Describes the action research model used by the Pennsylvania Action Research Network, summarizes impact evaluation results since 1995, and concludes that the network has had a major impact on the professional development of adult educators in the state. (SK)

Practitioner inquiry groups formed by Pennsylvania adult literacy practitioners provide an alternative to traditional professional development. The network provides opportunities for sharing contextualized knowledge and acquiring new ways of practice. (SK)

A qualitative study of four homeless women depicted their self-perceptions, instability of relationships, decision-making processes, and resourcefulness. Their informal learning included situational and intentional learning applied to survival. (SK)

A study of the learning style preferences of 133 graduate students found differences among age cohorts and between men and women. Ways to construct accommodating learning environments were identified. (SK)

Defines social change movements and the role played by individual and collective transformation. Addresses the debate over Mezirow's transformation theory and shows how transformative learning was used in the women's movement. (SK)

Immigrant/refugee adults studying English as a second language (n=19) described how their language proficiency affects their communication with health care providers and with their children's schools. Ways to address their needs in English instruction were derived. (SK)

A teacher's work with one adult student illustrated how the Tic-Tac-Toe Math method is effective for some students and not others. (SK)

The "health literacy environment" of a healthcare facility represents the expectations, preferences, and skills of those providing health information and services. Some of these demands are in the form of physical aspects of the hospital or health center, such as signs and postings. At the same time, access to and navigation of health services…

This seminar guide was created by the National Center for the Study of Adult Learning and Literacy (NCSALL) to assist program administrators in accessing, understanding, judging, and using research for themselves and for their staff. Professional developers may want to use this seminar in place of a regularly scheduled meeting, such as a statewide…

The purpose of this guide is to help experienced professional developers and others organize and conduct professional development that trains facilitators of National Center for the Study of Adult Learning and Literacy (NCSALL) study circles. Promoters of the study circle facilitators training should be experienced trainers. This guide includes…

This study circle was created by the National Center for the Study of Adult Learning and Literacy (NCSALL). The study circle is part of NCSALL's efforts to help connect research and practice in the field of adult basic education and adult literacy. The Adult Student Persistence Study Circle is one of a series of study circles that NCSALL has…

The goal of the National Center for the Study of Adult Learning and Literacy (NCSALL) is to conduct high-quality, relevant research that contributes to the improvement of the quality of education provided by adult basic educators. NCSALL has a commitment not only to conducting research but also both to ensuring that is it shared with…

The term "numeracy" is used in the adult education community to include an array of mathematically related proficiencies that are evident in adults' lives and worthy of attention in adult education settings. This occasional paper attempts to describe the complex nature of numeracy as it exists today. All stakeholders--including policymakers,…

Adding to the resources for evidence-based practices, this occasional paper provides sources of research and professional wisdom that are useful to the design of evidence-based instruction. This annotated bibliography is divided into seven subsections that focus on reading, writing, math and numeracy, English as a second language, GED, adult…

While the majority of adults who take the General Educational Development (GED) test do so in order to continue their education, few go on to enter postsecondary education. Yet, these same adults stand to make substantial economic and personal gains when they use their adult secondary credential to move from the ranks of high school dropout to…