The challenge of involving older adults in education must be met by reevaluating current concepts and developing new approaches. A primary goal should be the creation of a supportive environment that is accessible and enhances self-directed learning. (SK)

The Danes and the Swedes have perfected a form of true community education--the study circle. Sparked by social and political issues, these discussion groups have become an integral part of the democratic process in these countries. The history, theory, and possibilities for American use are outlined. (Author/MLW)

Examines the relationship between learning and development in the most general terms, discusses the developmental distinction between concrete and formal operational thought as manifested in adult behavior, and considers the implications of the concrete-formal dichotomy for the design and use of job aids. Notes and a bibliography are provided.…

Sets the case for the contribution of educational broadcasting in the context of access to recurrent education. Shows how local radio can and does attract to serious study many who do not normally participate in adult education classes. (Author/CSS)

Using information from her pilot study at Brighton (England) Polytechnic and in-depth interviews at major British institutions teaching intensive foreign language courses to businessmen, the author discusses the meaning of "intensive" courses and their effectiveness, concluding that good intensive courses, properly selected, do provide…

The "Essentials of Best Practice in Professional Development for Sustained Change Model" is based on recent research in professional development, adult learning theory, shared leadership, effective schools, and the change process. The model views increased student learning as the goal; schools as the unit of change; professional…

Discusses two current monograph publications that provide frameworks for adult learning approaches that stress active, participatory, and reflective learning experiences for early care and education professionals, in an effort to eliminate passive learning by adults. A constructivist teacher-education approach is drawn from both works. (SD)

Discusses the basic concepts of andragogy, or the teaching of adults. Topics include differences between children and adults; characteristics of adult learners, including time perspective, motivation, being self-directed, and experienced in life skills; and effective program design for adults. (LRW)

Examines claims that unconscious second language learning under implicit and incidental conditions is insensitive to measures of individual differences in cognitive abilities, in contrast to learning under conscious rule-search and instructed conditions. Findings revealed that only in the incidental condition was the extent of learning and…

Examines the concept of professional development for librarians. Topics include lifelong learning; continuing education to learn new techniques and to develop special skills; conferences, workshops, institutes, and seminars; transfer of training; adult learning; and an example of an institute for professional development. (LRW)

Outlines the characteristics of standards-based, worthy uses of new technologies in education and describes characteristics of an effective school district change process that engages teachers in adult learning that is curriculum-rich and focuses on enhancing student performance. Topics include engaged learning; professional development; and…

Examines the state of adult education in Switzerland. Contends that the army is the country's largest adult education institution. Delineates future goals of adult education, assessing the increase in new technologies and their impact on adult education. Concludes with a discussion of educational leaves for workers. (RW)

Describes study that examined the general patterns of computer use and response to computer-assisted instruction by older adults age 45 to 70 in programs for jobless men and women to learn skills for labor market re-entry. Socioeconomic characteristics are examined, and the instructor's role in determining student attitudes is explored. (23…

Includes "Introduction" (Lemke); "Career Sidestepping" (Prescott); "Temporary Work Life" (Farrugia); "Electronic Recruiter" (Lemke); "Aerospace Network" (Hoffner); "Multimedia: The Future of Adult Learning" (Golub); and "Teleworking: Commuting on the Information Highway" (Petrie). (JOW)

Describes a survey that determined to what extent human performance technology (HPT) is being taught in 82 academic programs that traditionally emphasized training, including programs in instructional systems, training and development, human resource development, and adult learning. Results indicate that training continues to dominate, and future…