Shows how a language matrix can be used to raise awareness of the role context plays in determining language choice for a given communicative function. The article suggests how the matrix can be used in language awareness and consciousness-raising activities to provide opportunities for contrastive analysis and discussion of politeness strategies…

Explored the relationship of similarity, dissimilarity, and markedness to second language, specifically English, phonological acquisition. The article hypothesized that the rate of acquisition for a dissimilar phenomenon is faster than for a similar phenomenon. Findings revealed that degree of markedness can increase or decrease rate. (38…

Drawing on the experience of a program that trained adult international students as teachers for U.S. urban classrooms, this article explores ways to empower these teacher candidates in classrooms in which they are in a minority and how their contributions can educate the dominant culture as the text or teacher cannot. (SLD)

Presents various strategies for effective classroom teaching, including giving appropriate questions to adult students of English as a Second Language; discussing the physical attributes of the US flag and of the flags of students' native countries; using the characteristics of fruits to teach students to present characteristics in an organized…

Data collected during new-student orientation on nontraditional-age and traditional-age first-time students indicated more psychosocial similarities than differences between them. Results suggest that first-entry nontraditional students experience some of the same needs and concerns in higher education as do their younger peers. Referrals to…

Surveyed adult college students regarding their motivation for attending college and the relative importance of college choice criteria. Getting better jobs, gaining general knowledge, and enhancement of self-esteem were most frequently mentioned. Availability of desired programs, days/times of needed classes, locations of courses, cost, and…

Describes the development of a language assessment instrument to be used across Canada to place adult newcomers in instructional programs appropriate for their level of English proficiency. Describes field testing and rating of the instrument, and discusses work in progress on the ongoing validation of the instrument. (31 references) (Author/CK)

Discusses impending demographic changes in the 21st-century college-student population, addressing implications for athletic training education programs and the profession. The paper discusses multicultural diversification and nontraditional student status, noting that 21st century higher education must offer multicultural training, flexible…

Examines internal and external factors which affect the way women reentering higher education learn and write. Finds several constant internal factors: sense of inferiority among peers; inability to concentrate; sense of guilt; feeling out of place among younger students; fatigue; and doubt. Finds that positive internal factors outweigh negative…

Discusses a study in which specific practices from current literature on adult higher education are applied to the University of Massachusetts at Amherst to "map" usage of and receptivity to those practices and to assess adult student satisfaction. Illustrates an effective, data-rich method of assessing responsiveness to adult…

Considers the pedagogical and subject matter needs of students in an adult labor education course. Notes that students are motivated working adults, with little time for study, attending the course for assistance in dealing with workplace problems. Teachers need to adjust their approach and rethink economic theories from the students' perspective.…

Describes the author's experience of taking two creative writing courses. Stresses the values that are taught: self-investment; avoidance of premature closure; seeing revision as discovery; experimentation; and trusting your own creative power--all necessary for good writing, whether academic or creative. (RAE)

An approach to the teaching of English to part-time adult students in a course in China aimed at opening up and developing the vocabulary of the students through a variety of text-related activities. Wall posters were used as a basis for an extended session of fluency-focused activities, through which students became independent users of English.…

Describes a survey of library personnel, faculty, and students that examined issues related to the role of libraries in the future design and delivery of distance education. Recommendations are made in the areas of program and course planning, services marketing, resource development, data access, technical communications, services and materials…

Evaluation of a pilot attempt to introduce records of achievement in adult language courses received 96 replies from students, many of whom did not see their relevance to their own objectives. Most hostile were students in advanced conversational courses. Tutor enthusiasm diminished due to student resistance. (SK)