Group learning can occur only when individuals become a group by developing an internal group environment. The larger institutional and social environment influences, and is influenced by, the learning group. Both members' and outsiders' perceptions of the group affect its functioning. (SK)

Ways in which adult educators can bring spirituality into educational practice include engaging in autobiographical reflection, creating an environment for spiritual learning, creating a dialogical space, and fostering an ethic of care. (SK)

Traces the development of adult education and human resource development, as well as the burgeoning of workplace learning. Raises issues related to nomenclature, knowledge base, professionalization, and the learning organization. (SK)

Grassroots communities in Northern Ireland are undertaking learning initiatives aimed at conflict reduction and community building. Efforts include replacing prejudice with knowledge, offering antisectarian education, building healthy individual communities before transcending differences, and celebrating cultural traditions. (SK)

International Adult Learners Week, established by UNESCO resolution in 1999, builds on individual national learning festivals and other activities designed to raise the visibility of adult and lifelong learning. International Adult Learners Week functions as a network linking national and international activities. (SK)

The focus of Adult Learners Week in Estonia is on establishing a lifelong learning environment. Evaluation results indicate a need for more publicity outlets and volunteer support to carry out activities. (SK)

Key characteristics of International Adult Learners Week in the United Kingdom are achievement awards, national broadcasts, a national learning advice helpline, local partnership activities, national and international funding, and themes such as Learning at Work Day. The nation has conducted adult learners' week activities for 10 years. (SK)

Presents the Adult Learning Model for Faculty Development of adult educators, which incorporates principles of adult learning and program planning concepts used in adult education. (Contains 20 references.) (SK)

Organizational and workplace changes are altering the work of trainers and consequently their professional development needs. Training and development professionals need a foundation in training design and delivery with the ability to incorporate multiple perspectives, delivery systems, and locations and to be responsive to change. (SK)

The functioning of learning organizations may be affected by power issues such as managerial control of learning agendas and objectives and supervisor-supervisee relationships. Organizations committed to transformative learning must allow development of critical reflection and action inquiry and seek to uncover hidden power relations. (Contains 25…

Explains why definition of action research is problematic and presents working definitions developed internationally that indicate its nature, philosophy, and methodology. Suggests that pragmatic approaches to definition serve communication purposes without narrowly confining the concept. (SK)

Examines concept and philosophy of andragogy (art and science of teaching adults) and ways that adults' self-image, experiences, and readiness to learn differentiate adult education from pedagogy. By creating an environment for adult learning and engaging school staff in mutual planning, design, implementation, and evaluation of professional…

Thematic analysis of critical incidents interviews with 13 physician coaches yielded two orientations to coaching: reflection/teaching coaches focused on others and described positive encounters experienced in coaching; personal learning and change coaches identified more personal benefits from the experience. (Contains 31 references.) (SK)

Examines how older adults are defined in the literature; reviews the concept of lifelong learning and perspectives on the purpose of older adult education. Looks at the extent of participation and barriers. Proposes critical educational gerontology, derived from Freire, as an emancipatory learning strategy through which older adults can contribute…

A survey of 79 older adults found that they used an average of 4.4 prescribed medications. Their attitudes were neutral toward willingness to teach peers about medication safety; the oldest were least receptive to teaching. Most were receptive to peer learning. Number of medications and reported difficulties were correlated with these attitudes.…