Responses from 332 of 1,228 older adults surveyed revealed their participation in an average of 36 learning activities annually, especially reading, educational television, travel, discussion, and senior center activities. Age-segregated and group activities were preferred. This broader definition of learning shows older adult participation is…

Defines "nonformal education" as encompassing the educational influences of all of society's institutions. Suggests that nonformal education may be the best approach to aid for development in developing nations, as well as to lifelong learning in European and other developed nations. (SV)

The controversial state of community education in Australia is examined in two parts. The first addresses what community education means and how it is practiced in Australia. The second reviews major issues such as polarization by economic status and gender, learning communities, and learning culture. (SK)

Metaphorical teachings derived from objects and observations of daily life may provide a way to bridge the gap between the deeply religious values at the center of life for Navajo elders and the mechanized, fast-paced world of Navajo youth who find traditional teachings confusing or irrelevant. Examples of such teachings are provided. (SV)

Traces the history of the Harry Lasker Library at the Highlander Research and Education Center near Knoxville, Tennessee, from the first book donations in 1933 to its revitalization in the mid-1990s. Discusses the role of the library as a resource center supporting nonformal education for social activism and the contributions of librarians Hilda…

Explains the procedure of constructing a geological timeline pit for elementary and secondary science classes. Presents a follow-up activity and discusses the impact of fossil pits. (YDS)

The validity and reliability of methods for assessing nonformal learning are influenced by the type of knowledge being measured, which in turn influences assessment criteria. Satisfactory methods must consider the specific character of nonformal learning. (SK)

Proposes a systematic and stepwise approach to the design of population information, education, and communication (IEC) strategies. Clarifies the role of IEC in population programs, details methodological steps to follow in IEC strategy development, and identifies types of research and sources of data needed. (MDH)

Participatory Environmental Action Research involves novices, scientists, and local residents in exploring environmental problems, facilitated by extension professionals. Educational benefits of the expeditions include learning research techniques and teamwork; scientists develop skills in adult education and interpreting science for…

A therapist at a private group home for adjudicated youth taught three boys aged 14-16 with behavioral disorders to build wooden canoes. His day-by-day account describes their progress, pitfalls, and learning, and the sense of accomplishment the boys got from participating in an experience that carried them beyond their own perceived limitations.…

Examines the conceptual frameworks and substantive ideas of three authors--Lawrence Cremin, Neil Postman, and Christopher Lasch--all of whom view technologies as educators. Focuses on television as an educator and the relations between television's education and the education of schools, families, and communities. Contains 19 references. (DDR)

In the last decade, consensus around equality and efficiency in New Zealand adult education shifted to a focus on autonomy and accountability, economic rationalism, and vocational skills. Adult educators seeking change should emphasize participative democracy, connectedness, and valuing and advancing groups with diverse identities and interests.…

In a Canadian adult education program on sustainable agriculture, stakeholder participation in planning reconfigured power relationships. Farmers successfully influenced program design, even when their assumptions differed from educators. The project showed the importance of social and political dimensions of learning and of educators' recognition…

In 1993, the North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE) Board started the National Project for Excellence in Environmental Education to establish a framework of standards by which their field is valued. Since then, the project has produced a series of "Guidelines" to help people produce quality EE. Just as importantly, the…

This study reports the findings of a qualitative study of competitive West Coast Swing dancers that incorporated both ethnographic and phenomenological techniques. A modern variation of the original Lindy Hop, West Coast Swing is typically learned in dance studios and non-profit clubs. The West Coast Swing community can be considered a community…