Replicating earlier studies, 66 English as a second language speech students at a community college undertook content-based second language learning in psychology, sociology, and history. End-of-semester assessments showed they had improved second-language confidence and learned academic subject matter; most agreed sheltered courses were a useful…

This literature review explores competing views of the relationship between adult literacy and U.S. economic difficulties. Trends in public policy, legislation, labor forecasting, and workplace training from the 1960s to the present are reviewed. Consequences of the perceived gap between workers' skills and national economic needs are discussed.…

A survey received 143 responses (35%) from adult education/English as a second language directors; 16 were interviewed. Only 12% rarely read research; 84% found it interesting and 85% believed it relevant to practice; 66% had changed practice due to research-based information. Educational level had no significant influence, but training or…

A survey of 11 adult literacy practitioner research networks in the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada indicated the following: primary purposes were professional development and outlet for practitioner voice; predominant methods were action and participatory research; 10 had government funding; and challenges included lack of…

Six adult basic education programs were examined to understand why they reported higher than average attendance for welfare recipients. Learners saw class not as mandatory, but as a way to achieve goals. Programs focused on engagement, a precursor to learning. Engagement factors included beliefs about teaching/learning, relationships, learning…

Community college and university undergraduates (n=693) were administered Canfield's Learning Style Inventory to examine differences in learning style between traditional and nontraditional (over age 23) students. Results indicate that Canfield's instrument is incapable of differentiating between the learning styles of traditional and…

Raises issues related to the viewing of adult education as a product in the workplace. Examines globalization, market impact, and challenges for the field. Proposes some causes and effects on adult education, including distance education, and suggests how adult educators might address these issues. (Contains 18 references.) (JOW)

Examines the process of teaching critical thinking in an adult basic education classroom. Introduces an alternative learning process that challenges the traditional model of unquestioning, uncritical acceptance of teacher and text and enables students to become more active and equal participants in learning. (Author/JOW)

Examines New York State's initiative to address high school dropout rates, finding that few of the 12 pilot sites had explicit links to adult education. Suggests that adult basic education can be a driving force in a community to educate, assemble, organize, and facilitate discourse to support dropout prevention strategies. Urges adult educators…

Effective mentors engage in six key behaviors: establishing trust, advising, introducing alternatives, challenging, motivating, and encouraging initiative. These functions comprise the complete mentoring role. Adult educators who understand good mentoring understand good teaching. (Contains 23 references.) (SK)

Interviews with 12 adult educators in English and English as a second language revealed that most were not aware of transformative learning, Freire's critical theory, or Mezirow's perspective transformation. They were also aware of the need to balance teaching ideals with practicalities, barriers facing students, and negotiation between learner…

Multiple case study method elicited data from four students in a teacher education program. Their level of reflective thinking was related to maturational development and epistemological views. Most tended to exhibit lower to middle levels of reflection, suggesting that critical reflection requires deeper transformation of beliefs and values.…