The definition of education and learning has been changing in recent years, as the field experienced, and is still experiencing, many changes. One of those changes is a rise in adult learners in higher education. In order to cope with this particular change and set their classrooms up for success, it is vital for educators to be aware of and…

The article proposes a new way of analysing and understanding blended learning and contributes to current debates about adult learner motivations for study. It argues that, whilst the validity of the Andragogical Model has been criticised, it has provided a useful framework of analysis in the context of blended learning to meet the needs of adult…

This article reports findings from a qualitative study of adults' perceptions and experiences of learning musical instruments. Conducted in the south-east United States, 15 adults who were learning instruments were recruited via community music groups and private instrumental teachers. Analysis of transcripts of semi-structured interviews…

Adult learning and open education have become key elements on the European Agenda. This paper presents the first results of a foresight activity that aims to contribute to an understanding of how "Opening up Education" can improve adult learning in Europe in the future. It argues that to open up adult learning two main challenges must be…

The Federal Workforce Investment Act (WIA), Title II: Adult Education and Family Literacy Act (AEFLA) provides funding for states and territories to provide instruction in English as a Second Language (ESL), Adult Basic Education (ABE), and Adult Secondary Education (ASE) to adults in need of these literacy services. California State Budget Act…

The Time Management Workshop for adult learners at the University of Pittsburgh (Pennsylvania) is described. It was developed when many adults, upon returning to school, expressed anxiety, questioned their skills and abilities, and reported study related problems associated with time management. Most of the self-instructional and workshop…

A case study of the development of a time management workshop for adult learners at the University of Pittsburgh (Pennsylvania) is presented. This workshop was designed because of the lack of appropriate support programs for adult learners. Many times, programs and materials created for traditional age students are inappropriate and impossible to…

A rationale for learner-centered education and practical suggestions for the development of learning contracts based on individual objectives and attained skills are offered. The educator-as-learning-facilitator, developing the learner-facilitator relationship, and developing objectives are discussed. (Author/MLW)

Text, illustrations, and exercises are utilized in a set of five learning modules designed to instruct college faculty and education students in selected instructional development skills, the characteristics of adult learners, and the effects of frequently abused drugs. The first module, "How to Write Structured Response Test Items" by…

The document presents a course designed to help underprepared community college students improve their reading skills and a discussion of the adult education learning principles upon which it is based. An introductory section reviews the literature pertaining to principles of adult education, and the differences between adult learning needs and…

This study, the culmination of a 3-year effort, represents the first step in the establishment of a European unit-credit system for foreign language learning by adults. Objectives are based on learners' needs and expressed in terms of operational learning objectives, with reference to the roles a language-user has to play, the settings in which he…

The paper reports on the findings of a Learning and Skills Research Centre (LSRC) funded study investigating the impact of different modes and methods of assessment on achievement and progress in post-secondary education and training. Data were collected across Advanced-level academic and vocational preparation programmes in schools and colleges,…

An underlying tenet of outcomes assessment is that student learning is the responsibility of faculty and the institution. Universities should measure the effects of their undergraduate education and methods of instruction. Surveys can determine what outcomes of data exist. In order to understand and serve adult learners, programs need to be…

A model for lesson design which accommodates adult learning based on the Gagne and Briggs (1979) model of instructional design is presented. Four stages of the lesson level are discussed--definition of performance objectives; preparing lesson plans; developing, selecting materials, media; and assessing student performance. Sixteen references are…

Describes Thirteen/WNET's wNetSchool and other Web sites of interest to adult learners and adult educators. Sites offer a variety of resources, including lesson plans, learning objectives, suggested activities, online video, links to other Web sites, continuing education programming, and adult literacy programs. (Author/LRW)