Examines the logical and psychological aspects of competency-based staff development programs. Analyzes myths of competency-based learning (CBL) and indicates that incorporating principles of CBL with those of adult learning may be a way to improve staff development programs. (JOW)

An understanding of adult learning principles will enable staff developers to select the most appropriate learning environment for participants. The purpose and sample activities of formal, informal, or non-formal learning environments are presented. (JD)

In an adaptation from "The Making of an Adult Educator: An Autobiographical Journey," Malcolm Knowles, the father of adult learning theory, discusses motivation, self-directed learning, trainers and organizational change, and social and economic inequalities in the United States. (JOW)

Discusses the motivational needs of adult learners; reviews motivational instructional design; and describes the development of a needs assessment instrument (the Course Effort Survey Revised) and the Adult Learner-Instruction Interaction Motivation Model which can be used to effectively plan for the motivational needs of adult learners. (Contains…

Discusses the distinction between education and learning and their relationship to active citizenship. Addresses the role of universities and adult education in providing a second chance for second class citizens. (SK)

The role and understanding of professions has changed because of a revolution in knowledge about learning, such as locus, social context, practical versus formal knowledge, and knowledge creation. The upheavals require reframing of professional continuing education. (SK)

Outlines basic assumptions and principles underlying adult education and describes today's challenges: maintaining democracy, technological changes, explosion of information, global competition/cooperation, environment, and universal human rights. Advocates a holistic world view of adult education. (SK)

Discusses how adult second-language acquisition proceeds in, more or less, cultural ways. The discussion focuses on the literature of bilingualism, one individual's recent experiences with Austrian German, and a discourse analysis perspective. (38 references) (GLR)

Defines adult education as every adult's intentional efforts at self-education, alone and with others, in all human situations, including when the self-educator is facilitating the learning of other self-educators. Self-educating as an attitude, and a practice is offered as a sound basis for the profession of adult education. (SK)

Qualitative content analysis of 112 articles in adult education journals identified 5 dominant perspectives of women as adult learners; deficient; coping with new social roles; marginalized; and collaborative learners. Women as feminist is an emerging sixth perspective. (SK)

Offers practical approaches to creating a connected learning environment, integrating individual disciplines into holistic learning, and inspiring motivation to be lifelong learners for a general educational development (GED) program. (JOW)

Of 346 physicians participating in continuing medical education, 91% completed postprogram surveys and 49% responded to a 3-month follow-up. Participants' high ratings for quality and effectiveness were attributed to use of adult learning theory in program design. Computer-assisted instruction was thought effective because of individualization and…

Cooperative learning is a structured form of small group work based on interdependence, accountability, group processing, and social skills. In continuing education, cooperative learning can positively affect achievement, multiethnic relationships, self-esteem, retention, and attitudes. (SK)

Myths about adult learning are (1) adult learning is essentially joyful; (2) adults are innately self-directed learners; (3) good teachers meet the felt needs of learners; (4) there is a uniquely adult learning style; and (5) there is a uniquely adult teaching style. (SK)

When a school psychologist decided to make a midlife return to graduate school, his previous experience did not prepare him adequately for sudden shift in status from professional to graduate student. To survive in today's graduate school, a student must be technically literate, stay organized, choose suitable living arrangements, keep fit, and…