A survey of 181 adult students in a university's division of continuing education or university without walls (UWW) programs received 145 responses indicating greater satisfaction among the UWW students than those in traditional majors. Academic advising was especially satisfactory, because UWW advisors may be more aware of adult development…

Before a statistics course, 49 adults completed the Wide Range Achievement Test-Revised (WRAT-R). Test performance (aptitude) and course performance correlated, but the WRAT-R made prediction errors 35% of the time. Students with negative attitudes about statistics performed more poorly in the course. (SK)

Describes a drama workshop designed to teach English as a Second Language. Offers specific exercises which were used to help students learn to introduce themselves, use body language and inflection, use formal and informal language, and speak with conviction. (PRA)

A group of English-as-a-Second-Language/Foreign Language teacher trainers assembled to participate in a symposium, and were asked to prepare a list of 10 items they would take with them if they accepted a teaching position abroad. Each of these lists is provided. (JL)

Describes a study that was conducted to determine the instructional techniques and behaviors that either reduced or exacerbated anxiety in an Internet class for novice adult students. Through observation, interviews, and document analysis it was determined that low self-efficacy played a role in students' anxiety. (Author/LRW)

Francis Tuttle Vo-Tech Center in Oklahoma serves adult and secondary students in the same classroom. Effective techniques for intergenerational classes include individualized learning activity packets, varied teaching methods, and peer teaching and mentoring. One challenge is accommodating the different learning-environment preferences of younger…

Discusses mature students in the single subject area of mathematics in a single institution and makes comparisons with traditional universities. Reviews some features of the age distribution, entry qualifications, degree-class distribution, non-completion rates and gender distribution. (Author/ASK)

A survey of 395 returning adult male students enrolled in undergraduate degree programs found their primary motivations to be career related; 85% felt able to balance roles; some had child care issues and most felt they had social and family support networks. Major concerns involved scheduling difficulties, financial aid, and juggling family and…

A proposed new educational service, the degree upgrade, is designed to attract graduates not seeking advanced degrees and to develop a continuing relationship with them. The new service aims at a previously untapped and constantly growing market segment, creates a continuing demand for services, and redefines traditional concepts of lifelong…

Describes the growth in community college enrollment and suggests that reasons for it include lower costs than four-year colleges, many areas of study, varied schedules, and ease of transfer to four-year colleges. (JOW)

A survey of 208 adult learners of English as a second language and 24 follow-up interviews showed that 66.8% experienced transformation in their frames of reference and thinking about culture, language learning, and themselves. Learning activities that facilitated transformative learning included discussions, exercises, essays, assigned readings,…

Adult basic education providers in 9 states (n=555) identified barriers to providing accommodations for students with disabilities: inadequate number of agencies for assessment referrals, lack of training, inappropriate instructional materials, ineffective assessment tools, and limited budget/staff. The lack of screening and interventions for…

Surveyed 327 undergraduates at Boise State University (Idaho) concerning their motivational orientation and attitudes toward school. Results indicated that nontraditional students (those age 25 and older) were more intrinsically motivated, while traditional students (those under age 25) were more extrinsically motivated. Students did not differ in…

In interviews, nontraditional colleges students defined themselves against the stereotype of traditional-age entrants. They tended to choose subjects about which they had some knowledge. Women especially had difficulty balancing conflicting life demands. A need for change in the culture of higher education was identified. (SK)

Interviews with 58 nursing students over age 25 showed that they experienced financial, child care, relationship, and family problems. Many had considered dropping out in response to pressures of their multiple roles. (SK)