To reach older, nontraditional students and alumni, alumni associations must offer a different type of programming Suggestions include ignoring class years of alumni, bringing current and former adult students together, emphasizing career connections, supporting networking, featuring a college speaker to satisfy lifelong learners' hunger for…

In a study involving three diverse computer assisted learning (CAL) experiences and different learner populations (13- and 14- year olds, 19-21- year olds, and adult education majors), a general shift in learning style (Kolb) was observed. The magnitude of the shift appeared to vary with learner ability and exposure to CAL. (PEN)

There is evidence to suggest that mature students learn particularly effectively in a problem-solving environment, and that they appear to be especially responsive to analogies and metaphors. Three examples are given of domains where the student has to convert a formulation into an equivalent diagram. Arguably, the process of performing this…

Theory and research provide insight into the characteristics, needs, and teaching preferences of adult learners in the college classroom. This chapter provides an overview of the literature on adult learning and education theory, along with recommendations for practice. (Contains 46 references.) (Author)

Discusses the following factors influencing learning: (1) environment; (2) emotional makeup; (3) persistence; (4) timing of learning; (5) teaching method; (6) cognitive style; (7) food intake; and (8) psychological factors, including the difference between analytical and global thinking. Discusses how to get a sense of one's personal learning…

Discusses the various uses for the journal in an introductory course in the University without Walls (UWW) program. Discusses how the journal can be a means of discovering meaning in the chaos of the social world and how it provides an opportunity to integrate life and experience with academic life and theory. (JS)

Examines the provision of Catalan and the use of Catalan as a medium of instruction in Catalonia's education system at all levels. A discussion focuses on whether resources and the support from the community are sufficient, and whether the policy favors Catalan aggressively enough to prevent Castilian remaining always the dominant partner. (22…

Open Access courses in Great Britain are a means of increasing adult student enrollment in science, engineering, and technology. However, these mature students are not performing as well in the physical and natural sciences as in the social sciences and humanities, raising questions about the curriculum, teaching methods, and assessment used with…

Overviews the Canada Employment and Immigration Commission's pilot program for community-based English as a second language delivery. Effective needs assessment was critical to the program's success. Implications for needs assessments, decision-making structures, delivery agencies, time-frames, funding, and program models are discussed. (CB)

As the campus population changes, new student activities programs and redesigned existing programs need to be created. Colleges and universities must re-think the programs offered for minority students and non-traditional students, those 25 years of age and older. Some ways to meet their needs are presented. (MLW)

A renewed interest in social work is discussed. Trends causing a resurgence of interest include: part-time programs, older students returning to school to make career shifts, students pursuing degrees for jobs in the private, for-profit sector, and increased legal recognition of social work. (MLW)

A case study is reported of a mature-aged Aboriginal woman who acquired the academic literacy necessary for participation in university education. It suggests the possibility that members of marginalized minority groups can acquire the literacy practices of the dominant society without becoming complicit in them. (Contains 19 references.) (LB)

Describes a systematic method for producing pictures to accompany textual instructional materials. The resulting instructional design model is then used in an attribute by treatment interaction study of post-secondary school students that was designed to investigate the role of analogical pictures in adult learners' acquisition of higher level…

Proposes the establishment of a Research Foundation for Open Learning, and reflects on the Open University's achievements and the need for change. (Author/AEF)

Reports a study that examined the expectations of cooperating teachers regarding nontraditional student teachers. Surveys of 35 cooperating teachers from 9 schools indicated that nearly half of the cooperating teachers believed that age and gender made a difference in how they regarded their student teachers. (SM)