The paths of mathematics education reform for children and adults resemble two highways that join together for a distance then diverge, remaining parallel but distinct. The differences reflect the intrinsic distinction between pedagogy and andragogy. School mathematics must prepare children for all the possible paths that their educational journey…

For many, achieving a college degree is a lifelong dream, characterized by opportunity, hope for a bright future, long-term career options, and an overall improved quality of life. Yet, access to American higher education continues to be limited by complex structures and systems such as financial barriers, expectation gaps in learning between high…

Over the past 30+ years, many colleges have made themselves more accessible for adult students. These innovations include flexible scheduling, online learning, professionally-oriented degrees, and credit for what students already know. However, there is more work to be done, particularly in the areas of financial aid for the very large number of…

Adult education has become a significant aspect of Finnish educational and developmental policy as well as of Finnish labor and social policies. Such factors as the need for occupational proficiency, employment, and economic growth have strongly influenced adult education in Finland. Besides the development of personality and support for the life…

Describes the study circle concept that pioneered in Sweden during the last century. Suggests that study circles can be sustained if their usefulness for education, communication, and leadership development can be demonstrated to organizations. Offers multiple forms of study circles for organizational use. (JOW)

Emotional reactions to text are manifestations of learners' inner selves. Adult learners can engage in the process of meaning making by working with images and integrating them into their holistic beings. (SK)

Challenges for adult education posed by the changing world of work and learning include establishing corporate universities and dissolving mental and geographic borders through technology. (SK)

Encourages adult educators to rediscover the art of letter writing and to realize its personal development benefits for adult learners. Suggests that letter writing promotes transformational learning and self-development, empowers students by giving them voice, and forges collaborative learning. (JOW)

Principles are (1) develop a philosophy; (2) understand the uniqueness of adult learners; (3) eliminate load factors; (4) provide vision; (5) be authentic and credible; (6) provide challenges; (7) foster praxis; (8) know how learners experience learning; and (9) encourage independence. (SK)

In seeking to understand how parent/child homework activity may provide a learning opportunity for parents as well as for children, the authors examined three bodies of literature: (1) research on parent involvement in homework; (2) research on parent reengagement with mathematics learning; and (3) research on the nature of parent/child math talk…

Ways in which adult educators can bring spirituality into educational practice include engaging in autobiographical reflection, creating an environment for spiritual learning, creating a dialogical space, and fostering an ethic of care. (SK)

Knowles' foundational principles of adult learning in making presentations are that (1) the audience should be active participants in a process of inquiry and (2) the process should build on the background, needs, interests, problems, and concerns of the audience. (SK)

Staff should be aware of four adult learning principles influencing their conference learning experience: (1) adults learn what they really want to learn; (2) they learn by doing; (3) their motivations are varied and strong; and (4) their experiences enrich the learning situation. (SK)

A learning contract provides a plan of action for one's objectives in attending a conference and selection of appropriate activities. Fine tuning involves reviewing objectives, deciding whether to stay in a session, and later evaluating the usefulness of the conference experience. (SK)

A nursing education course at the Medical University of South Carolina focuses on the student as a person, a learner, and a professional. Important components of the course are the principles and concepts of adult learning that incorporate concepts of self-directed learning and self-awareness. (Author/JOW)