Attempts to attain academic respectability for continuing higher education hinged on two arguments. The campus equivalence approach asserted that extension programs had equivalent rigor to campus programs. The adult learning approach argued that different qualities of adult students necessitated different criteria and goals reflecting adult…

Cooperative learning is a structured form of small group work based on interdependence, accountability, group processing, and social skills. In continuing education, cooperative learning can positively affect achievement, multiethnic relationships, self-esteem, retention, and attitudes. (SK)

Noting that the body of literature is limited, the author reviews research on correspondence study enrollments, instructors, and theories; independent learning; characteristics of quality in instruction; student-teacher interaction and feedback; and the learner's perspective of distance education. (SK)