This article describes how the design of digital learning objects can spark professional learning. The challenge was to build learning objects that would help experienced special education teachers, who had been teaching in math classes, to demonstrate their proficiency in middle and secondary school mathematics on the PRAXIS examination. While…

This book describes and analyzes program planning and development in the field of continuing education. The book contains seven chapters. Building on the phases of program development and the role of the program planner in chapter 1, the book draws attention in chapter 2 to some of the many challenges that are common when programs are planned. The…

In the fall of 1993, a study was begun on how adult basic and literacy education (ABLE) students reacted to working in groups. The research was conducted through a joint vocational school's ABLE program using three target groups at two of its ABLE centers. The groups met two times per week and were facilitated by three different teachers. More…

Rusbult's Investment Model, a theoretical model of commitment based on notions of social exchange and interdependence theory, was used to predict college commitment in traditional-age and adult college students. A questionnaire assessing rewards, costs, investments, alternatives, and commitment to college was administered to 216 traditional-age…

Realizing that non-traditional students must cope with a campus that remains primarily oriented toward the 18-year-old just out of high school, the college teacher must make sure that both traditional and non-traditional students feel comfortable together in the classroom. College English teachers can help non-traditional students by letting them…

This book offers step-by-step guidance on using needs assessment to design high-quality programs in continuing education. The book begins with a definition and description of needs assessment as part of the process of developing a continuing education program. The first of the book's 10 chapters describes the role of needs assessment in…

A review of Knowles' andragogical model (1984) and Pratt's writings (1988) on the appropriateness of learner-centered instruction established that, even though learners may need both direction and support, they can still be involved in designing/directing their own learning in meaningful ways. Adult educators can obtain information about the…

This publication lists 29 suggestions for ways in which practitioners can develop self-esteem in adults with learning disabilities. It defines self-esteem and discusses the benefits of fostering an individual's sense of self-esteem. Incorporation of these suggestions into the learning situation is recommended as a way to help establish an…

This publication lists teaching techniques that have been suggested as effective with adults who have suspected or diagnosed learning disabilities. The list is not all inclusive, but it does provide suggestions for techniques and methods that may be useful in teaching adult learners. The techniques are grouped into four categories: (1) to improve…

Since spring 1995, the Army III Corps at Fort Hood and the Texas A & M University System have collaborated to deliver distance learning courses to the military and their family members at Ft. Hood. Also, Ft. Hood has a leading role in the Army's transition to a worldwide distance learning development and delivery program. The effectiveness of…

A project provided technical assistance to the Pennsylvania Department of Education's Bureau of Adult Basic and Literacy Education (ABLE) in selecting and recognizing 10 outstanding ABLE students via an awards ceremony and publication of a booklet and flyers in celebration of the 20th anniversary of the Success Stories project. In addition to the…

A study surveyed 132 adult students at a small, rural community college who had dropped out of school. The purpose of the study was to assess the reasons leading to their withdrawal from school so the data collected could be used to design dropout prevention programs for adult students. Data were gathered through a 21-item questionnaire. The study…

The Elderhostel program has provided many older persons with a stimulating learning experience at colleges throughout the United States and 46 other countries since its beginning in 1975. Participants in Elderhostel--who usually are retired, are more likely to be women than men, and range in age from 60 to the mid-90s--study topics of interest to…

This report summarizes the papers and discussions of a conference on education of older people. The conference had the following objectives: (1) to highlight examples of good practice in education and training for older people; (2) to encourage interprofessional contact and cooperation; and (3) to strengthen international networks in order to…

This research examined Chickering's psychosocial developmental characteristics of nontraditional aged (25-45) university freshmen and compared these developmental characteristics with those reported for traditional aged (18-24) freshmen to determine if significant differences exist between these groups of students. The Student Developmental Task…