Data from interviews, questionnaires, and student essays of eight female Hispanic learners of English as a second language (ESL) were analyzed. Findings demonstrated how family, Hispanic culture, instructors, and the learning environment influenced performance. ESL participation had an impact on their linguistic, cultural, and educational…

Evaluates the effectiveness of live, two-way interactive television (ITV) continuing education programs for health-care professionals. Data collection consisted of surveys, interviews, and participant observation. Participants indicated that the system enhanced their learning and they would be likely to attend future professional education…

A small instructional group operating on the theories of group dynamics and cooperative learning can be used to effectively teach subjects in adult training programs. Describes useful techniques for developing a supportive and productive climate for adult training, focusing on group organization, group leadership, group characteristics, and…

Adult English-as-a-Second-Language students enrolled in a speaking improvement course (which emphasized general speaking habits) read aloud lists of true and false sentences at the beginning and end of the course. Native speakers judged their intelligibility, comprehensibility, and accent. Most participants showed significant improvement in at…

Although there are some estimates of the incidence of late learning and the economic rewards achieved by those in possession of formally recognised qualifications, little is known about the personal or family characteristics associated with those engaged in late learning, the associated costs and benefits, or even whether the type of qualification…

Multiple factors are changing the underlying financial structure of higher education in America to a form much like the structure now used for adult degree programs. This change is likely to have profound effects on institutional behavior and public policy.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of an instructional spelling approach, Word Study, on adult learners' spelling. The author sought to learn more about participants' stage of spelling development, to gain information from the adults on their interpretations of this approach, and to determine if a short-term intervention would…

This paper examines the educational implications of pursuing equity and access for adult learners across further and higher education sectors. It contextualizes some advantages and disadvantages in cross-sectoral arrangements by reference to a specific access and equity partnership program in Australia and analyses the impact on the equity aims of…

The appearance of the adult learner in the milieu of higher education on such an unprecedented scale necessitates that educational administrators develop strategies that enhance the success of these students. In more than a few instances, this will entail a shifting of accepted paradigms and assumptions when it comes to the administration and…

Mexican immigrants working at a wholesale nursery were involved in developing user instructions for a computer-based instruction system. Sixty-one Latinos with 0 to 16 years of education completed user instructions delivered on the computer, and all but 3 completed training content about the nursery. Based on objective criteria, program use was…

Various factors influence e-learners' feelings of satisfaction and dissatisfaction with their e-learning experience, but from an extensive search with six major academic research databases we did not find any research that demonstrated comprehensive profiles of satisfying and dissatisfying factors in e-learning. We conducted a qualitative study to…

The internationalization of the business curriculum remains a priority for preparing students for a global workforce. Business schools continue to stress the importance of semester-long study abroad programs. Yet in colleges and universities with a growing population of non-traditional, working adult students, it is challenging to provide…

In 2002-03, a qualitative study examined the experiences of 70 stakeholders connected to two community-based adult literacy programs in Manitoba, Canada. Self-directed learning was one of several elements that these research participants considered essential to the learning process. These literacy stakeholders defined self-directed learning as a…

The Commission on International Adult Education (CIAE) of the American Association for Adult and Continuing Education (AAACE) provides a forum for the discussion of international issues related to adult education in general, as well as adult education in various countries around the globe. The following purposes summarize the work of the…

Economic and demographic changes are dramatically increasing the need for adult education, basic literacy, and English-as-a-Second Language (ESL) programs. Millions of Illinois residents lack the level of literacy skills needed to obtain good jobs, perform well on the job, and function well in an increasingly complex society. Addressing the scope…