The relative appeal and effectiveness of several television lesson formats designed for adult learners in an open university learning system were evaluated. One hundred and fifty-four subjects viewed video lesson segments in two college course areas, Accounting and Psychology. A variety of TV formats were used, including story-lines, short vignettes, animation, sharers of information, and illustrated lectures. The intent was to produce instructional television rather than televised instruction. Subjects responded to content and attitude questionnaires and were interviewed in depth. The results suggested guidelines for acceptable formats for instructional television designed for adult learners. (Author)