This report describes the adult student's experience with prior learning assessment (PLA) using student record data from 72 degree-granting postsecondary institutions in the United States, primarily focusing on the data from 69 of those institutions based on the more detailed data provided by those institutions to the study. Researchers from the…

This report describes the adult student's experience with prior learning assessment (PLA) using student record data from 72 degree-granting postsecondary institutions in the United States, primarily focusing on the data from 69 of those institutions based on the more detailed data provided by those institutions to the study. Researchers from the…

Prior learning assessment (PLA) is the process of evaluating learning, regardless of when or where the learning occurred, and, if the learning is at the college level, awarding college credit to the possessor of that learning. This article provides an overview of the PLA program at a large public U.S. institution and presents the findings of the…

The purpose of this interpretive qualitative research study was to explore how adult learners perceive they construct knowledge in connection to their participation in educational outreach programs, encompassing a continuum of formal, non-formal, and informal learning experiences. The study context involved three world affairs outreach education…

This study examined the use of automatic speech recognition (ASR) scored elicited oral response (EOR) tests to assess the speaking ability of English language learners. It also examined the relationship between ASR-scored EOR and other language proficiency measures and the ability of the ASR to rate speakers without bias to gender or native…

Seven problem areas where research is needed critically at the two-year institution level are identified: (1) establish reliability and stability of MIS/data base; (2) find reliable predictive instruments and/or formulae; (3) analyze support services and academic assistance objectives; (4) develop research methods to evaluate curricula; (5)…

The comparative effectiveness of tele-lecture and traditional lecturer methods for a series of dairy meetings was assessed, and the value of a pre-test and post-test in identifying important concepts and measuring learning was studied. A three-month experiment was conducted with 99 dairy herd improvement association members throughout Minnesota. A…

This issue of "EFF Voice" focuses on current research and development efforts to create an assessment framework for the Equipped for the Future (EFF) Content Standards. As in all earlier phases of EFF R&D, this work engages practitioners in the field, as well as researchers and other technical advisors, as partners in the development…

An 11-point plan was developed by the Comprehensive Adult Student Assessment System (CASAS) in cooperation with the California Department of Education for the 1990-91 year. Major program objectives were designed to enhance agency involvement, identify underlying causes of student attrition, examine test administration and security practices,…

A study was conducted to identify communities which had developed directories of adult learning opportunities and to describe how and why these directories were developed. Through questionnaires and interviews, data was collected from the developers of twelve comprehensive community directories. Information was obtained on the product's (1) name,…

These proceedings contain the papers of the 11th International Conference on Cognition and Exploratory Learning in the Digital Age (CELDA 2014), October 25-27, 2014, which has been organized by the International Association for Development of the Information Society (IADIS) and endorsed by the Japanese Society for Information and Systems in…

This report presents the findings of a pilot study conducted in Lake County (Illinois) that was designed to identify higher educational needs and to develop recommendations to respond to those needs. Several methodologies were employed: public hearings; market research; analyses of census, labor, economic, and educational data; consultations with…

Baseline information about numeracy education provision in the United States was collected in a questionnaire completed by 350 (57.9%) of 650 adult education programs surveyed. The usable responses yielded data about numeracy education provided to 774,955 students in 15 states. Among the study's main findings were the following: more than 80% of…

Adult education practitioners need informal measures for determining whether particular learners may have a learning disability. The process of identifying individuals with possible learning disabilities begins with a simple screening. Screening does not happen just once; it is an ongoing process that serves as the practitioner's guide, at…

THE OBJECTIVES OF THIS PROJECT WERE TO PREPARE AND FIELD TEST INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS FOR USE WITH ADULTS READING BELOW THE SEVENTH GRADE LEVEL. TWO STUDIES WERE MADE IN NORTHERN FLORIDA IN 1967 OF GAINS IN READING VOCABULARY AND COMPREHENSION BY STUDENTS USING TRADITIONAL MATERIALS. THE HIGH DROPOUT RATE IN THE FIRST STUDY PRECLUDED USEFUL…