Communicative competence often remains the aim rather than the product of language instruction. One cause may be the fact that language learners tend to need "knowledge of second language use" more than "knowledge of a second language" in their oral communication situations outside the classroom. This results in low transferability of…

The next decade in higher education will show a leveling and decline in enrollment accompanied by a significant shift from program expansion to program enrichment. Educators will face a challenge of trying to convince governors and legislators of the benefits of enrichment within the existing unclear economic picture where education must compete…

Students 22 years of age and older clearly have counseling needs and instructional preferences that differ from those of college-age students. These conclusions were reached after a survey of 6,500 students in 27 diverse junior/community colleges. Among the major findings of the study were: (1) older students were less likely to experience…

Landes (1975) reviewed research studying adult-child linguistic interactions. Evidence that the language which adults use in addressing young children is different from that used in addressing adults and that parent-child interaction patterns change with the increasing age and language skills of the child has important implications for the study…

Reviews literature and statistics on the increasing incidence of underprepared students entering postsecondary education, highlighting the community colleges' role in responding to students' needs. Puts forth reasons for providing remedial education related to the magnitude of the problem, access for educationally disadvantaged, adult students,…

Discusses some of the difficulties encountered by adult learners in mathematics courses required for re-entry into college. Describes the restructuring of such a course. Emphasizes student inquiry and a teaching/learning model. Discusses the roles of staff and students. (TW)

Seven prominent English-as-a-second-language (ESL) teachers present their lists of 10 instructional materials (textbooks, research studies, audiovisual materials, etc.) they would take abroad with them when teaching ESL to adults. (Author/CB)

Results of a survey of University of Sydney faculty of arts students concerning their educational aspirations and progress, employment patterns, class scheduling and attendance patterns, and college choice are summarized and discussed. (MSE)

Economic and demographic changes are dramatically increasing the need for adult education, basic literacy, and English-as-a-Second Language (ESL) programs. Millions of Illinois residents lack the level of literacy skills needed to obtain good jobs, perform well on the job, and function well in an increasingly complex society. Addressing the scope…

Drawing on the experience of Canada, Denmark, Finland, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom, this document identifies effective adult education policies and practices. The following are among the topics discussed: (1) issues in adult learning and why adult learning is important; (2) patterns of participation and…

Designed for new program directors, adult educators who are starting a new program, or those considering changes in existing adult education programs, this manual contains materials resulting from a four-year effort to improve adult education services, especially for persons with learning disabilities and serious emotional disturbances. The major…

This study evaluated whether the low retention rate (53 percent) between their first and second years of students at Atkinson College, the part-time evening school of York University (Ontario, Canada) is primarily due to institutional failure or to the characteristics and choices of mature students. A survey was sent to admitted students in…

This paper compares the professional beliefs and teaching behaviors of traditional and nontraditional/adult teacher candidates during their student teaching experience. Data for the study came from 45 elementary student teachers' structured, weekly autobiographical critical reflections written during their student teaching. Participants were…

The "new science" of leadership encourages and supports participative management and focuses on relationships. As they train educational leaders in democratic, humane, and inclusive principles, educators must model those same principles in their classrooms. Teachers seeking to evoke the voices of adult learners through transformative teaching must…

Adult basic education practitioners in Florida are being faced with new work force development program requirements as a result of recent legislation. This technical assistance paper is designed to provide local adult education administrators and teachers with information to help them to implement Adult Basic Education (ABE) and Workplace…