Explores the feasibility of developing guidelines for developmentally appropriate practice (DAP) in early childhood teacher education, based on DAP principles for young children. DAP higher education practices include facilitation of identity development, respect for student interests, and social accountability. Components of DAP in higher…

Examined the validity of the pragmatic approach to test difficulty put forward by Child (1987). This study investigated whether the Child discourse-type hierarchy predicts text difficulty for second-language readers. Results suggested that this hierarchy may provide a sound basis for developing foreign-language tests when it is applied by trained…

Investigates the characteristics of Beijing's community English language programs as well as those of the participating students. Findings reveal that community English as a foreign language (EFL) programs provide a needed component to EFL instruction in China. It is concluded that these programs offer an effective educational experience to…

Studies of the educational experiences of adults returning to high school in New Zealand and Canada report on adult students' perceived relationships with teachers and younger students, their motivation for returning to school, and the compromises they made in order to complete their education. Offers recommendations for educational policy and…

Reviews characteristics of the increasing number of older adults in the United States, examining the role of community colleges in providing the educational activities they need. Discusses common learning styles of adult students and suggests teaching strategies. Presents considerations for improving institutional outreach to older adults. (12…

Relates self-efficacy to retention for online psychology students. Discusses distance learning; distance learner characteristics and learning styles, including adult distance learners; faculty role; the implications of social cognitive theory; the concept of self-efficacy and its relationship to motivation and teaching practices; and online…

Argues that the study of second-language acquisition theory can be enhanced through time-series research designs. Within the context of investigating the effects of second-language instruction, four main reasons for using T-S design are identified. (95 references) (Author/CK)

Reflects on the implications of the multifaceted role of an English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) adult educator. Notes that adult ESL educators act as change agents, bridges to Canadian society, and student advocates, and that their pivotal role consists of developing their students' communicative competence. Emphasizes that the development of…

Examines the acquisition of academic writing skills by adult students studying by distance learning in the United Kingdom. Results indicate that the text-based nature of distance leaning affects both the way in which students acquire writing skills and the development of their identity as academic writers. Differences in the learning process were…

A survey examined environmental and social factors influencing student motivation among 206 American Indian college students. Students preferred teacher-structured environments involving feedback, active roles, and media use. Students felt they must compete for rewards, which contradicts cultural behaviors. Motivational factors specific to…

General guidelines that can further assist the molding of successful, high-quality, Web-based training for adult learners include: learner-centered curriculum; pedagogically appropriate activities; clearly defined objectives, goals, and expectations; easily accessible content; content in multiple formats; sense of community; shorter, focused…

Discusses how adult general education liberal arts requirements do not help adult students and how they may actually discourage students. Discusses alternative courses instituted by the University without Walls (UWW) program that provide lifelong learning activities incorporating liberal arts skills and knowledge with experiential learning. (JS)

Describes a study designed to apply a model of nontraditional student attrition to dislocated workers being retrained at Washington community colleges to determine the predictive powers of selected variables. Indicates that workers with relatively low skills and fewer years of previous education were most likely to persist. (24 citations) (MAB)

Examines Canadian research in job training programs to question whether the development of English language proficiency has a positive impact on the career prospects of most workplace learners. This article describes some workplace programs that include antiracist training and cross-cultural awareness for all members of the workplace. (11…

Presents four examples of partnerships between corporations, public institutions, and schools that provide adults with access to technology and ongoing education. Highlights include distance learning, videoconferencing, interactive video and audio, satellite networks, and electronic services in public libraries. (AEF)