An expanded model of learning upon which to base continuing professional education views knowledge as the social construction of information through constructivist and transformative learning. The model also depicts the effect of context on the process. Providers must change their mindset and become active facilitators of knowledge construction.…

Five case studies of individual and collective learning projects in India demonstrate that (1) the impetus for civic action arises from local conditions; (2) transformative action requires sustained adult learning; and (3) civil society is a complex concept reflecting diverse priorities and perspectives. (SK)

A reference and education librarian relates her experience of teaching a class of adult professionals about PubMed, the National Library of Medicine's tool for accessing the MEDLINE database. Discussion includes preparing to teach a class of peers; letting adult students try things themselves; and saving time for questions. Highlights several…

Explored professional development needs related to demographic characteristics of principals and examined the relationship of professional development needs and self-reported job performance ratings. Responses of 140 principals show a positive relationship between professional development needs and self-reported job performance ratings. (SLD)

A richer understanding of teaching adults would be gained by linking micro aspects of teaching and classroom interaction with macro influences of educational and social systems. This is illustrated by a study of adult basic math classes, in which teachers focused on the syllabus, dominated classroom decision making, and limited opportunities for…

As a voluntary learning movement, adult education finds expression through a search for values. Continuing and community education provide support for both hospice and palliative care workers as well as families and friends of terminally ill persons in dealing with death and dying. (SK)

The corpus of errors produced by nonnative adult speakers of English support Miller and Gildea's (1987) KIDRULE strategy. Some dictionary users latched onto a part of the definition without understanding how it relates to the word they looked up. Other errors were the result of misleading dictionary entries. (Contains 11 references.) (Author)

Discusses new adult learning theories, including those of Roger Sperry (left brain/right brain), Paul McLean (triune brain), and Howard Gardner (multiple intelligences). Relates adult learning theory to training. (JOW)

Glickman's developmental supervision model addresses professionalism by focusing on adult development, teacher development, and life span transitions. This paper describes a study that interviewed 30 graduate students and 120 classroom teachers concerning the relationship between the developmental supervision process and teachers' reflective…

Investigates the nature and value of asynchronous online discussion within small groups of learners. Draws on research into the experiences of adult learners within short courses; and discusses how forums afford communication, including the exchange of personal information and of sustained reflection on course readings and other learners'…

Uses Patricia Lawler's "Keys to Facilitating Adult Learning" to help librarians understand the best ways to teach computerized resources to adult students. Topics include reducing student anxiety; being aware of student expectations; utilizing student experience; encouraging active participation; making lessons relevant to student needs;…

Information specialists have an educational role to play in networked learner support. Information intermediaries must explore new perspectives on their professional roles, extend knowledge of educational theory and technology, and develop skills in multidisciplinary teamwork and change agency. (Contains 103 references.) (SK)

Partnerships work best when they are local, community based, understand adult learning, and are not dominated by external agendas. They require political understanding to translate national initiatives into local opportunities. (SK)

A collaborative inquiry group on intuition resulted in the following insights about the ways learning is experienced: (1) as striving for equilibrium between individuals and the group; (2) as enhanced access to nonverbal knowing; (3) as an empowering process; (4) as energizing; (5) as change in critical subjectivity and intersubjectivity; and (6)…

The concept of the autonomous learner underlies discourse in self-directed, experiential, transformative, and lifelong learning. However, full autonomy is rarely possible for reasons of culture, gender, and class. Extensive accountability requirements also limit the autonomy of learners, teachers, and institutions. (Contains 54 references.) (SK)