In Russia International Adult Learners Week highlights the democratization process the country is undergoing. Government attention to rural development and training and agrarian policy is needed. (SK)

Focus groups captured 35 adults' perceptions of an online library and information science master's program. Analysis of results using adult learning theories resulted in 10 recommendations for online courses. Student/instructor and student/student interaction was absent in theories but a key element in distance learning. (Contains 11 references.)…

Comparison of the conceptual frameworks of Kilpatrick's project method (a proposal to base school curriculum on children's projects, not subject matter) and Tough's adult learning projects reveals important differences. Kilpatrick sought to develop the child morally, socially, and intellectually, whereas in the learning project, the concept of…

Mezirow's theory of transformational learning--extraction of meaning from experience--fails to account for context. Locating perspective transformation in the individual and basing it on a decontextualized concept of rationality ignores the relationship between individuals and the sociocultural, political, and historical contexts in which they are…

Describes the development of the Aging, Learning, and Work Quiz, a 40-item, true-false self-assessment inventory about changes in learning and work behavior brought about by aging. The quiz has six categories: biology, psychology, learning, decision making, work performance, and health. The quiz and 73 references are provided. (SK)

A review of the literature on traditional-aged undergraduate students retention, adult learner participation and persistence, and adult persistence in advanced degree programs suggests that more attention should be focused on the persistence factors for the changing population of doctoral students. (MSE)

Compares different approaches to first- and second-language development. It is argued that the observed differences between first- and (adult) second-language acquisition can be accounted for by assuming that adult second-language learners can not use Universal Grammar principles as a learning device in the same way that first-language learners…

Examines the logical and psychological aspects of competency-based staff development programs. Analyzes myths of competency-based learning (CBL) and indicates that incorporating principles of CBL with those of adult learning may be a way to improve staff development programs. (JOW)

An understanding of adult learning principles will enable staff developers to select the most appropriate learning environment for participants. The purpose and sample activities of formal, informal, or non-formal learning environments are presented. (JD)

In an adaptation from "The Making of an Adult Educator: An Autobiographical Journey," Malcolm Knowles, the father of adult learning theory, discusses motivation, self-directed learning, trainers and organizational change, and social and economic inequalities in the United States. (JOW)

Discusses the motivational needs of adult learners; reviews motivational instructional design; and describes the development of a needs assessment instrument (the Course Effort Survey Revised) and the Adult Learner-Instruction Interaction Motivation Model which can be used to effectively plan for the motivational needs of adult learners. (Contains…

Discusses the distinction between education and learning and their relationship to active citizenship. Addresses the role of universities and adult education in providing a second chance for second class citizens. (SK)

The role and understanding of professions has changed because of a revolution in knowledge about learning, such as locus, social context, practical versus formal knowledge, and knowledge creation. The upheavals require reframing of professional continuing education. (SK)

Outlines basic assumptions and principles underlying adult education and describes today's challenges: maintaining democracy, technological changes, explosion of information, global competition/cooperation, environment, and universal human rights. Advocates a holistic world view of adult education. (SK)

Discusses how adult second-language acquisition proceeds in, more or less, cultural ways. The discussion focuses on the literature of bilingualism, one individual's recent experiences with Austrian German, and a discourse analysis perspective. (38 references) (GLR)