Interviews with 14 from a random sample of 20 full-time married male students at the University of Guelph examined how their lives and their families' lives had changed because of their participation in education. Findings indicate that this population entered the university in response to developmental transition and that students and their…

Presents the results of a study that examined the characteristics and motivation for studying of language students who attended a summer program. The article provides new evidence on the specific reasons students chose to study an intensive short course and their general motivation for studying a foreign language. (16 references) (CK)

The example of an adult teacher of English as a Second Language illustrates that, in attempting to build learner trust, dilemmas between creating a safe learning environment and holding students academically accountable are normal. Multiple forms of trusting relationships may conflict; educators should view trust as not only establishing rapport…

One instructor's experiences teaching French to prison inmates is recounted. Descriptions of the students, instructional environment, limitations of the textbook, and student creativity are accompanied by a quantitative analysis of the inmates' academic achievement. Their grades did not differ noticeably from those of students taught by the author…

Comparison of the study skills of 38 adult and 60 traditional-age college students in the same course found that older students had significantly higher scores on meaning orientation and lower scores on reproducing orientation and had persistence and educational attainment at least as high as that of traditional-age students. (Author/MSE)

Russell states that Britain's General National Vocational Qualifications (GNVQs) enable women to have paid, volunteer, and community achievements recognized and accredited. Kilminster argues that GNVQ health and social care courses are too strongly driven by ideology. Tiernan shows how women's community groups use NVQs with volunteers. (SK)

Three teachers share techniques for adapting to learning styles: "The Personal Touch Eases Anxiety of Adult Students" (Bilderback); "Learning to Cooperate: Recipe for Success" (Lindsay); and "Thoughtful Questions Lead Students to Answers" (Crowley). (SK)

Examined factors that might affect wellness among non-traditional-age commuter college students. Findings from 356 traditional- and non-traditional-age commuter students revealed that wellness for both groups was influenced by personal and environmental factors. Quality of support systems and interpersonal relationships had impact on wellness in…

Studied the word as a unit in second-language speech acquisition. Spanish and English monolinguals' renditions of "taco" differed systematically. Bilinguals' accuracy in producing the various segments of a second-language word may be interrelated. In judging second-language speech, listeners respond to phonetic errors distributed over the entire…

Research suggests mature college students use more desirable approaches to academic learning, adopting a deep approach (meaning orientation) more often and a surface approach less often than younger students. Explanations include motivation by intrinsic goals; acquisition of a surface approach by younger students in secondary education; and…

Explains the goals and objectives of the Library and Information Science Distance Education Consortium (LISDEC). Needs of the library profession and for library services in the community are discussed, educational opportunities for adults that are available through satellite communication are described, and use of telecommunications for continuing…

Reports on the first New York Literacy Vision Screening, which investigated whether illiterate adults enrolled in illiteracy programs might have undetected visual problems that were interfering with their quest for literacy. Finds a startling 66 percent with vision problems. (SR)

Comparison of temporal system acquisition between native English-speaking children and Polish adults learning English revealed that, although native learners comprehended absolute temporal contrasts first and relative components later, the second language-learners' initial temporal systems had both absolute and relative dimensions. (36 references)…

A sampling of entertainment and service programs provided by colleges and universities specifically to fill the needs of the growing adult student population illustrates the range of possibilities for creative programing. Ideas discussed include child care, programs for seniors and children, professional entertainment, and various support…

The attitudes of Australian adults required to study a foreign language for a postgraduate degree were examined. Investigators reviewed the students' diaries, which they had been required to keep for 30 lessons. Problems of fear/anxiety, dependence, and loss of self-esteem are discussed. (17 references) (Author/LB)