A faculty survey at the University of Texas at Dallas showed faculty had no objections to most students' being over 30, did not favor age segregation, found older students better motivated, and felt no need for changes in academic standards. Special training for dealing with adult students is not recommended. (MSE)

In a 1980 Vocational ESL (VESL) project for adult Indochinese refugees, the major issues explored were: (1) What are the language and performance skills necessary for entry-level jobs? (2) How can these skills be incorporated into a VESL curriculum for beginning level, semiliterate students? and (3) How can ESL curriculum materials reflect…

Describes the method and some of the exercises in a course in French composition for adults pursuing an advanced degree in French in evening courses. The practices discussed are journal keeping, a research paper, and exercises geared to these particular students. Samples of student writing are included. (AMH)

Discusses the potential of continuing education in the visual arts for older adults. Reviews the characteristics of older adult students, the role of community colleges, older adults' interest in the arts, and benefits from arts participation. (AYC)

Asserts that community colleges have a responsibility for all students' developmental growth. Reviews human development theories to support a Grounded Formal Theory Approach (GFTA) to redesigning the college environment to meet adult needs. Outlines the seven-step GFTA process, which comprises developmental and content theory. Provides an example…

The adaptation of experimental learning modes to the situation of the working adult student is examined. Special situations or problems unique to this group are illustrated, and methods of designing learning objectives and student reports are presented. Educational objectives and evaluation sheets are appended. (Author/MLW)

Presents the results of two studies intended to determine: (1) whether psycholinguistics can explain the reading behaviors of adult Spanish speakers reading in English and Spanish, and (2) whether these readers transferred their Spanish reading skills to English. (Author/AM)

In 1977 a survey was sent to two-thirds of new first-year students at UNE including 32 mature age admission students. The responses are compared including data on motivation, expectations and reality of university life, satisfaction with university life, study methods, and self-esteem. (MLW)

A study of adult learners reveals four steps of transformative change in adult life: diffusion, dissonance, differentiation, and coherence. The educational implications of these steps are explored through case studies, and it is argued that these transformative changes affect not only the individual and the nature of adult education, but the…

SOTA (Students Older than Average) is a university social service directed toward the needs of college students aged 25 or older. The article describes the activities provided by SOTA at Texas A&M University, such as social events, academic assistance, referrals, and interpersonal growth. (MF)

A literature search indicates that many adult consumers of postsecondary education need protection from abusive practices by some schools, such as misleading advertising, incomplete information, inferior facilities, false promises, etc. The article provides a checklist for potential adult students to use in making decisions about choosing a…

Discusses and critiques the notional/functional syllabus and the concept of "threshold level" as elaborated by the Council of Europe. (AM)

Describes the new admissions system to be adopted by the British Open University in 1980. It is hoped that the new system will enable other local and national institutions to make more positive plans for Open University preparatory courses and allow students more help and time to prepare for intended courses. (Author/CSS)

A list is presented of special factors pertaining to English as a foreign language class in England that provide strong arguments for organizing them along resource-based learning situations. Students can be in control of their studies, engaging in independent, individual work. (SW)

Hatfield Polytechnic offers a degree program in Contemporary Studies designed for adult students, barticularly women who wish to study part-time during the day. Discussion of the program focuses on curriculum content, rate of study, admissions requirements, counseling, preparatory courses, child care arrangements, and student financial aid. (JMD)