Demand for English for speakers of other languages in Britain outweighs supply. Because the ability to communicate effectively in English is essential for labor market success, it is imperative to support learners and teachers of English as a second language. (SK)

Adults need both functional math skills (numeracy) and knowledge of mathematical concepts for full participation in society. Development of critical numeracy skills should take account of differing skill levels and the coping strategies adults already use. (SK)

The Southcote IT [Information Technology] Experience is an initiative in Reading, England, designed to widen access to learning opportunities and technology for all age groups. Free modular training courses, informal learning, and intense local marketing have proven to be effective practices. (SK)

Examines three factors that are shifting the role of adult educators away from normative practitioners and agents of social change to enacters of the dominant discourse of lifelong learning: professionalization, technicist pedagogy, and policies of economic determinism. (SK)

An action research study involving British adults interested in further education opportunities found that the vast majority learned about adult education courses by word of mouth rather than print; supports such as child care, subsidies, and accommodations for people with disabilities are crucial; and follow-up courses are desired. (SK)

A study of young white British men beyond school-leaving age found that many are confused, distrusting, and aggressive; are involved with drugs or crime; are resistant to the "deficiency" model of basic skills training; lack a life framework and real work skills; and come from family backgrounds with long-term negative attitudes about schooling.…

A study of rural adult learners in northern England found that 96% had not been involved in learning in the past 5 years; transportation and child care difficulties hinder participation; a stigma is attached to participation in literacy programs; and inability to pay is a significant barrier. (SK)

Oral history courses offered in the Cambridgeshire Fenland of England were designed to widen participation of isolated and disadvantaged adults and develop transferable skills in communication, information technology, and working together. The focus on these key skills was intended to raise self-esteem and increase self-assessment abilities. (SK)

Analysis of European transnational adult learning projects found the following: learners must be central; cultural organizations are essential gateways; new intermediaries are developing; local alliances and linkages are paramount; some topics resist transnational transfer; and cultural and linguistic barriers must be addressed. (SK)

Focus groups of distance learners in southeastern England found that learners were reluctant to contact unfamiliar guidance staff; they wanted staff to visit communities and the university to make its presence more visible. Although distance learning was the only option for many, the need for human contact remained strong. (SK)

Interviews with first-time mothers indicate the importance of informal, incidental, and experiential learning with peers and mentors such as their mothers. Although not always recognized as such, material knowledge is a crucial learning resource. (Contains 28 references.) (SK)

Exhibitions are a fundamental form of informal learning in museums. An exhibit should engage visitors in dialog with the material and its representation in a self-reflexive way in order to fulfill the museum's role of facilitating community dialog. (Contains 25 references.) (SK)

Summarizes key issues in qualitative research: definitional debates, conceptions of truth and validity, selection of methods, recognition that research is not value free, and criteria for judging legitimacy. (SK)

Gives an overview of recent adult education in Canada. Describes the effects of information technology on delivery to adult learners. Discusses the tradeoffs among efficiency, equity, and market-driven education in Canadian universities. Considers universities' obligation toward less-developed countries in promoting literacy. (Contains 15…

Online discussions and transcriptions of face-to-face discussions by graduate students (14 online, 14 on campus) were analyzed. Technical support was not available 24 hours a day to online students who were predominantly women. Online discussions were more student-to-student, classroom discussions student-to-teacher. The analysis suggests how…