This handbook was written to inform and raise questions among volunteers and paid staff who are new to teaching the undereducated adult learner. In its five sections the handbook discusses some of the more frequently observed characteristics of the undereducated adult, and the implications of these characteristics for adult education teachers as…

This paper indicates some of the varied facets of knowledge on adult education that were found in readings on this subject over the past few years, and specifically in the last six months. The emphasis on andragogy (the teaching of adults) focuses on the future adult students of Canada. Eight chapters examine such topics as: I. Definitions and…

The unique characteristics and needs of adult students in higher education are discussed, drawing on experience of the School for New Learning at DePaul University (Illinois). Issues discussed include adult learning habits, motivations of adults for continuing their education, differences in the faculty's role with adult learners, challenges in…

Discusses the systemic reform of education and training based on a review of pertinent literature, including a conceptual framework; the GOALS 2000 legislation; models of learning, including constructivism, student empowerment, and andragogy; the potential of technology in systemic reform; equitable access; using the National Information…

Argues that prevailing assessment methods in higher education confuse the adult learner, fail to place the instructor in a facilitative mode, and hamper attempts at learner empowerment. Descriptions of more appropriate evaluative methods are offered, including instructor, peer, and self-evaluation, accompanied by student responses to these…

This paper discusses the breadth and direction of large-scale evaluative research and its implications for academics, their professional associations, and universities in general. The paper asks a number of questions, such as: What are the differing perceptions of evaluation at the international level? Is there a symbiosis between educational…

This training manual contains background information about the 1988 General Educational Development (GED) test, ideas for teaching and assessing writing to prepare students for the test, and samples of classroom materials teachers can use. Sections include information on the following: the writing process; student writing; managing the…

Since the number of adult students engaging in higher education activities is growing rapidly and is expected to continue to climb, this paper is intended to help administrators develop a perspective from which to view adult learners on college campuses and craft programs to help faculty work more effectively with adult students. The first section…

Educational needs of an adult as an individual and a social being form the bases of every educational activity and are an important issue of every discussion about adult education. If human needs are understood as the motivation, the specific energy that turns into striving to achieve an aim, or an expression of a lack, then it follows that…

This book is designed to influence adult educators to make more intentional choices toward developmental growth in their work with adult learners. Part 1 provides a rationale for attending to developmental growth of adult learners and a framework of intentions to encourage such development. Chapter 1 describes characteristics of adult learners and…

Teaching adults should be different if adults learn differently than children do. Theories or perspectives on adult learning, such as andragogy, make a number of assertions about the characteristics of adults as learners. If there are indeed distinctive characteristics of adults, on which claims for the uniqueness and coherence of adult education…

From ancient Greece to the rise of modern science in the 18th and 19th centuries, liberal adult education was a predominant philosophy. Progressivism, which developed in opposition, had the greatest impact on adult education. It viewed the teacher as a guide, consultant, and resource; the learner as responsible for learning in partnership with the…

This document contains four papers from a symposium on adult learning in the workplace. The first paper, "Measuring Critical Thinking: Is There a Single Instrument?" (Patricia K. Leitsch, Carol A. Lentz), examines two issues: the relationship between tests measuring critical thinking and those measuring readiness for self-directed…

This publication, the first in a series on theory, innovation, and practice in andragogy, is a reproduction of two papers first published in 1971 by Coolie Verner and Catherine V. Davison. The first paper in this booklet explores psychological factors in adult learning and instruction, while the second discusses physiological factors. In the five…

Enrollment statistics and projections confirm the importance of focusing community college student recruitment and retention efforts on re-entry students. Re-entry students are a distinct and growing population whose educational requirements often differ from those of younger, traditional students. The literature on adult learners indicates that:…