Four issues to be considered when critiquing the use of portfolio assessment are (1) change in teacher and learner status, (2) problematic nature of teacher authority, (3) what counts as work products in a portfolio, and (4) effect of the educational environment on the freedom of choice that portfolio assessment entails. (JOW)

Responses from 191 college students suggest that they are most interested in learning about course content and the instructor at the first session. Effectiveness of the first session is enhanced by attention to physical space, temperature, lighting, and equipment; personal greeting; and explanation of the relevance of course content. (SK)

Teachers of English as a Second Language to groups of adults with mixed ability levels should provide three important ingredients: (1) a supportive environment; (2) lessons that contain a variety of language development activities; and (3) a variety of grouping strategies. (SK)

Having stressful workdays is not the sole prerogative of adult students enrolled in educational leadership programs. According to a report released by the American Institute of Stress in 2002, 80% of adult workers felt stress in the workplace. From this it can be assumed that a certain amount of stress accompanies every adult who enters an evening…