Assessment provides information with which to make informed decisions about learners and programs and to support the learner through the educational experience. A comprehensive assessment system should contain information about learner goals, background, interests, skills, and attitudes; appropriate instruments; standards; and feedback to the…

Triangulation of 3 sets of data (176 student nominations of faculty for excellence; interviews with 68 adult graduate students and surveys of 181 adult undergraduates about outstanding teachers) showed that adults considered some teacher-centered and some student-centered attributes as effective. Undergraduate or graduate status was very important…

Discussion of the problems (other than motivational) encountered by adult language learners focuses on a humanistic approach for the teacher, arguing that better understanding of cultural confusion and dissonance allows the teacher to pair students appropriately, identify sources of student dissatisfaction, and work to overcome inhibitions.…

This study investigated whether achievement, completion rate, and lesson time vary with computer-screen layouts using good design principles compared with poorly designed screens. Results with adult learners using computer-based instruction showed no difference in achievement scores but good design did lead to higher completion rates and less time…

Reports on the results of a case study indicating that written language in general and journal writing in particular may be the preferred vehicle for syntactic acquisition of some adult learners. Five adult English-as-a-Second-Language learners, all illiterate in their first language, took part in the study. (Author/JL)

Discusses how the Instituto de Estudios Norteamericanos (IEN) in Barcelona, Spain has successfully met the challenge of developing an approach to teaching English that is both in step with current American methodology, yet fits the culture and logistical circumstances of an overseas program. (Author/VWL)

A case history of a female literacy student examined how journal writing about her literacy experiences increased her metacognitive self-knowledge, reading comprehension, writing performance, and self-esteem. With one-to-one tutorial guidance, she learned to assess her literacy learning from her own perspective. (SK)

Interviews with 67 North Wales students taking access to higher-education courses (76% female, 24% male) indicated that women find a supportive environment in access courses but the transition to higher education was difficult. The culture does not accommodate different gender perspectives or family responsibilities. (SK)

A study of 87 college students over 21 progressing from the first to second year of a social science program showed that younger and older students had very different patterns of performance and progression. Entry route to university had a strong influence on progression. Disaggregation of age groups was determined to be important in such…

A study of 13 returning undergraduates over 26 showed that their definition of college success used primarily external standards, but internal criteria defined successful learning. Factors supporting/hindering success included life experience, maturity, motivation, self-monitoring, reinforcement, and the nature and quality of classroom…

The challenge of leadership training for registered nurses returning to school for bachelor's degrees may be addressed by using (1) learning contracts, which support adult responsibility for learning and (2) nominal group process, a means of identifying individual learning needs and preferences so that teaching can be tailored to individuals. (SK)

British nurses (n=275), many of whom had to upgrade skills for conversion to registered nursing, participated in an upskilling exercise. Participants and a comparison group of nonparticipants were categorized as either opportunity-takers or conscripts (those who viewed retraining as obligatory). (SK)

Focuses on the predicament of the gifted but forgotten woman in the English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) classroom. The article emphasizes that the ESL teacher can use the class to provide opportunities for students to discuss their feelings, to understand the students' nonverbal language, and to serve as a role model by avoiding the use of sexist…

Identifies six stages adult learners pass through as they become confident using electronic mail. Understanding the stages of learning to use technology empowers the learner through the knowledge that feelings of tension and frustration will be overcome. (Author/AEF)

Examines the effect of different types of college experiences such as work, course-related activities, and involvement in clubs and social organizations to determine if the traditional notions about "college involvement" pertain to adult students. Results indicate that the more time that adults were engaged in course and other related learning…