Profiles historically nontraditional students who attended state normal schools, discussing how normal schools met their needs. Overall, state normal schools had much in common with today's nontraditional schools, welcoming women, minorities, and other atypical students and encouraging them to reach beyond their unprivileged backgrounds. (SM)

Using data from 4,644 undergraduates, this study tested a causal model identifying the effects of social integration, age, and time-limiting characteristics on adult student learning. Survey results indicated that educationally related peer relationships were the strongest predictors of gains for all students. Time limitations hindered learning…

Findings of the Danish Adult Education Research Project reveal adults' ambivalence about learning. Many adopt defensive strategies to avoid learning that challenges identity, are not inclined to learn unless it is personally meaningful, and take as much responsibility for learning as they want. These characteristics are not reflected in programs…

Highlights exemplary moments from the first three writing courses that Youngstown State University has been teaching at a union hall for steel workers. Includes excerpts from student interviews; illustrates the teachers' evolving approach to teaching writing in a workplace setting; and explains student responses to writing assignments. (TB)

Increased pressures for accountability and relevance in public higher education are benefitting adult learners as institutions have enhanced general education, improved accessibility, and strengthened transfer articulation. (SK)

The math performance of 30 18-20 year olds and 37 adult students studying elementary education was compared. Older students did slightly better; adults without math background or who had previous negative math experiences did very well; and those who did well were not likely to choose math as a primary subject. (SK)

Women may attempt to cope with conflicting school and family roles by trying to work harder, altering personal expectations or behavior, or altering externally imposed expectations. When possible, continuing educators can help by transforming the inflexibilities of higher education. (SK)

In Britain, archaeological fieldwork is being used for both educational and research purposes. Training is provided for adult learners from a range of backgrounds, with the goal of increasing public participation in and ownership of archaeological outcomes. (SK)

The Imposter Phenomenon, secret feelings of fraudulence and inadequacy among high achievers, are more prevalent in women. Aspects of the educational environment, including sexual harassment and stereotypes, and institutional barriers may contribute to the syndrome. Additional research is needed on the intersection of race, class, and gender with…

Important components of an adult student services office are the focus of this chapter. Examples of outstanding programs are highlighted, and areas of support for institutions at various planning stages of program development are presented. (Author)

A 10-week stress management and relaxation course helped anxious students develop skills and strategies derived from self-awareness. Course included stress theory, organizational skills (time management, goal setting), personal transformation, tolerance for uncertainty, and metacognition, with an emphasis on self-efficacy and autonomy. (Contains…

Urges a repositioning of higher education away from postmodernist mindsets. Proposes that the future of mass higher education lies in attracting adults from a wide social spectrum and in defending the public nature of truth and values. (Contains 56 references.) (Author/SK)

Adult students using an emotional intelligence (EI) curriculum (n=13) and 15 controls in a composition class completed the Emotional Intelligence Test and Emotional Content Quality Index. Significant pre- to posttest changes in the EI group suggest the curriculum positively increased their ability to identify, reflect on, process, and manage…

Formal and informal socialization influences the learning of immigrants and second-language students. Adult educators should take into account the following patterns: cultural models that affect attitudes and behavior, discontinuities between native and current culture, and differences between voluntary and involuntary immigrants. (Contains 28…

Effective teaching approaches and assistive technologies that help learners with disabilities meet their educational goals can also provide opportunities to use these strategies in the workplace. Different strategies for group and one-on-one instruction are recommended. (Contains 11 references.) (JOW)