This report describes the general features of "online learning communities," community organizations that have constructed learning delivery systems that effectively combine elements of the distance learning and traditional models of instruction. It discusses the online learning community framework and explains the four features of these…

This publication highlights information, comments, and other materials related to Adult Learners Week (ALW)2000 in Australia. An introduction (Tony Brown)describes the context and events of ALW 2000. A message from the Chair of ALW (Dorothy Lucardie) provides a summary. A list of Highlights, messages from the Patron of ALW (William Deane) and the…

These 11 essays explore the promise and limitations of current models of lifelong learning. "The Sociology of Lifelong Learning" discusses the relevance of various movements to understanding learning in modern society. "Knowledge, Power, and Ignorance" suggests that a new kind of society--the expert society--is emerging.…

In one school of thought, self-directed learning (SDL) is based in the autonomous, independent individual who chooses to undertake learning for personal growth. However, another school of thought stresses the social construction of knowledge and the social context of learning. Some writers challenge the exclusive emphasis on the autonomous self…

The goal of emancipatory learning is to free learners from the forces that limit their options and control their lives and to move them to act for social and political change. Although emancipatory learning is commonly associated with adulthood, not all adult education fosters it, and not all adult educators align themselves with perspectives that…

The 88 conference papers are on six topics: Post Compulsory Structures: New Organisational Patterns in Comparative and Historical Perspective; Priorities for the 1980s; Education and the Working Life; Student Learning: Aims, Processes and Outcomes; Staff Development: Perspectives for the 1980s; and The Role of the Media in Post-Compulsory…

Life cycle and stage theories are used to show how adult learners experience educational programs differently according to their individual developmental stages. It is argued that quality adult education can and should affect a person's perspective and create new life meanings. (JSR)

Partly in response to declining enrollments, Huron College redefined its mission to stress intergenerational learning and the educational needs of older adults. New needs and goals have been recognized, and it is argued that today Huron provides a good example of how young and old can interact in an educational setting. (JSR)

Explores constructivist teaching assumptions of early childhood teacher preparation programs: (1) active adult learning is valued; (2) educational reform begins in university classrooms; (3) translating best practices and research into teaching contributes to classrooms and student teacher supervision; (4) maintaining links to K-12 education…

Explores mentoring as a means of promoting spiritual growth for women in a congregational setting. Surveys the roles and activities of mentors with special attention to utilization in business and educational environments. Proposes four likely components of a mentoring relationship. (MJP)

Examines evidence offered to support the idea of a sensitive period for second language acquisition. Findings indicate that there is insufficient evidence to accept the claim that mastery of a second language is determined wholly, or even primarily, by maturational factors. (34 references) (Author/CK)

The first interview in this article discusses the expectations and challenges adult learners bring with them to the community college classroom, and what instructors should know in order to teach them effectively. The second interview discusses the student experience, including teacher-student relationships, class size, and teacher effectiveness.…

Presents results of a study designed to measure the extent to which factors including age, sex, and previous experience with computers influenced the levels of anxiety experienced by teachers and school administrators learning to use computers. Results indicate that beginning adults require adequate time working with computers to lower anxiety…

Explores the relationship between post-secondary institutions and the corporate community in providing communication education for the adult learner. Contends that the communication profession should be concerned about the role it plays at all levels of the corporate learning enterprise. (MS)

The scope of existing services for adult learners in higher education was examined in a mail survey of academic advisors. Two analyses were performed to review the effect of institutional type on services provided, and to understand the impact of perceived administrative support on efforts to serve this student population. (Author/MLW)