Mirroring McGregor's management theories X and Y, the authors posit educational theory X, in which learners are treated as passive children whose teachers make all curricular decisions, and theory Y, in which students are viewed as autonomous and self-directed learners. (SK)

Adult learner participation in program planning is accepted more in theory than in practice. Resistance to change and contextual constraints inhibit its implementation. Strategies addressing these two obstacles can encourage participation in situations where it meets learners' educational needs. (SK)

Postulates five stages of English-as-a-Second-Language reading (mechanical skills, connecting written with oral language, reading for new information, reading for different reasons, and independent reading) and identifies for each a statement of purpose, targeted learner group, and appropriate activities. (20 references) (Author/LB)

Combines methods to probe the learning strategies of two unsuccessful learners as they completed four activities (an interview, a verb exercise, a cloze passage, and a composition). These unsuccessful learners, when viewed through a task demand model, emerged as active strategy users, though they sometimes applied strategies inappropriately. (38…

Examines factors contributing to the increasing enrollments of adults in higher education. Discusses the characteristics of adult learners, and the special circumstances and needs of reentry adult women. Suggests that remedial and developmental specialists have an important role to play in assisting reentry students. (DMM)

Describes, in a case study, how a functionally illiterate adult coped with the disabling effects of not being able to read and how, once he was involved in an educational therapy program, his attitude toward reading, his self-esteem, interpersonal relationships, coping strategies, and actual progress in reading were influenced by the treatment.…

Examined motivation for participation in off-campus credit programs. Findings from 417 Vocational, Technical, and Adult Education master's degree recipients who participated in off-campus degree programs revealed that graduates were more influenced to enroll because of professional advancement and cognitive interest reasons than for other reasons.…

As implemented at the University of Edinburgh, Second Chance to Learn targets adults who have left school and are unemployed or are unskilled or semiskilled workers. It seeks to attract nonparticipants in approachable, community-based settings. (SK)

Interviews with 36 adult part-time students found that, even in late adulthood, family background and parental support (moral and financial, help with housework and child care) influence educational participation. Parental disapproval or the need to provide elder care were negative influences on participation. (SK)

To explore philosophical predilections, the Principles of Adult Learning Scale (PALS), Educational Orientation Questionnaire, and Philosophy of Adult Education Inventory were administered to 111 adult education graduate students. The overall population was progressive on the PALS and scored close to reported means on the other tests. (SLD)

Culturally responsive counseling for adult students depends on counselor self-awareness, knowledge and understanding of cultural groups, and appropriate skills to deal effectively with the needs of students with different backgrounds, experiences, world views, values, and learning styles. (SK)

A survey of 73 Danish adult participants in computer training and interviews with 32 showed that participants had positive computer attitudes but few expectations of the courses; courses only moderately realized developers' intentions; and participants used resulting learning only moderately at work or in further education. (SK)

Investigates various influences and reasons why non-English-speaking women working in a small goods factory in Australia chose not to participate in workplace literacy courses. Presents perceptions of the nonparticipants, the course provider, the teacher, the personnel manager, and the researcher. Discusses barriers, motivation, networks and power…

This longitudinal study investigated the reasons that adult learners in Iceland gave for wanting to learn about the Internet, and their attitudes. Describes three research stages: identification of an analytical framework; testing of a behavioral intention model; and use of the model to identify attitudes, social influences, perceived control, and…

The findings of a two-year study of the impact of an elite private college education on five mature returning students enrolled at Smith College (Massachusetts) are presented. Most participants evolved to define success in terms of capacity to render service rather than in terms of social mobility. (SLD)