This book on adult learning is divided into six sections. Section 1, Cognitive Processes, includes the following chapters: "Cognitive Processes: Contemporary Paradigms of Learning" (Jack Mezirow); "Information Processing, Memory, Age and Adult Learning" (Gillian Boulton-Lewis); "Adult Learners' Metacognitive Behaviour in Higher Education" (Barry…

Training represents a significant portion of the adult education market, yet many believe the principles of training are not aligned with principles of adult education. A literature review supports the inclusion of training within the adult education field by comparing their respective philosophies and aims, their assumptions about adult learners…

A study was conducted to identify the literacy needs of adults with disabilities and to examine the extent to which these needs are being met by community-based adult basic literacy programs in the metropolitan Toronto, Ontario, Canada area. Data for the study were gathered through questionnaires used to interview 15 potential adult learners with…

This two-page lesson plan for Adult Basic Education (ABE) and English as a Second Language (ESL) uses a children's book ("Jip: His Story,"' by Katherine Paterson) to provide an integrated learning experience for students. The lesson plan includes a synopsis of the story and general suggestions for using the story in a basic skills class. It also…

This report presents the results of the fourth annual National Adult Student Priorities Study (ASPS) conducted to determine the areas of highest importance to students 25 years and older, the areas of greatest and least satisfaction to these college students, and the greatest performance gaps between levels of importance and levels of…

This study explores the motives, barriers, and enablers that affect adult students in their decision to enroll in community college distance learning credit classes. Three methodologies were utilized: (1) an online focus group of adult distance learning and adult education experts to identify the main issues and questions to be used in interviews…

This paper describes some of the issues involved in refining Internet-based, asynchronous conference forums to meet the learning needs of adult students in distant inservice and graduate courses. The paper focuses on an analysis of existing instruction delivery systems and explores identification of optimal environments for inservice professional…

Authors examines the contributions research might have made or might be making to assist teachers, administrators, and university professors of adult education in dealing with their day to day responsibilities. (Author/LF)

Suggests programs to increase effectiveness of academic orientation and bibliographic instruction for adult university students. Adult enrollment patterns in Canada and characteristics of adult students which have implications for orientation and bibliographic instruction are examined. Eighteen footnotes are included. (EJS)

From 1974 to 1982, the University of Mid-America, modeled on the Open University of Great Britain, tried to give adults new access to higher education. Its successes and failures are discussed by its president and vice-president. (MLW)

Three publications on adult education (by K. Patricia Cross, Carol Aslavian and Henry M. Brickell, and Caryl Chudwin and Rita Durant) are reviewed and apparently indicate that American higher education is about to embark on a renaissance of adult learning. In an age of fiscal austerity, however, programs for adults have already been curtailed.…

Results indicate that while amount of newspaper reading does not covary with knowledge of city affairs, the reasons why people read newspapers matter. If people read to learn about municipal politics, they tend to be taught. If they read for fun, they learn little. Media effects depend on motives of media users. (PD)

Defines the concept of competency-based adult education (CBAE) and maintains that it is not a curriculum, but an adult education process emphasizing individualized instruction, learner goals, functional literacy, and other life skills. Discusses the importance of program evaluation, adult teaching/learning principles, and the teacher's role in…

Reports results of a study to determine to what extent enrollees in adult evening classes perceived how their future student role would relate to class attendance. The author found that few students really appreciated the degree of commitment required and suggests that school staff should provide more pre-enrollment information. (MF)

The federal role in sponsoring constructive educational changes related to experiential learning credit is presented. The federal government, it is suggested, possesses the statutory power, historical record, and capability to take a supportive role in resolving the issues involved in the award, articulation, and transfer of experiential learning…