Four background papers for a social psychological approach to the continuing education of older-aged (those over 50) persons are provided. In the first paper, "Social Impacts on Aging in American Culture," evidence derived from certain empirical studies is adduced to support a view that external elements--social values and age-norms, status…

A five-year program of research in adult learning is reported upon. One purpose of this program was to determine age differences in cognitive abilities, with special reference to items selected as suitable for adults of different ages, to survey the educational backgrounds and skills that older and younger adults bring to learning situations, and…

A Resource Group on Continuing Education and Community Service was organized to study continuing education service programs in Connecticut and make recommendations regarding them to the state Commission for Higher Education. Examination of existing programs revealed a substantial rise in the number of citizens taking advantage of these programs;…

Given that adult students need an introductory learning experience, critical features of a learning process and components of a successful curriculum are presented. Adults need an opportunity for a realistic self-appraisal of their potential as adult learners. (Author/MLW)

Discusses the use of artificial intelligence to improve occupational instruction in complex subjects with high performance goals, such as those required for high-technology jobs. Highlights include intelligent computer assisted instruction, examples in space technology training, intelligent simulation environments, and the need for adult training…

Investigates the role of dialect variation in the acquisition of American English by adult second language learners. The study revealed that dialect differences present problems for learners and cause variable intelligibility and negative learner attitude toward some varieties of English and its speakers. This attitude could negatively affect a…

In Chapter Six, Linda Shohet offers a description of the adult literacy and learning system in Canada. In providing a historical overview of the development of the field, Shohet notes key political events that have influenced the funding and development of services for adults. Through her description, the author reveals the complexity and…

If the year 1999 was dominated by the intense efforts of the federal government to establish guidelines for compliance with the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) of 1998, the year 2000 was dominated by the field's efforts to implement plans to meet those guidelines. In addition to engaging in this time- and labor-intensive work, the field witnessed…

The concept of narrative was used to examine the process of transformative learning and explore the possibilities for using narrative as a central construct for theorizing transformation and thereby expanding the possibilities for research and practice. The concepts of narrative used in the analysis were as follows: (1) it moves from past to…

This workshop handout presents six basic principles intended to guide teachers in organizing instructional presentations for adult learners. The section on principle one tell the adults what you're about to tell them suggests that teachers describe what they will be teaching and then teach those things. The section on principle two organize your…

This study investigated the influence of accountability on teacher learning and the capacity of districts and schools to support instructional practices that bolster student performance, examining: state policy regarding incentives, sanctions, rewards, recognition, and assessment required for high stakes accountability, and professional…

Multiple, sometimes competing, purposes for adult arts education are to develop the individual, maintain the dominant culture, or change the culture; develop appreciative audiences or creative practitioners; or liberate creativity or develop technical skills. Art may be the means or a goal in itself; that is, the arts may be used for instrumental…

This is the culminating report of a three-year study of seven small schools in Washington State. It examines adult learning in the context of school redesign and highlights three schools where teachers are beginning to capitalize on adult learning opportunities to turn the corner to instructional change. In our view, effective adult learning…

This study explored the learning experiences of CEOs in organizations for profit throughout the United States. Malcolm Knowles theory of Andragogy was used as the framework of the inquiry. While the CEO' position is considered unique from other executive positions, it has not been the focus of many studies. The findings suggest how CEOs learn and…

This second edition of a popular book contains the basics included in the first edition along with two new chapters (chapters 9 and 11) revisions and updates to recommended readings, and revisions based on recent literature. The 12 chapters of the book are as follows: (1) Introduction; (2) How Adults Learn; (3) Helping Adults Learn; (4) Preparing…