Discusses experiential learning and traces the development of experiential learning programs at Boricua College, New York (New York), a college designed for the adult student who has delayed entry into the world of higher education. The work of educational facilitators in guiding students is an integral part of experiential learning at Boricua.…

Educational facilitation, the teaching philosophy of Boricua College, New York (New York), is described as post-modern education. With due regard for the ethnicity of the school's Latino population, educational facilitation has enabled this nontraditional college for adult students to succeed in its mission to develop the intellectual and…

Hong Kong college students (425 responses from 754) identified family role and social position as significant influences on their motivation for reentering school. Those with less favorable class positions were more career motivated; those with more family responsibilities were more motivated by family concerns. (SK)

Examines the nature of learning communities constructed among a diverse group of adult learners in an international online graduate-level course. Discusses independent work, team tasks, the variety of computer-mediated communication tools used, and implications for promoting adult learners' active participation in online learning and instructional…

Reviews a body of theory called "andragogy" or teaching theory for adult learners. Focuses on six characterizations of adult students and how they relate to teaching writing: (1) the need to know; (2) the learner's self-concept; (3) the role of experience; (4) readiness to learn; (5) orientation to learning; and (6) motivation. (TB)

Data from 270 University of Maryland University College students, 1,452 stopouts, and 687 nonreturning students were used to examine differences in maturity and educational goals. Age was a significant variable in determining attendance and academic performance. Adults over 30 had higher grade point averages and considered stopping out normal. (SK)

Using results from a survey of British graduates, examined outcomes of higher education for older students, including their current employment situation, relationship of degree to job, and student satisfaction. Found that mature students are an extremely heterogeneous group, with differences in outcomes by age and mode of study. (EV)

The age range of students in British further education colleges has always been wide, but there is little research evidence on the effects of age mixing on educational outcomes. Although potential benefits and disadvantages can be identified, data on the different learning styles, needs, and expectations of recent high school completers and…

Among the barriers to learning for Aborigines are rigid institutional structures, focus on learning for gaining knowledge rather than application, and the individualistic framework of formal education. The population would be better served by two-way learning through relationships (knowledge sharing) and self-determination and control. (Contains…

An Iowa survey of 351 adult basic education participants uncovered 10 motivations for participation, which were used to develop a cluster-analysis market segmentation. Another Iowa study found 4 basic causes for nonparticipation: low perception of need, perceived difficulty, dislike of school, and situational barriers. (SK)

The Student Ideal form of the Adult Classroom Environment scale was administered to 449 adult students and a factor analysis performed. All but 15 of 49 items loaded clearly with a 5-factor orthogonal solution, partially supporting scale's 7 dimensions. A revised scale was administered to 287 students, and another factor analysis largely confirmed…

A survey assessed the motivations of Chinese adults learning (N=512), living in Canada, English as a Second Language. Results revealed such motives as linguistic needs, basic skills, cultural awareness, social interaction, and resume-writing but found no differences in perceived motivation according to age, education level, or length of stay in…

A survey of 226 private, 4-year institutions in southeastern United States received 175 responses indicating that adult, nontraditional students represent a significant, growing segment of enrollments. A wide range of policies and services, including night and weekend classes, designated offices or centers, waiving of requirements, and peer…

Completed surveys from 81 of 256 institutional members of the Association for Continuing Higher Education found that most are more receptive to offering specific services to nontraditional students than they are to recruitment and incentives. Results showed that attention must be paid to recruiting specific populations and for specific fields and…

Describes some of the daily obstacles faced by adult students, especially literacy students, in Britain: bureaucracy, visas, lack of familiarity with the culture, and anxiety about personal problems. Argues that adult educators must concern themselves with these obstacles in order to defend the rights of adults to education. (SK)