The national imperative to improve postsecondary degree completion has led to various innovations within colleges and universities to improve student retention and academic success, particularly of non-traditional learners. One innovation that has been in use since the 1970s, but is often under-promoted and under-utilized within institutions, is…

Prior Learning Assessment, or PLA, is an important and often overlooked strategy for helping adults progress towards a degree. PLA is the process by which many colleges evaluate for academic credit the college-level knowledge and skills an individual has gained outside of the classroom, including employment, military training/service, travel,…

Prior Learning Assessment, or PLA, is an important and often overlooked strategy for helping adults progress towards a degree. PLA is the process by which many colleges evaluate for academic credit the college-level knowledge and skills an individual has gained outside of the classroom (or from non-college instructional programs), including…

Congress recently passed legislation improving the Post-9/11 GI Bill for the millions of eligible Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans to use in their pursuit of education and training. This legislation provides a tremendous opportunity for these valued Americans to obtain the skills necessary for employment at a time when they are often making the…

"Focus on Basics" is a publication of the U.S. Division of World Education, Inc. It presents best practices, current research on adult learning and literacy, and how research is used by adult basic education teachers, counselors, program administrators, and policymakers. "Focus on Basics" is dedicated to connecting research with practice, to…

"Focus on Basics" is a publication of the US Division of World Education, Inc. It presents best practices, current research on adult learning and literacy, and how research is used by adult basic education teachers, counselors, program administrators, and policymakers. "Focus on Basics" is dedicated to connecting research with practice, to…

A survey of British adult students returning to education found they lacked basic as well as information literacy skills and have difficulty with information retrieval and use of learning resource centers. Partnerships between adult educators as facilitators and librarians as teachers are needed. (SK)

Describes a Voluntary Arts Network program involving the Globe Theatre in London that is focused on realizing the cultural and creative potential of lifelong learning by involving adult volunteers in drama projects. (SK)

Young British adults (n=47) identified situations for which they needed basic skills and barriers to skill development: low self-confidence, negative learning attitudes, peer pressure, cost, and scheduling. Results suggested the importance of grounding basic skills in everyday contexts; offering accessible classes, small groups, and individual…

Low-literate working class British men may perceive education as something forced on them in childhood but not soemthing for adults. Long-term economic decline and changes in the concept of masculinity have contributed to their inability to see any benefit from participating in education. (SK)

Learning for work is the focus of public policy in Australia, New Zealand, and Britain. However, meaningful public debate about the presumed benefits of training and lifelong learning has been stifled by rhetoric about competitiveness and economic survival. (SK)

With the Labour Government's second term imminent, 11 Britons involved in adult education each provide three recommendations for what the government should do for adult learners. (SK)

Describes the comprehensive Welsh system of education and training, including a national career information and guidance service. The system focuses on credit-based qualifications and a holistic approach to academic and vocational learning. (SK)

Research findings show that more education, higher earnings, higher occupational status, and lower unemployment correlate with better health. Resilience and access to medical care are also associated with better health and more learning. Higher education levels can have negative effects when competition and achievement are emphasized or…

Repetitive strain injuries are often discussed in a workplace context, but seldom in relation to learning. However, increased computer use in educational settings make this a significant problem and more research in this context is needed. (SK)