Presents a microanalysis of a segment of an adult English as a Second Language class in order to illustrate classroom interaction that combines the goals of negotiation among participants and explicit instruction on the formal features of language. The article urges teachers to microanalyze their classroom discourse in order to improve teaching…

In a study examining situational autobiography, a learner in a family literacy classroom completed three situational autobiography chapters and then explored the same themes with her children at home. Findings indicate that knowledge of learners' backgrounds is essential to providing quality education, and situational autobiography has a healing…

Discusses the basic concepts of andragogy, or the teaching of adults. Topics include differences between children and adults; characteristics of adult learners, including time perspective, motivation, being self-directed, and experienced in life skills; and effective program design for adults. (LRW)

Examines the effects of learning words grouped in semantic sets, using Japanese words paired with artificial words. A principal finding was that there was a main effect against learning semantically related words at the same time. The article concludes that presenting students with wordlists of new words in semantic clusters, rather than in…

Examines claims that unconscious second language learning under implicit and incidental conditions is insensitive to measures of individual differences in cognitive abilities, in contrast to learning under conscious rule-search and instructed conditions. Findings revealed that only in the incidental condition was the extent of learning and…

Presents national data on the 40-and-older student population, focusing on their methods for gaining access to postsecondary education, experiences while participating in education and training, and outcomes. Reports that the proportion of these students increased 235% between 1970 and 1993 and that the majority attend part-time and live…

Argues that within English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) classrooms many identities are hidden. Discusses how these identities may affect the classroom and its participants and suggests what ESL administrators and faculty members might do in response to these identities, and their ramifications for the classroom. (five references) (Author/CK)

Offers a historical review of the relationship between theory and student affairs practice, and of traditional student development theory. Examines some newer student development theories. Examples of programs based on new theory are provided, as are guidelines on sources to which community college student affairs professionals can turn.…

Argues that the term 'nontraditional' is too broad to be helpful in identifying specific student needs at a community college because of the number of students who fit this definition. Presents research and suggestions, and discusses the limitations of using a single term. (Contains 24 references.) (AUTH/NB)

Discusses the following barriers to adult learning: (1) motivation is dependent on usefulness of material; (2) ideas and values are fully formed and resistent to challenge; (3) students develop a negative self-image; and (4) students experience reentry shock and infantilization. Discusses an orientation course involving critical thinking designed…

Discusses Paulo Freire's approach to adult education. Discusses personal conflicts with the traditional method of teaching and proposes how best to teach adult learners. Presents a practical version of the Freire model of desocialization based on experience with students who developed a nonfiction writing curriculum based on the nuclear arms race.…

Discusses how experiential learning is a central issue in adult learning. Explores several aspects of experiential learning and how it can be used by adult students. Suggests further examination of the impact of experiential learning on academic performance and of strategies students can use to capitalize on it. (JS)

Discusses the peer approach to teaching writing with adult students. Discusses theoretical ideas about adults-in-transition, particularly women, that make the peer approach important to their education. Describes specific instances in which the peer approach has been used successfully with adults. Discusses student response to the process. (JS)

Discusses the following administrative factors that determine the success or failure of nontraditional programs: (1) the organization of the program, such as whether or not it is designated as a special division; (2) amount of resources available for its use; and (3) whether or not it has an advisory board. (JS)

Adult educators can help students cope with stress by (1) designing programs that are responsive to stress factors; (2) including information on stress effects in orientation sessions; (3) developing individualized programs of study; (4) integrating education into students' work and other life roles; (5) providing personal attention, advising, and…