Recent publications of longitudinal and sequential analyses of psychometric data have been cited as evidence for "the myth of intellectual decline" with age. This term "myth" has been interpreted by many gerontologists to mean that intellectual functioning does not decline even late in life (except shortly before death). Furthermore, this…

Revised version of paper presented at the annual meeting of the Adult Education Association (Philadelphia, Penn., November 1967).

This paper is designed for both experienced and novice educators who want to participate in lifelong learning programs. The various sections of the paper (1) explain the principles of communicative competence, (2) apply these principles to processes of lifelong learning, and (3) describe the benefits of effective communication for the teaching and…

This study investigated alternative instructional delivery modes in two different short courses for professional engineers and scientists. Two math-oriented courses were taught to 130 participants. Each course was taught twice, once using the blackboard exclusively and once using extensive view graph projections (20 to 40 transparencies per…

Designed for use in a 1968 study of why adults learn, this interview schedule contains situation-description and question sheets for use by the interviewer and subject for examining thirteen reasons why adults begin and why they continue a learning project. (The study, "Why Adults Learn: A Study of the Major Reasons for Beginning and Continuing a…

To determine what a theory of adult learning should encompass, three topics were considered: current status of adult learning theory, contributions of the developmentalists, and foundation for a total person model of adult learning theory. An overview of activity related to theory building in adult learning during the 1970s showed the emphasis…

The educational patterns of individuals who have used library resources in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania for independent learning projects on a continuing basis were studied. The tendency of respondents was to use a combination of all four major types of resources for information and planning: (1) self as resource; (2) non-human resources, such…

This study examined the sequence of prereading and group consensus as techniques facilitating learning in a structured laboratory. The basic hypothesis examined is that (1) the sequence of prereading and (2) the requirement of consensus in group decisions facilitate learning. To test the hypothesis a structured laboratory was run with 73 foremen…

A statement of problems in the field of organizational development, this report reviews aspects of change practice along with major theoretical implications, and formulates a series of researchable questions. It also covers the potential relevance of certain parts of clinical practice and learning theory, including some elements of sensitivity…

The guide to correspondence study presents suggestions for good study habits and techniques, and for examinations. Discussion of how adults learn is followed by information on necessary equipment, memorization, reading improvement, use of the study guide, submitting lessons, and grading of lessons. The section on final examinations includes…

A sample of adults in Vermont were surveyed by questionnaires to determine interest in, or aspirations for, postsecondary education; motivating forces which create these aspirations, perceived obstacles which might discourage participation, preferences for sponsoring institutions, and location of instruction. A second concern of the study was the…

One of a series of booklets designed to answer questions about agricultural communications is presented. This booklet illustrates how visual teaching speeds learning and effects faster agricultural progress. Chapter titles include: (1) Visuals and Learning, (2) Visuals in Extension Teaching; (3) Presentation Visuals; (4) Drama and Music; (5)…

Reviving an old idea, some libraries are now helping independent adult learners study what they choose and for whatever reason. (Editor)

The subject matter of a class is the student, not the knowledge, says the author in discussing how adult learning is achieved and how to motivate adults to learn. Motivating requires being attuned to how adults learn (e.g., adults must want to learn, adults learn by doing, informal environments are best, etc.). (MF)

This is an interpretive report, commissioned by The College Board's Future Directions for a Learning Society project, of the National Adult Continuing Education Conference held in Detroit 29 October-2 November 1977. Themes included international lifelong learning programs, competency-based education, older persons as resources, the need for…