A proposed new educational service, the degree upgrade, is designed to attract graduates not seeking advanced degrees and to develop a continuing relationship with them. The new service aims at a previously untapped and constantly growing market segment, creates a continuing demand for services, and redefines traditional concepts of lifelong…

Describes the growth in community college enrollment and suggests that reasons for it include lower costs than four-year colleges, many areas of study, varied schedules, and ease of transfer to four-year colleges. (JOW)

A survey of 208 adult learners of English as a second language and 24 follow-up interviews showed that 66.8% experienced transformation in their frames of reference and thinking about culture, language learning, and themselves. Learning activities that facilitated transformative learning included discussions, exercises, essays, assigned readings,…

Adult basic education providers in 9 states (n=555) identified barriers to providing accommodations for students with disabilities: inadequate number of agencies for assessment referrals, lack of training, inappropriate instructional materials, ineffective assessment tools, and limited budget/staff. The lack of screening and interventions for…

Surveyed 327 undergraduates at Boise State University (Idaho) concerning their motivational orientation and attitudes toward school. Results indicated that nontraditional students (those age 25 and older) were more intrinsically motivated, while traditional students (those under age 25) were more extrinsically motivated. Students did not differ in…

In interviews, nontraditional colleges students defined themselves against the stereotype of traditional-age entrants. They tended to choose subjects about which they had some knowledge. Women especially had difficulty balancing conflicting life demands. A need for change in the culture of higher education was identified. (SK)

Interviews with 58 nursing students over age 25 showed that they experienced financial, child care, relationship, and family problems. Many had considered dropping out in response to pressures of their multiple roles. (SK)

Using web-based bulletin boards in classes elicited enthusiastic responses from 109 graduate education students. They felt it enhanced learning, created a greater sense of community and encouraged participation through its use. Some negative aspects of web-based conferencing (need for self-direction and technological literacy, lack of spontaneity…

Used an innovative benchmarking research methodology including surveys and site visits to identify best practices at selected adult-centered institutions. Distilled findings into one overarching theme, "Adult learner centered institutions have a culture in which flexibility, individuation, and adult-centered learning drive institutional practice,"…

An art center for people recovering from mental illness offered a course designed to prepare them for formal art education. A collaboration between an adult education service and the center, the course focused on changing attitudes, self-image, and self-confidence. (SK)

At McMaster University, an increasingly older and well-qualified pool of nursing applicants can complete Year-One requirements in an eight-week summer program. Students are highly enthusiastic and appreciative of the cost savings. Faculty perceive student benefits, but their summer teaching load is heavy. (SK)

Explores the support needs of one dyslexic trainee teacher. She was enabled to pursue her degree and succeed in her training as a result of the support she received from both the university's specialist dyslexia unit and her academic tutor. Examines this success from the perspectives of the student herself, her class tutor and the dyslexia support…

A small-scale project matched 16 new students in the Open University with student mentors. The value of the experience was immeasurable for some. Implementing it on a wider scale might be cost effective in terms of adult student retention. (SK)

A literature review summarizes research on the demography, development, and persistence of nontraditional adult students in higher education. Educational strategies are recommended: developing nontraditional communities on campus, providing appropriate counseling and orientation, training staff to be aware of student backgrounds and needs, and…

Eight adult students who completed experiential learning portfolios reported a marked increase in self-knowledge, greater recognition of the value of learning through work and mentors, improved communication and organization skills, and greater appreciation for the role of reflection. (Contains 73 references.) (SK)