In today's usage the distinction between open and distance education is often blurred. Indeed, open education and open learning are not synonymous with distance education and distance learning, a fact that is readily discernible by examining the characteristics of each. Teaching and learning in distance education are based on two elements: a…

A study involving teachers and administrators from 16 elementary, middle, and high schools in Tennessee investigated the factorial structure of the Self-Directed Learning Readiness Scale (SDLRS). The SDLRS includes 58 Likert-like items designed to measure the readiness of adult learners to assume self-direction in the learning process. Study…

The Personal Adult Learning Lab was establsiehd at the Georgia Center for Continuing Education (GCCE) at the University of Georgia to serve self-directed adult learners and conduct research on self-directed learning. The lab allows adult learners to design, conduct, and evaluate their personal learning experiences while proceeding at their own…

Although information has become the core focus of society, independent learners are bypassing the educational institutions that have responsibility for creating, storing, and disseminating information. One contribution educational institutions can make to independent learners is to teach them the processes by which to gain access to and make…

This guide is designed to help the counselor work with adult students who cannot attend the 45-hour course on portfolio development and must prepare a portfolio within a program of independent studies. Chapter I gives an overview of the place that andragogical counselors occupy within the academic structure, their educational background, and some…

This guide provides the adult student with information on developing a portfolio. Chapter I is designed to give the student an idea of what is involved when one participates in a program for the recognition of prior learning. Chapter II covers the various steps that the student will have to undertake to review his/her life and work experience,…

Millsaps College inaugurated an Adult Degree Program to compensate for the predicted diminishing number of traditional age students and to establish a degree program incorporating a number of innovations of value to working adults. Issues considered before implementing the program included the impact of such a degree offering on existing programs,…

Educators and researchers have long equated the term "educated" with number of grades of formal schooling completed, relegating to the ranks of the "undereducated" those persons without higher education, and especially those without at least 12 years of schooling. Recent research by Alan Tough, however, and case studies in…

Sinclair Community College's (SCC's) Experience Based Education (EBE) program offers an alternative approach to learning which operates outside the time, format, and place constraints imposed by traditional, classroom-based education. After introductory material defining EBE and tracing the increased recognition of adult, lifelong learning…

The American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) has recognized the changing need within society to provide teaching resources to new student constituencies, which include working adults, housewives, former college drop-outs, and older persons, whether in mid-career or in retirement. To reach this constituency, state colleges…

Intended for use by adult readers who wish to independently continue their education at the college level, this study guide and reading list, compiled for the Dallas public library system, provides suggestions for the study of American literature. Readings from the works of major authors from each of the following historical periods are…

Explores the nature, modalities, costs, and possible benefits of education to inmates of federal penitentiaries. Hypothesizes that education more than any other approach offers hope for inmates to develop their capacities to a point where they can function in a normal manner in society. (Author/CH)

The problems and needs of adults returning for higher education are discussed. It is important for learning institutions and nontraditional programs to investigate the types and the scope of these problems and needs and the availability of support the student will receive from others to help overcome the problems. (Author/MLW)

Describes the planning and implementation of an online writing center for adult students of SUNY Empire State College, a non-residential, independent-study distance-learning institution. Highlights informational and facilitative properties of hypertext and the need for a personalized instructor "voice." Components of the program included…

Describes a complete, interactive, introductory German course on CD for adults. Designed for independent learning, the course emphasizes speaking and listening, though it provides a basis in reading and writing. Describes the role of contrastive grammar, proficiency-oriented teaching, the notational-functional approach, and word frequency counts…