This guide has been prepared as an aid to the trainer/facilitator of adult education. Section I addresses some of the more common myths concerning adult learners, particularly the 50-plus age group. Section II describes the "to-be" 50-64 age group population, based on literature searches. Section III identifies learners do or do not participate in…

This book contains 17 papers examining the various roles--learner, teacher, researcher, manager--that women have played in the development of lifelong learning. The following papers are included: "Introduction: Women and Continuing Education--Where Are We Now?" (Roseanne Benn, Jane Elliott, Pat Whaley); "Dancing into the Future:…

A study was done of adult students at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) in 1991 to gather information on the characteristics of this population. A survey instrument defined the non-traditional student or adult learner as any student over the age of 24 attending MTSU. A total of 1,200 surveys were sent to full-time students, and 300…

Voluntary participation in organized learning activities by adults is probably the most researched subject in the literature of adult education. Research goes back to the earliest days of 20th-century adult education in the United States. Surveys of adult learners within a broad empirical-positivist or policy-oriented framework are still the most…

The typology of adult education offered in the October 1988 issue of "Lifelong Learning" examined a number of classifications, including the Bryson scheme (1936) and the Grattan categories (1955). Since the publication of that article, suggestions have been made for additions to the typology "tree" proposed in the article. The typology categorizes…

This index joins two companion volumes of books and chapters devoted exclusively or primarily to the topic of self-directed learning. The book contains 141 abstracts of books, chapters, published articles and papers, and unpublished ERIC documents. Chapter 1 is an introduction. Chapter 2 provides an analysis of the 141 abstracts reported in…

The educational needs and concerns of midlife and older Americans are as varied as their demographics, family status, economic level, and educational backgrounds. One of the most consistent research findings in adult learning is that the more education people have, the more likely they will be to continue to participate in a wide variety of…

Through the years, many researchers have advanced theories of problem solving. Probably the best definition of problem solving to apply to adult learning programs is Wallas' (1926) four-stage theory. The stages are (1) a preparation, (2) an incubation period, (3) a moment of illumination, and (4) final application or verification of the solution.…

Learning centers are student centered. That is, instructional goals are matched to learner needs and desires and student learning is self-paced. Teachers coordinate the learning process while students explore and experiment with learning materials. The learning center has several advantages over the traditional classroom: (1) it is success…

Three experiments were performed using unrelated digit materials and prose passages to evaluate whether an auditory or visual presentation of material would be best for an aged population. Data suggests that the choice of modality depends on the particular presentation condition rather than on the type of stimulus materials. (Author)

A dynamic systems organizational model can facilitate learning as a continuously recurring, relevant process. The development section, to create an organization-wide learning environment, should bring supervisors and managers together to examine goals and set achievement objectives; institute a three-pronged management development program; and…

Reports results of research on a training course for Children's Aid Society workers that was designed and implemented utilizing andragogical principles (based on the conception of adults as self-directed, experienced, and problem-centered). As was predicted, workers improved their self-actualizing tendencies and preferred participatory training…

The article considers the use of the Holmes Social Readjustment Rating Scale as a device for helping to assess the learning needs of adult basic education participants. (Author)

A mature woman recounts her experiences at a community college. (DC)

A descriptive study using survey research techniques investigated the degree to which health education professors adhere to and practice the principles of adult education. The instrument used to measure acceptance of the adult education mode (collaborative style) was the Principles of Adult Learning Scale (PALS), a 44-item summative scale based on…