Discussion of open learning in Europe includes the distinction between distance education and open learning; open learning for new groups, including adults who need more flexible choices, and for existing students; and requirements for mainstream open learning relating to flexible academic structures, learning materials, technology, staff roles,…

According to responses from 158 of 301 adults in evening and weekend college classes, most were especially satisfied with enrollment information and advising, and they wanted extended hours for most services. Six services were not used by over half of the students, either because adults focused on class attendance, had multiple commitments, or…

A study of 106 adult students in off-campus interactive television courses found that grade point average was the strongest predictor of performance. Student perceptions of the promptness of material delivery and their year in college contributed to the predictive power. No demographic variables were related to performance. (SK)

A British study of 92 adult basic education students and 32 tutors showed that individualized learning was emphasized at the expense of small groups. "Preferred types" of students, those most likely to be able to do well in open learning, tacitly emerged, limiting access for adults with learning difficulties. (SK)

A survey of 60 adult students participating in university preparation courses found a weak positive correlation between importance of personal goals and success in achieving them. Of 193 participants in the course and 193 controls, controls took more courses, possibly because those who are aware of their anxiety about college consciously choose a…

Describes how videoconferencing was used at the University of Ulster (Northern Ireland) as a medium to deliver three modules to continuing education students over a five-year period. Discusses planning and implementation, and the move from conventional teaching to distance learning. Notes professional development reached an effective level and in…

The vocabulary, sentence structure, and organization of a pharmacy education handout were lowered, main ideas were highlighted, and special introductions were written. There was no statistically significant difference in reading comprehension scores between subjects receiving the modified pamphlet and subjects receiving the standard version. (21…

Reports on the gender-related difference in out-of-school writing experience of adult students returning to college. Discusses implications for teaching, maintaining that the differing writing backgrounds such students bring are resources to be utilized rather than deficits to be remedied. (SR)

The older population wants higher education institutions to meet its learning, cultural, and social needs. A number of program models have emerged in response including over 130 learning-in-retirement programs affiliated with individual institutions. Institutions stand to benefit greatly from such programs. (MSE)

Investigation of the influence of cultural background on how adult learners of English self-regulate second-language communication found that Hispanic subjects more frequently sought language clarification from others, and also more frequently used the progressive aspect form than past tense forms, than did Asian subjects. (17 references) (CB)

Planning for adult learning necessitates (1) identifying learner needs; (2) specifying aims and objectives; (3) rethinking content from learners' point of view; and (4) consulting and negotiating with adult students. (SK)

Studies the performance of a novice Spanish student using a Computer-assisted language learning (CALL) system designed for vocabulary enlargement. Results indicate that introspective evidence may be used to validate performance data within a theoretical framework that characterizes the learning approach as "surface" or "deep." (25 references)…

Four issue areas for research and practice based on the process model of experiential learning are understanding and honoring the diversity of individual learners; importance of social affiliation patterns; transfer of learning; and authentic assessment. (SK)

A survey of 29 adult reentry students enrolled in the Scottish Wider Access Programme to become secondary teachers showed the program has substantially increased the numbers and broadened the age range of students but is not attracting the unemployed and those of lower socioeconomic status. Participation is influenced by family, institutional,…

Health care workers in New York City hospitals shaped their workplace basic education program in a number of ways: the union helped design the program; participants served on advisory committees and as student delegates; they evaluated the program; and students developed individualized education plans that were used to set the learning agenda.…