Parallels are drawn between T. S. Kuhn's theory of scientific revolutions and George Kelly's personal construct systems. Personal construct psychology is depicted as a particularly innovative approach to adult learning with implications for: (1) the philosophy of lifelong learning; (2) the importance of experience; (3) recognition of individual…

Provides a model for "coordinate status consultation," a method of improving instruction in which the client-professor and the counselor-instructional developer work together as equals. This paper defines the process, summarizes the conceptual basis, describes the major phases in the process, and provides an example of its use. (JJD)

The characteristics of adult learners and how business educators can take advantage of these characteristics are discussed. A specific methodology for adult learners is examined, including such elements as relevance of instruction, varied experience, learning time, anxiety, vocational goals, and physical attributes. (CT)

Describes the use of andragogy (a process for helping students become self-directed learners) in an oral communications course. Reveals that the use of performance contracts increased students' involvement in planning, conducting, and evaluating their own learning. Reviews indicators of the strategy's success. (DMM)

Discusses varying philosophies on the nature of being human and the question of freedom v determinism. This leads to a consideration of the decision-making responsibility and self-knowledge needed by the adult learner and the similar qualities required of the adult counselor/facilitator in working with adult students. (MF)

Describes the "New Start" preenrollment program in Auckland (New Zealand) University for mature-age students to prepare them for the requirements of university study and show them how to cope with degree work. Discusses factors to explain the success of mature-age students, in particular the "New Starters." (MF)

Research on factors affecting the aging learner, including intelligence, memory, motivation, loss of speed, and physical health is reviewed, refuting the belief that learning ability declines with age. Strategies and techniques for the education of older adults are recommended. (SK)

Reports on an evaluation of the self-directed English study program for adults of C.R.A.P.E.L. (France). The evaluation is based on an analysis of 15 recorded interviews covering 20 hours of conversation between individual students and program counselors. Only students' comments on their progress, their problems, and learning strategies are…

Presents the child development section of a project to provide adult educators with a tool for measuring the proficiency of experienced homemakers of either sex who seek high school credit in home economics or diplomas by demonstrated competence in the adult performance level program. (MF)

Presents the consumer education section of a project to provide adult educators with a tool for measuring the proficiency of experienced homemakers of either sex who seek high school credit in home economics or diplomas by demonstrated competence in the adult performance level program. (MF)

The author's theory of adult learning and teaching uses proficiency as a unifying concept to relate acquisition of knowledge, skills, and attitudes to improved performance, which motivates adult learning. An interest in enhanced proficiency, the capability to perform, given the opportunity encourages adults to persist in learning activities.…

Describes a new approach to adult learning: a teaching process which uses competency-based, individualized instructional materials regardless of the level of the student. Discusses business/school cooperation, the manager/teacher's role, and the teacher training program. (CT)

Describes development, composition, and interpretation of a series of individually administered tests to identify adult basic education learning problems. Test areas include screening for visual/auditory functions and diagnostic evaluation of visual/auditory perceptions and dyslexia. Results can provide basis for referral to medical or visual…

Presents evidence of generalizations concerning the relationship between age, rate, and eventual attainment in second language acquisition: (1) adults proceed faster than children in early stages, (2) older children acquire second language faster than younger children, and (3) acquirers exposed to second languages during childhood achieve higher…