Defines adult education as every adult's intentional efforts at self-education, alone and with others, in all human situations, including when the self-educator is facilitating the learning of other self-educators. Self-educating as an attitude, and a practice is offered as a sound basis for the profession of adult education. (SK)

Qualitative content analysis of 112 articles in adult education journals identified 5 dominant perspectives of women as adult learners; deficient; coping with new social roles; marginalized; and collaborative learners. Women as feminist is an emerging sixth perspective. (SK)

Offers practical approaches to creating a connected learning environment, integrating individual disciplines into holistic learning, and inspiring motivation to be lifelong learners for a general educational development (GED) program. (JOW)

Of 346 physicians participating in continuing medical education, 91% completed postprogram surveys and 49% responded to a 3-month follow-up. Participants' high ratings for quality and effectiveness were attributed to use of adult learning theory in program design. Computer-assisted instruction was thought effective because of individualization and…

Cooperative learning is a structured form of small group work based on interdependence, accountability, group processing, and social skills. In continuing education, cooperative learning can positively affect achievement, multiethnic relationships, self-esteem, retention, and attitudes. (SK)

Myths about adult learning are (1) adult learning is essentially joyful; (2) adults are innately self-directed learners; (3) good teachers meet the felt needs of learners; (4) there is a uniquely adult learning style; and (5) there is a uniquely adult teaching style. (SK)

When a school psychologist decided to make a midlife return to graduate school, his previous experience did not prepare him adequately for sudden shift in status from professional to graduate student. To survive in today's graduate school, a student must be technically literate, stay organized, choose suitable living arrangements, keep fit, and…

A common problem in adult second-language learning, the disparity between child and adult second-language learning referred to as the Adult Language Learning Paradox, is examined within the Parallel Distributed Processing model framework. (24 references) (JL)

Educators and administrators generate forms of "insignificant" writing such as memos, internal reports, and staff communications. The significance of this insignificant writing is its ability to create trust and to mirror the principles of adult learning as a creative process of dialogue and reflection. (SK)

A group of 120 adult educators identified aspects of student behavior that annoy or irritate them and aspects of their role they fear or about which they feel guilty. A common source of conflict was conflicting teacher and student expectations. A conclusion was that adult educators should have a clear idea of their role and articulate it to…

"Universal" theories imply that a single group represents everyone. Universality in adult education theories about motivation and adult learning perpetuates racism and sexism and should be challenged through alternative perspectives for knowledge building. (SK)

Among 64 managers, an experimental group received extra presentations and materials on participatory behavior and were encouraged in self-monitoring of verbal participation. Despite increased levels of participation compared to the control group, experimentals did not have higher reactions, learning, or transfer. (SK)

Conceptualizing adult learning draws on two types of analysis: (1) describing and understanding practice and (2) discourse analysis. These forms of analysis are linked to modern and postmodern perspectives. (SK)

Practitioners are finding that adult education approaches are effective with adolescents. Emphasis on student-centered, participatory methods and development of learner autonomy prepares students for adult roles. (SK)

Several British initiatives for workplace learning (University for Industry, Individual Learning Accounts, employee development) have common goals: widening participation, recognizing adult learning as a key to social inclusion, providing equal opportunities, and extending guidance provision for adults. (SK)