Examined motivation for participation in off-campus credit programs. Findings from 417 Vocational, Technical, and Adult Education master's degree recipients who participated in off-campus degree programs revealed that graduates were more influenced to enroll because of professional advancement and cognitive interest reasons than for other reasons.…

As implemented at the University of Edinburgh, Second Chance to Learn targets adults who have left school and are unemployed or are unskilled or semiskilled workers. It seeks to attract nonparticipants in approachable, community-based settings. (SK)

Interviews with 36 adult part-time students found that, even in late adulthood, family background and parental support (moral and financial, help with housework and child care) influence educational participation. Parental disapproval or the need to provide elder care were negative influences on participation. (SK)

To explore philosophical predilections, the Principles of Adult Learning Scale (PALS), Educational Orientation Questionnaire, and Philosophy of Adult Education Inventory were administered to 111 adult education graduate students. The overall population was progressive on the PALS and scored close to reported means on the other tests. (SLD)

Culturally responsive counseling for adult students depends on counselor self-awareness, knowledge and understanding of cultural groups, and appropriate skills to deal effectively with the needs of students with different backgrounds, experiences, world views, values, and learning styles. (SK)

A survey of 73 Danish adult participants in computer training and interviews with 32 showed that participants had positive computer attitudes but few expectations of the courses; courses only moderately realized developers' intentions; and participants used resulting learning only moderately at work or in further education. (SK)

Investigates various influences and reasons why non-English-speaking women working in a small goods factory in Australia chose not to participate in workplace literacy courses. Presents perceptions of the nonparticipants, the course provider, the teacher, the personnel manager, and the researcher. Discusses barriers, motivation, networks and power…

This longitudinal study investigated the reasons that adult learners in Iceland gave for wanting to learn about the Internet, and their attitudes. Describes three research stages: identification of an analytical framework; testing of a behavioral intention model; and use of the model to identify attitudes, social influences, perceived control, and…

The findings of a two-year study of the impact of an elite private college education on five mature returning students enrolled at Smith College (Massachusetts) are presented. Most participants evolved to define success in terms of capacity to render service rather than in terms of social mobility. (SLD)

A study of 24 Open University students found that adult distance learners approach learning either as reformulation of, or challenge to, texts. Those who reformulate may display surface knowledge but little engagement with issues. Those who challenge may create their own knowledge but fail in terms of instructors' expectations. (SK)

Adults surveyed (n=177) identified the benefits of participation in arts and crafts classes, including skill development (some job related). Such classes contributed to the well-being of the community rather than to narrow economic outcomes. (SK)

Part of a comparative United Kingdom-Belgium study on adults in higher education, explored learning and teaching experiences of adult students and lecturers. Found that experiences are shaped by factors such as culture of the department, teaching styles of lecturers, and rigors of academic study. Adult students left the university with different…

When records of achievement were introduced in Hillingdon (England) Adult and Continuing Education Service, 78% of adult students used them and some were motivated to persist because of them. Tutors found the increased emphasis on learning outcomes and assessment made their teaching more systematic, although their workload was increased. (SK)

Responds to Paradis's (1990) argument that these authors misreported the facts presented by Berthier, Starkstein, Lylyk, and Leiguarda (1990) regarding the recovery by a bilingual patient of his second language earlier than his native tongue subsequent to injection of a narcotic drug. The article argues that Paradis is incorrect. (nine references)…

Discussion of educational methods appropriate for mature, non-standard entry students in an access course at the University of Luton (England) emphasizes the use of a "catalyst" to spark debate and critical thinking. The aim is to efficiently develop the basic skills required for higher education, thus enabling non-standard entry students to…