Explains why definition of action research is problematic and presents working definitions developed internationally that indicate its nature, philosophy, and methodology. Suggests that pragmatic approaches to definition serve communication purposes without narrowly confining the concept. (SK)

Examines concept and philosophy of andragogy (art and science of teaching adults) and ways that adults' self-image, experiences, and readiness to learn differentiate adult education from pedagogy. By creating an environment for adult learning and engaging school staff in mutual planning, design, implementation, and evaluation of professional…

Thematic analysis of critical incidents interviews with 13 physician coaches yielded two orientations to coaching: reflection/teaching coaches focused on others and described positive encounters experienced in coaching; personal learning and change coaches identified more personal benefits from the experience. (Contains 31 references.) (SK)

Examines how older adults are defined in the literature; reviews the concept of lifelong learning and perspectives on the purpose of older adult education. Looks at the extent of participation and barriers. Proposes critical educational gerontology, derived from Freire, as an emancipatory learning strategy through which older adults can contribute…

A survey of 79 older adults found that they used an average of 4.4 prescribed medications. Their attitudes were neutral toward willingness to teach peers about medication safety; the oldest were least receptive to teaching. Most were receptive to peer learning. Number of medications and reported difficulties were correlated with these attitudes.…

Presents a rationale for shifting the focus of social work/gerontology education from training to a learner-centered approach that incorporates principles of adult learning. Suggests the use of adult experiences, storytelling, simulation, role playing, and a supportive learning environment. (SK)

Refutes myths about adult learners: (1) adults require less instructor time; (2) adults desire to return to school; (3) adults are capable decision makers; (4) adults bring valuable experiences to the classroom; and (5) adults know what they want. (Contains 26 references.) (SK)

Analysis of methods used by the right-wing environmental social movement to alter gains made by environmentalists finds that conservatives have both grassroots and elite sponsorship and the movement is an effective site of adult learning, resistance, and meaning making. (Contains 89 references.) (SK)

Describes a model for portfolio supervision based on the results of a 2-year study of one elementary school's experience in implementing portfolio supervision. Includes four propositions that guided the development of the model. Describes the skills inherent in portfolio supervision. Provides general guidelines for implementation of the portfolio…

The process of adult transformation should be the focus of environmental adult educators. Examination of the life histories of adults reveals what, where, and how they learn about the environment, what they do with this information, and how this learning contributes to adult transformation. (SK)

Compares and synthesizes past decade of research into facets of wisdom, searching for a unified definition. Concludes that factors relating to wisdom (age, experience, intelligence, knowledge, intuition, common sense, and personality) can be unified theoretically if wisdom is viewed as the recognition of and response to human limitation.…

The author provides guidelines for developing open learning materials. Guidelines include (1) provide an easy to use format, (2) keep learners mentally active, (3) allow for individual differences, (4) use the learners' experience, (5) provide a measure of learning, and (6) provide support for the learner. (CH)

An adult educator's experience of delivering a paper via videoconferencing led to these conclusions: there is a danger that such technologies will be limited to those with technical skills and knowledge and to institutions able to have such facilities, and adult educators should be trained in the use of the Integrated Services Digital Network and…

Writing on adult education history is dominated by the "Great Tradition" perspective. A new historical agenda that is more open to movements and ideas in contemporary social history could move the field from history of adult education to histories of adult learning. (SK)

"Structured flexibility" is a way for educators to create a mutually conducive learning environment for adult self-directedness. Issues to be addressed include a change in instruction for adult educators, teacher empowerment, and a shift from thinking of adult education as adding content or skills to developed persons to adult education…