Describes some characteristics of the adult learner, including factors that can affect the adult's ability to learn language. Discusses teacher- and learner-centered approaches and "adult" learning environments. (EKN)

Findings of questionnaire developed for the continuing education foreign language student show students who had taken college foreign language had positive experience in high school and felt foreign language experience would be of some future benefit. Suggests emphasizing value of foreign language learning as way to teach continuing education…

The needs and aspirations of nontraditional college students and adult part-time students should stimulate the teaching of basic skills in higher education to: enhance continued learning; promote interest in lifelong learning; and develop discerning consumers of education. (CM)

Explores some of the differences in learning styles of adult students and suggests some reading strategies appropriate to the adult's learning needs. (HOD)

The difficulty in defining the terms "the humanities" and "nontraditional learners," it is suggested, lies in the breadth of the terms. The programs described involve people who have reached an age of legal and social responsibility and who are exploring the best ideas and things humans have produced. (MLW)

A review of professional literature reveals a broad range of terms used to describe adults who wish to further their education. This annotated bibliography identifies major trends in adult learning. (Author/BEF)

A study of adult learners found that income, education, age, and occupational status were discriminating variables with less affluent, less educated, older individuals in low status occupations at the nonlearner end of the continuum. Affluent, better educated, younger individuals in higher status occupations grouped at the active learner end.…

Discusses various aspects of speech patterns and their importance in adult education: voice production, loudness, understanding speaking patterns, geographical influences, and aids to adult teachers and learners. (CT)

Describes a study which examined attitudes and perceptions of adult students regarding their experiences at Eastern Illinois University. Results indicated that adult students desired (1) more information about university programs and services, and (2) a place for commuters to stay overnight when road conditions were hazardous. (CT)

Presents methods for conducting second language conversation classes for adult learners which develop both fluency and accuracy. Describes two types of functions such as a monologue that each student will deliver and forms for asking for more information. (BK)

Results are presented and discussed of a study that interviewed 30 older students in introductory chemistry regarding their reasons for taking the course, years since high school, amount of prior training, attitudes towards chemistry, problems encountered in learning chemistry, and educational value of specific course mechanics. (CS)

Measures of syntactic knowledge and reading achievement were obtained for 41 students in an adult basic education center. Adults reading at or below fourth-grade level showed significantly less knowledge of syntax than adults at higher levels, even though the language test involved neither reading nor writing. (Author/CT)

Discusses a study of learner attitudes in nine adult education centers in Madras. The study's aims were to find the rural learner's concept of adult education, to discover the reasons for adult dropouts, and to assess needs and expectations. (JOW)

Examines differences in teaching adults as compared to younger learners. Discusses variations in background and expectations, reasons for taking courses, applying what is learned, fears of not fitting into school settings, and fears of not achieving. (CT)

Describes the Indiana University-Purdue University at Indianapolis program that offers credit classes to students who attend classes in suburban shopping centers. (IRT)