Discusses the importance of the learning environment and its effect on the adult learner. Points out that the ERIC system has other materials on this topic. (JOW)

In this study, adults identified as low-readers were asked to sort 20 words into four unspecified groups. The purpose of the task was to determine ways in which learners clustered words. Subjects grouped words thematically as opposed to grammatically or hierarchically. Groups suggested stories rather than parts of speech or concept groupings.…

Blocks to formal learning during mid-life (ages thirty-five to forty-five) are fairly prevalent. Discusses five psychological blocks to successful learning for adults in this age period and suggests ways adult educators can deal with these blocks. (EM)

Research, statewide evaluation, and student followup studies have indicated that students in adult basic education and English as a second language classes learn more when they are in classrooms in which the teachers practice the following participatory learning principles: establish a learning-centered classroom, personalize instruction, relate…

Differences between adult learners and youth and some ways to capitalize on those differences are discussed and suggestions are offered for what to include in model adult career education programs. (TA)

A survey of the field of learning disabilities is presented and applied to adults. A review of diagnostic tests reveals concentrated knowledge about learning disabled children and adolescents, and a scarcity of knowledge on adult populations. Pertinent areas for research are proposed for learning disability specialists and adult educators.…

The relationship between locus of control and course completion in an adult basic education program was investigated. Instruction was individualized; each learner was tutored by an adult volunteer. Those learners who completed the program were significantly more internally controlled than those who did not complete the program. (Author/CT)

This study investigated the prevalence of learning disabilities among 189 male inmates in a county jail setting. If inmates scored below the sixth-grade level, they were further tested. From this procedure, it was concluded that there is a much higher rate of learning disabilities among the adult offender population than among the general…

Provides an interpretative review of the literature of conforming behavior with special attention to implications for adult education. Eight different research areas of conformity research are summarized, and five reasons for conformity and three different kinds of conforming behavior are identified and discussed. (SH)

A student's persistence in adult basic education programs can be influenced by institutional and personal support systems. This article not only identifies these support systems but also analyzes the impact that they have on students' lives. (Author)

A literacy program incorporating adult learning principles was designed using functional materials and an appropriate methodology, and the feasibility of this program was assessed in an adult basic education setting. Analysis of achievement data indicated that the application of adult learning principles to adult literacy resulted in effective…

In creating mathematics materials for adult basic education students, researchers (1) interviewed students and teachers to determine needs and objectives; (2) developed materials based on consumer mathematics skills; and (3) evaluated effectiveness by a pretest/posttest and student, teacher, and administrator questionnaires. Results showed the…

Diagnostic/prescriptive techniques can match adult reading students with appropriate content materials. The Directed Reading Activity is a structured approach that introduces concepts and vocabulary, teaches or reviews specific reading skills, prepares for reading, encourages discussion of content, and follows up on information and skills…

This article presents exploratory research on the profile characteristics of a selected sample of Texas adult basic education instructors who worked with older learners of age 45 and above and of their perceptions of preference, capabilities, and instructional concerns in serving this older adult population. (Author/CT)

Describes development, composition, and interpretation of a series of individually administered tests to identify adult basic education learning problems. Test areas include screening for visual/auditory functions and diagnostic evaluation of visual/auditory perceptions and dyslexia. Results can provide basis for referral to medical or visual…