Based on the assumption that something is fundamentally wrong at its definitional roots about the concept of adult education upon which the profession is organized, this paper identifies seven troubling characteristics of the profession. These characteristics, which stem from failure to root the definition in philosophical foundations, are (1) the…

A far-reaching reexamination of teacher education in the United States is underway, stimulated by reform initiatives from within the profession and by criticisms from without. This article raises questions about the place and form of educational psychology in the larger conversation about the thoughtful preparation of teachers. Recent research and…

A study of the attitudes, sensitivity, and institutional response to the educational needs of adults at the University of Wyoming 100 years ago indicates a high degree of concern for and understanding of adult learner needs. Evidence is seen in: (1) specific provisions that were made for adults; (2) sensitivity of faculty and administration to…

This booklet addresses two of the competencies needed by part-time faculty who teach adults. The competencies are adult learning and the need for quality in preparation to assure quality in instruction. The booklet begins with a discussion of just who the adult learners are. The next topic is adult motivation to learn at the beginning, during, and…

Beginning with the prewar origins and postwar evolution (since 1944) of Polish adult education, this paper describes the tasks and characteristics of cultural workers within the Polish sociopolitical setting, then traces the development of formal training opportunities (graduate, undergraduate, secondary vocational) as well as the dimensions of…

The changing role of the academic institution in relation to its environment is reviewed in terms of student constituents, white collar employees, geographic neighborhood, and professionals. An "androgogical" rather than "pedagogical" approach to community knowledge development and transfer, and ways for university planners to make academe more…

Reviews general principles of adult learning; describes nature of the adult learner as suggested by the current literature; provides suggestions for the design of learning programs for adults; and reviews the implications of accepting ideas about motivation derived from adult learning theories for colleges and staff engaged in correspondence…

Describes the use of andragogy (a process for helping students become self-directed learners) in an oral communications course. Reveals that the use of performance contracts increased students' involvement in planning, conducting, and evaluating their own learning. Reviews indicators of the strategy's success. (DMM)

Regular small meetings between field instructors and faculty have provided new field instructors with practicum skills. Using an andragogical model, these skills can be used in field practice education. Linkages between field and faculty can be strengthened, a mutual aid group developed, and student performance expectations unified. (MSE)

Adults should be involved in the community problem-solving process which is educational and therefore involves the adult educator as a process expert. Author then considers the extent of the educator's involvement. (MF)

A sample of 1,060 adult community college students and 72 adult instructors completed educational orientation questionnaires. No significant differences between teachers and students were found in terms of orientation to the constructs of andragogy and pedagogy. Age, sex, and program type did not influence student orientation, whereas academic…

Highlights the need for persons trained in the theory and skills of educating adults. Reviews the knowledge base of the field. Suggests ideas for training adult educators at community colleges, including certificate programs, workshops, short-term courses, integration of lifelong learning attitudes into all courses, and adult education advisory…

Discusses adult education and the demographic changes that will make corporate training and higher education more geared toward adults in the future. Discusses characteristics of adult learners; the concept of andragogy and instructional design models; and collaborative teaching and training. (LRW)

As our understanding of learning focuses on the whole person rather than individual aspects of learning, so the process of learning is beginning to be studied from a wide variety of perspectives and disciplines. This handbook presents a comprehensive overview of the contemporary research into learning: it brings together a diverse range of…

This book offers a range of practical methods for teaching and facilitating learning geared to the daily realities encountered by professionals in the human services. Drawing on the literature of adult education and on practical examples from different kinds of professional practice, including nursing and medicine, community education, social…