This training manual is intended for teachers new to adult basic education programs and attempts to cover certain aspects and knowledge areas relevant to the adult learner's situation. Chapter 1 outlines what teachers and students need to know. For teachers this includes content knowledge, learner characteristics, interpersonal skills, and diagnostic-prescriptive skills; included for students are basic skills, GED skills, and related life skills. The goals, history, purpose of adult education, definitions related to adult education, and the demographics that affect local programs are discussed in chapter 2. The third chapter reviews the economic, social, psychological, and learning characteristics of students that teachers need to recognize and the attitudinal and instructional characteristics required of teachers. The chapter on instructional techniques and approaches suggests, among other things, that the teacher apply principles of adult learning to instructional situations; adapt instruction to the needs, interests, and abilities of adults; and arrange flexible learning situations. Chapter 5 identifies the generally available and most used materials, choosing and evaluating materials, and the resources available to help teachers meet student needs. Suggestions for the recruitment, counseling and retraining of students are presented in chapter 6. The next chapter discusses testing, while the final chapter is on keeping, interpreting, and using student and program record information. Following a 72-item glossary, appendixes include a statement of handbook objectives, revisions in the Adult Education Act, and a compilation of recruitment procedures. (BPB)