Mandatory continuing education forces veterinarians to attend educational programs but not to learn. Acceptance of veterinarians as typical adults and a knowledge of adult learning characteristics are need to maximize learning effectiveness for the casual as well as the eager learning participant. (Author/LBH)

Reviews second-language learning literature concerning factors which may affect adult students. Focuses on cognitive mechanisms, cerebral dominance theories, formal operations, motivation, and second-language teaching and learning. Offers suggestions for community college teaching and programs. (DMM)

A unit on adult learning with an exercise based on the theories of Malcolm Knowles and Allen Tough is described. After students in the class see that they actually planned and directed much of their significant adult learning, they are eager to join in the process of modifying course objectives. (MLW)

Reviews criticisms and benefits of telecourses. Considers the instructional intent of telecourses and the assumptions held by telecourse producers and designers about telecourse students. Examines the role of various media in telecourse instruction, and the effects of television technology on the teaching and learning processes. (AYC)

Considers the powerful influence of the motivational factors of attitude, need, stimulation, affect, competence, and reinforcement on adult behavior and learning. Their integration into the Time Continuum Model of Motivation to guide instructor selection and implementation of motivational strategies is also discussed. (MBR)

Despite their tremendous tragedy, the terrorist attacks that occurred on September 11, 2001, have also produced a juncture for transformative learning. Several transformative learning opportunities that may enable some adult learners find and use knowledge as the tool to transcend a tragedy into a learning experience have been identified. Although…

Findings from research on adult learning abilities and patterns are summarized, with examples of their application to the operation of the Manitoba (Canada) New Careers training program. The author stresses that adult education materials and experiences must be relevant to the real life concerns, backgrounds, and environment of the adult. (MF)

Considers the design of instructional materials to help adult learners use higher-order thinking skills, especially for future multimedia instruction. Topics include learning processes, self-directed learning for adults, effective and efficient learning, funding for adult education, and instructional technology. (LRW)

Discussion of the increasing access to technology that is being used in higher education for distance education courses focuses on a Masters course offered through Penn State's World Campus. Topics include characteristics of adult learners; successful online learning communities; and changes in student perceptions regarding technology use, course…

Discusses how to develop effective instructional graphics for multimedia instruction. Topics include graphic symbols; how graphic symbols are processed cognitively; how multimedia graphics affect learners; how graphics can be adapted to educational products for a variety of populations, including adults and children; and a checklist for creating…

Describes an innovative program assuring teachers and students access to success-based lifelong learning. Describes how students at Silver Lake College engage in a self-assessment process which helps them identify the strengths and possible weaknesses managing college-level work. (PRA)

Reports a study of the learning strategies and processes of four adult learners of Chinese, using data collected over a two-year period. Students showed a number of different approaches to learning, not all of which could be classified "good language learner" strategies. Findings suggest areas for exploration in immersion education, especially…

Discusses a study that assessed the learning styles of students age 25-83. Finds that (1) most adults favored a structured learning environment and were not self-directed; (2) African Americans preferred to work with more environmental sound than did white Americans; (3) Hispanics displayed a preference for greater food intake while learning; and…

The part played by tacit skills and knowledge in work performance is well recognised but not well understood. These implicit or hidden dimensions of knowledge and skill are key elements of "mastery," which experienced workers draw upon in everyday activities and continuously expand in tackling new or unexpected situations. This paper,…

In 2002-03, a qualitative study examined the experiences of 70 stakeholders connected to two community-based adult literacy programs in Manitoba, Canada. Self-directed learning was one of several elements that these research participants considered essential to the learning process. These literacy stakeholders defined self-directed learning as a…