The transition of Estonia from totalitarian to democratic society poses challenges for adult education. Changes already taking place include voluntary training, use of private sector schools, opportunities for study abroad, reestablishment of folk high schools, and formation of the Adult Education Association of Estonia. (SK)

Presents a Project Learning Tree (PLT) activity that allows students to describe how leaf characteristics vary from tree to tree and how these characteristics can be used to identify trees. This lesson plan features a description of levels, skills, objectives, materials, enrichment activities, assessment strategies, and a listing of related PLT…

Presents a Project Learning Tree (PLT) activity that has students investigate and compare the lifecycle of a tree to other living things and the tree's role in the ecosystem. Includes background material as well as step-by-step instructions, variation and enrichment ideas, assessment opportunities, and student worksheets. (SJR)

Explores current reforms in both mathematics and science education that emphasize the importance of learning in informal settings. Suggests that informal education must include planned and purposeful attempts to facilitate students' understanding of mathematics and science in community settings other than the local school. (Author/CCM)

Draws on the memoirs of Nellie Menard, Lakota archives, and other published materials to describe the traditional puberty ceremonies held for Lakota girls. Discusses the practice of seclusion, during which an elderly woman instructed the girl in appropriate behavior and women's crafts; the initiate's new social status; the ball-throwing ceremony;…

Australian beef-industry leaders are currently promoting quality assurance (QA). Interviews with 16 farmers who attended QA training showed they were aware of the demand for QA products and valued the concept, but they had little confidence in their ability to implement it in an uncertain economic climate. (SK)

Interviews with 20 women in governmental and nongovernmental organizations in Rio de Janeiro revealed the following: (1) formal education programs lacked courses on gender issues; (2) nonformal education was a potential source of gender awareness; and (3) informal education was the main source of gender awareness. (SK)

A survey of 383 college students found that 24% definitely plan to open their own business and 60% indicated they might start a business. They would use future nonformal educational programs, such as cooperative extension, to help them be successful. (SK)

Addresses issues in assessing and recognizing nonformal learning (validity, reliability, and standards). Reviews institutional and policy approaches in Europe at the country level and in initiatives by the European Union. (Contains 62 references.) (SK)

The Community Learning Centre (CLC) Project has been carried out since 1998 within the framework of the Asia Pacific Program of Education for All (APPEAL). CLC is a multi-purpose learning center that serves as a local venue for adults, youth and children to engage in all kinds of learning. After a few years' implementation, some countries have…

This article explores how far research findings about successful pedagogies in formal post-school education might be used in non-formal learning contexts--settings where learning may not lead to formal qualifications. It does this by examining a learner outcomes model adapted from a synthesis of research into retention. The article first…

Societal changes in late modernity influenced what persons should learn and also influenced how education should change to support these new learning requirements. Particularly, the increasing instrumentalization of our society requires more autonomous and reflective learners. On the one hand this article describes three specific examples of such…

This issue in the "Literacy Matters" looks at the relationship between literacy and HIV prevention education. It is the result of the UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning's work on examining the contribution of non-formal education (NFE) to HIV prevention, carried out in collaboration with the Association for the Development of…

A framework for conceptualizing community-based education and lifelong learning is presented and examined. The connection between community-based education and lifelong learning is made, as well as recommendations for research that require attention if this connection is to become a reality. The paper begins by defining community, community-based…

The final report of a conference concerning adult basic education de Adultos en el Marco de la REDALF del related to innovative projects in adult education in nine countries. A wide spectrum of issues related to adult basic education, curriculum, methodology, evaluation, and research are analyzed in the context of educational planning. Among the…