Analysis of adult English-as-a-Second-Language students' dialogue journal communication with their native speaking teacher found that 5 of the 12 conversations analyzed were reciprocal in most of the "move" (sharing of information or opinions unknown by the other) categories, but only 4 were reciprocal in initiating solicits, and only 1 extended…

A study of native-language (L1) use in the collaborative interaction of five dyads of native English-speaking adult learners of Spanish as a second language found that L1 serves a critical function in students' attempts to mutually define task elements, provide each other with scaffolding help, and externalize inner speech. (Author/MSE)

Describes a study that investigated the influence of small-group work on confidence level and achievement of adults in mathematics, specifically in algebra. Students who participated in the experimental (small-group) method of instruction experienced significantly greater increase in confidence level, and higher completion rate, than students who…

Describes a university literacy tutorial program in which older adult college students received tutor training and then carried out one-to-one reading tutorials with adult male learners who were rehabilitating addicts. Offers two case studies, and shows that the program had a significant impact on tutors' commitment to community volunteerism and…

Examined the gendered experiences of 18 working-class participants in higher education through the analysis of interviews related to schooling, later learning, students' views of higher education, and attitudes toward being working class. Findings emphasize the construction of masculine and feminine identities and the mediating effects of gender…

Describes the five-week communication module that leads off an accelerated, interdisciplinary program offering a major in Human Services Administration intended for nontraditional students. Describes the program and the major educational principles underlying it. Discusses the communication module's five components: intercultural communication,…

Presents a brief discussion of the challenges presented to mathematics education by changes in social dependence on mathematics, in professional response to the needs of students, in institutional expectations of students and teachers, and in student demographics and expectations. Provides an extended outline for a syllabus used to clearly…

A Canadian university surveyed 300 mature students (33% responded) and interviewed 12. Responses indicated that 62% changed their academic program. Institutional influences on academic decision making were more significant than personal influences, with no differences between full- and part-time students. Students wanted preliminary information…

Examines knowledge of semantics-syntax correspondences in second-language acquisition (SLA) within the Principles and Parameters framework. A parameter of semantic structure is used to investigate change of state locatives and "psychological" verbs. Results indicate that for some learners, first-language influence persists until advanced stages of…

Responds to the preceding article, "Impacts of the New Economy on Learning Needs." The article argues that English as a Second Language (ESL) should seek not just to equip learners with employable skills, but also to engage in examining society critically, to enable ESL learners to defend and extend their interests in society. (19…

Describes two events in Windsor to increase access of English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) learners to employment. These include a help fair for the learners and an information sharing day for community providers who would showcase their services during the fair. Implications for ESL teachers are discussed. (Author/CK)

Describes Specialized Instructional Services developed by the library at the State University of New York College at Oswego to meet the needs of nontraditional adult students, students of color, and students with disabilities. Highlights include the cultural diversity of international students, cooperation with other campus offices, and future…

Explores the interface between skills used outside college and those perceived as relevant to studies in college, based on a survey of mature part-time undergraduate students. Respondents also rated personal abilities and characteristics of mature students and offered suggestions for integrating their skills and experience into the study programs.…

Leadership, as a discipline, can and should be taught at the graduate level, but experientially based approaches are also necessary to meet future leadership needs. The qualitative research methodology known as rapid assessment process exemplifies how experiential education can be integrated into graduate leadership development curricula.…

Surveyed English-as-a-Second-Language teachers of adult learners from New York and Puerto Rico to determine their attitudes about consciously teaching grammar in second-language courses, comparing results to research on the subject. Most teachers from both groups had clearly defined approaches to grammar teaching. There were between- and…