education,…

Describes entertainment and leisure activities with an information content that serve as informal sources of scientific knowledge available to the community. Discusses the present lack of communication and cross-referencing among the diverse groups concerned with the informal presentation of science and calls for greater sharing of ideas, data,…

The Socratic method of teaching, which uses open-ended questions asked in a logical sequence, is discussed. Suggestions for structuring curriculum content around seven adult learning principles and Socratic process analysis systems for student motivation are included. (SLW)

Describes the design and use of SCORE (Sales and Customer Service Occupational Readiness Education), courseware developed by AT&T to provide midliterate adult customer service representatives with computer-assisted instruction. Topics addressed include job simulations; skills in reading, writing, math, problem solving, and critical thinking;…

Examines the changing environment for serving adult learners, with special attention to new modes of delivering instruction: distance education; use of information technology; emphasis on convenience; focus on special markets; and emergence of large-scale, profit-driven enterprises. Argues that, to develop an effective response, universities must…

Describes a Duquesne University (Pennsylvania) Saturday baccalaureate program in organizational leadership and professional communication designed for adult students, who bring unique needs and experiences to the classroom. Discusses the challenges and opportunities confronting instructors of adults and the methods of instruction and assessment…

A study investigated the conceptions, knowledge, and level of structural organization of learning among 40 teachers at all educational levels enrolled in a course on adult learning. Results were compared with findings from earlier research on other student samples in higher education, and discussed in relation to some assumptions about adult…

Examines the perceptions of instructors and administrators regarding self-directed learning modules for adult and younger students, comparing the modules' perceived effectiveness, benefits, and challenges. Addresses the issue of personal freedom versus the need for focus and guidance, finding that adult learners reported no freedom versus focus…