A review of Knowles' andragogical model (1984) and Pratt's writings (1988) on the appropriateness of learner-centered instruction established that, even though learners may need both direction and support, they can still be involved in designing/directing their own learning in meaningful ways. Adult educators can obtain information about the…

In addition to the cult mystique that the notion of self-directed learning (SDL) has attained, controversy has arisen over its definition, its proper environment, and other issues. Consequently, a number of issues have arisen. The first is that adults are naturally self-directed. The reality is that adults' reactions to and capability for SDL vary…

Pedagogical approaches, which treat students as empty vessels into which knowledge is deposited, are inappropriate for teaching adults. Teachers of basic college composition courses should recognize the linguistic competence already possessed by adult students when teaching them about the processes involved in writing and helping them develop…

A descriptive study using survey research techniques investigated the degree to which managerial philosophy was related to training and development professionals' acceptance and practice of those adult learning principles that support the collaborative teaching-learning mode. Data were collected from a random sample of 400 members of the American…

The focus of education today is on producing graduates who can function competently in the real life work situation, thus challenging teachers to produce students who are self-directed and self-motivated lifelong learners. The clinical contract is an effective learning strategy in aiding students to become more self-directed and confident. In…

This paper presents an overview of research on adult learning and suggests strategies for helping adult students to learn. In the first section of the paper, learning and memory are discussed and factors needed for adults to learn the hows and whys of adult motivation are then discussed. The paper next covers the setting of adult learning and the…

Students in selected Syracuse University College courses were surveyed to assess the extent to which andragogical (adult-oriented) concepts were reflected in faculty teaching practices. The instrument consisted of 15 continua (adapted from Knowles) with endpoints denoting pedagogical and andragogical extremes related to teaching methodologies.…

This issue contains interviews with adult educators on contemporary topics in the field. "Beyond the Adult Learner's Dependency" (Shannon Whelan) is an interview with Malcolm S. Knowles, who introduced the term andragogy, the notion that teaching adults is fundamentally different from teaching children. "Self-Directed Learning: The Role of the…

The document presents an evaluation of a faculty inservice training project of the Maryland Community Services/Continuing Education (CS/CE) Project, which was designed with the purpose of acquainting adult teachers in community colleges with the principles of andragogy, by way of a series of workshops. Part 1, Background, discusses the formation…

A historical justification for the need for traditional liberal learning in adult education programs to balance the vocational and experiential forms of learning is offered. (LBH)

The authors discuss the elderly--their role in society, the history of education for the elderly, and the effect of educational activity on the aging process--and present examples of educational programs for the elderly. (CT)

This article describes the experiences of the author during four months as an instructor at the China Enterprise Management Training Center. He presents a profile of the trainees, characteristics of the Chinese student, and a teaching methodology (discussing the interpreter, class monitor, faculty, classroom conditions and techniques, reading and…

To illustrate the application of the principles of andragogy to disabled adult learners, four populations are considered: the developmentally disabled, those who progress through public school special education programs, those who become disabled after graduation from high school, and those who become disabled in middle age or old age. (CT)

Selecting appropriate teaching strategies to optimize learning of a particular body of knowledge presents a challenge to adult educators. There has been little emphasis, however, on the role that subject matter plays in the learning process. From a literature review, a model that relates teaching methods to subject matter and learner dependence…