Traditional teaching methods are not appropriate for adults who have a bank of existing knowledge. Nonformal education must begin by finding out what people need to know and prepare materials and programs that are relevant to perceived needs. Improving adults' understanding of science and mathematics must proceed upon these principles. (SK)

Contrasts "strong" and "weak" conceptions of model and suggests that adult education is not a unified scholarly enterprise but a collection of divergent research traditions, such as participation, adult learning, and participatory research. Concludes that adult educators should appreciate scholarly conflicts and flesh out the sociohistorical…

For most reentry women students, development entails a shift from identifying themselves in terms of their psychological surroundings to authoring and authorizing their own identity. Reentry women need both self-direction and supports that promote development. (SK)

According to the chief executive of the South London Training and Enterprise Council (TEC), the key factor in the creation of a dynamic and successful modern economy in Britain is the development of the workforce. Adult learning is the essential component of the modern economy. (JOW)

As communities develop in cyberspace, distance education facilitators should recognize that, although community cannot be mandated, there are ways to foster a sense of community in distance learning environments: focus on human interaction, learning partnership, regular and consistent feedback, and course-based listservs. (SK)

Ohio cooperative extension agents who completed the Principles of Adult Learning Scale had low levels of knowledge of adult education principles and practices; a slightly positive attitude toward being adult educators; a more teacher-centered teaching style; a major in technical subjects, not education; and more experience teaching youth rather…

The voluntary, public, economic, and professional sectors form an interactive network in which the voluntary sector has an important impact on the quality of community life. The kinds of formal and informal learning that take place in voluntary organizations bring about individual change and empowerment and should transfer to active citizenship.…

An action research project investigating the Assessment of Prior Experiential Learning at the University of Kent found difficulties in reconciling student needs with pressure to concentrate on experiences relevant to higher education. There was also tension between student needs and institutional requirements for the format of portfolios. (SK)

An integrated approach to developing incidental trainers and teachers teaches learning-centered decision making for planning training and setting objectives. The learning model used for instructional design has five steps: be introduced to topic/skill, get to know it, try it, get feedback, apply it. (SK)

An assistant superintendent describes his experience teaching Jay, an intelligent, learning-disabled 47-year-old forestry technician to read and write beyond the third grade level. Like young readers, adults must convince themselves they are capable of progress before any can be made. Jay now reads at sixth grade level and is still progressing.…

Instructional design for older adult programs must emphasize relevance to personal goals, account for learning style differences, minimize time requirements, avoid stressful evaluation techniques, include practice and participation, have appropriately paced sequence, and involve a comfortable, well-lit environment. (SK)

Kolb's Experiential Learning Model suggests that people differ in how they perceive and process information. Public agency training should incorporate knowledge of brain hemisphere dominance and learning style preferences in training design. (SK)

Before "unstructuring" or "restructuring," a school or district or state should think first about students, adopt successful learning as the criterion for judging the appropriateness of all daily activities, expect all adults to be successful learners, and identify the rules, roles, and relationships (the social structure) needed to support…

A former teacher-turned-principal presents a model for providing new teachers with necessary peer support, information, and assistance. Components include a clear, concise introduction to materials, schedules, and daily school and classroom operations; a thorough building orientation; a presentation of the principal's expectations regarding…

The British "Older and Wiser" project demonstrated the need for educational opportunities for older adults from minority groups. The double barriers of ageism and racism faced by these adults must be addressed. (SK)