Interviews with eight adult students who completed portfolios illustrate how the process increased their awareness of professional accomplishments, enabled self-discovery and empowerment, helped them recognize the influence of mentors, and fostered deeper reflection. Results show how portfolios can promote holistic learning by connecting learning,…

Analyzes features of impact evaluation models by Kirkpatrick, Grotelueschen, Cervero, Robinson and Robinson, and Jackson. Incorporates features into the Behaviorally Based Impact Evaluation Model, designed for evaluating continuing professional education outcomes in corporate settings. Contains 23 references. (SK)

A survey of 343 adult students in 7 universities identified barriers and facilitators. Many perceived their institutions as uninterested in their needs for services and scheduling. Students lacked awareness of policies and services, and institutions failed to assess their needs and communicate service availability. (Contains 50 references.) (SK)

Applies elements of an instructional model (learner characteristics, criterial tasks, nature of materials, learning activities, instructional agent) and the interaction of these elements to the design of Web-based courses. (Contains 19 references.) (SK)

A study of 13 returning undergraduates over 26 showed that their definition of college success used primarily external standards, but internal criteria defined successful learning. Factors supporting/hindering success included life experience, maturity, motivation, self-monitoring, reinforcement, and the nature and quality of classroom…

Viewing faculty development as adult learning, continuing education providers should plan their offerings using adult learning principles and strategies. To take a leadership role, they must build credibility within their institutions, establish institutional commitment, and conduct ongoing research. (SK)

Students attending college on the GI Bill received mostly respectful, positive treatment in popular films and novels. Veterans typically exemplified successful students. However, mysteries and some novels sometimes portrayed veterans as academic misfits. (SK)

Defines diversity as a conglomerate of people representing a variety of cultures. Offers strategies to increase participation of diverse people and infuse multiculturalism into continuing education programs. (SK)

Surveys and interviews of 50 entering master of business administration (MBA) students, 10 MBA graduates, and 10 employers showed that graduates perceived their business skills and knowledge as significantly stronger than students did. Employers felt that graduates possessed needed skills but thought the program needed less textbook emphasis and…

A market intelligence database is a vital tool for continuing education providers and brokers. Its components are as follows: layout of potential markets; analysis of population, demand, environment, and competitors (market opportunities analysis); market performance measures; and college consumer trends. (SK)

A compulsory continuing education program for human services providers began with establishment of learning objectives and measurement of their achievement by pretests/posttests. The data were used by providers to improve courses and by learners to plan future training needs. (SK)

Continuing education students (n=73) identified their career state and completed the Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal and California Critical Thinking Disposition Inventory. Most were at career plateau or indecision stages. The ability to recognize assumptions, appraise situations, and make judgments was related to career state. (SK)

A survey of 588 full-time tenure-track faculty indicated that two-thirds were involved in outreach; the quality of outreach activities should be judged by their effectiveness in meeting needs; and multiple measures should be used. Concerns included barriers to outreach participation and determination of what constitutes excellence. (SK)

Interviews with 19 African-American college students age 24 and older indicated that they reentered college with a clearer sense of their goals. To them, meaningful learning had real-world relevance. Self-efficacy was a key to their success and faculty and personal support made a difference. (SK)

Adult students (n=12) participated in a computer-based instructional (CBI) design course that integrated adult learning characteristics and preferences. Embedding these aspects empowered students to attain competence in producing CBI projects. They expressed a need for peer feedback and more planning time. (SK)