The development of this policy guide was prompted by a variety of needs and issues in the field of adult education as related to adult students who have special learning needs. After many years of workshops and policy committee meetings, the resulting document reflects the growth in awareness for special needs students by both practitioners and…

The awakening of public interest in curriculum has come at a time when, within the education profession, the conventional wisdom about teaching and learning has itself undergone a major transformation. New Constructivist theories of knowing have emphasized the social nature of the construction of knowledge: students learn by "putting it into…

This book offers suggestions to primary schools about how they can improve their work in preparing children for a rapidly changing world. Chapter 1 sets the stage by considering various definitions of educational improvement, efficacy, and goals. Chapter 2 assesses research on school effectiveness and critically considers components of school…

Drawing on a parent's perspective, this booklet presents tools, strategies, and information a parent will need to ensure their child will get the best education possible. The book's chapters are as follows: (1) "Organizing Your Home for Success," including teaching the child to be organized and what to do to promote learning at home; (2)…

Based on a study by the Institute of Study for Older Adults of the language needs, program models, and learning dynamics of older adults lacking English skills, this manual provides guidelines for establishing language courses for older adults. After definitions of common terms and concepts are provided, Section I describes the literacy needs,…

If students are to respect minority values, a multicultural philosophy must pervade every aspect of school life. Discussed are indicators which will show that minorities are not receiving equality of opportunity and the behavior patterns and learning styles of six ethnic groups--South Asian, Greek, Italian, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Portuguese. (RM)

Designed to acquaint new instructors at the Community College of Vermont (CCV) with the workings of the college and to offer all instructors some thoughts and tips to enhance their teaching experience, this handbook presents a mix of information on theory and practice of teaching and learning and on practical administrative matters. Following…

Technology Mediated Instruction (TMI) is an alternate mode of instructional delivery that provides several benefits. In addition to assisting information transfer through integration of course material, TMI fosters instructor-student interaction through methods such as interactive question-answer areas, video-based office hours, e-mail, and…

Developed as a resource for faculty members at the Community College of Vermont (CCV), this four-part handbook provides information about the CCV and presents ideas and strategies for enhancing the effectiveness of teaching. Part I reviews the history of the CCV; examines the institution's mission, goals, and programs; profiles the CCV's teachers…

Recommendations and guidelines are presented for the educational diagnosis of students entering the Los Rios Community College District. The paper first underscores the need for a diagnostic process to help students assess their potential for academic success, and then recommends: (1) the assessment of past academic and work experience, basic…

This handbook is designed to aid educators as they serve handicapped students who are enrolled in regular programs. The emphasis of the handbook is on selecting an appropriate vocational program, developing an individualized education program (IEP), and preparing students for meaningful employment through effective teaching. Addressed in the…

Non-learners are externally controlled students conditioned to expect both failure and success. They are aware of their basic skill deficiencies yet know that passive behavior in high school classrooms has resulted in passing grades. Given the nature of the non-learner, developmental educators cannot achieve positive results through manipulating…

This manual explains how to foster contextual learning and curriculum integration. There are 12 sections: "Contextual Learning"; "Connecting Academic Standards with Contextual Learning"; "Using Career Development to Add Context and Relevancy to the Classroom"; "Curriculum Integration"; "Guidelines for…

Developmental continuity refers to designing early childhood instruction that provides learning experiences based on children's prior knowledge, follows a natural progression across preschool and the early grades, and allows progress at each child's rate and style of learning. There are many ways of providing developmental continuity, but common…

This document is intended as a template for individuals initiating and developing adult education distance learning programs. The introduction discusses the following issues: benefits of distance learning; flexibility; confidentiality; retention; and the best students to target. The template and supplementary materials are organized in five…