The Rural Extension Centre at the University of Queensland (Australia) Gatton College provides accredited education and training for practicing rural extension professionals, from certificate to masters level, through a workplace-based program of adult learning projects and workshops. Action learning and the application of adult learning principles are used to successfully deliver the courses, according to two evaluations recently completed. Adult learning philosophy indicates that adults are self-directed to learn what is relevant to them and their needs. Participants are encouraged to use adult learning principles as a conscious learning method that they can model in their professional roles as teachers of adult farmers and rural community members. Action learning is applied in course design in three main phases: (1) as a micro-process during the sessions of the first residential for each subject; (2) as a macro-process during the workplace learning project; and (3) as a mega-process throughout the course. Evaluations have shown that respondents not only recognize the adult learning and action learning basis of the courses, but also have found these aspects the most useful in applying their learning in the workplace. The learning project is singled out as the way in which theory is applied in the workplace. The adult learning model used in these courses has a wider application in many other learning situations. (Contains 15 references.) (Author/TD)