Since the construct of "possible selves" was first introduced over two decades ago by Markus and Nurius (1986), a substantial body of research has explored the content, valence, origins, and motivational dynamics of possible selves in a variety of domains, including academic achievement, lifespan development, and health-related behaviors, among…

Conference contexts are settings where participants often encounter new, unfamiliar information and perspectives. Conference organizers can benefit from understanding how adult learners interact with new ideas and concepts. This study is based on research conducted within a conference focused on the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning. Data…

Program evaluations in the literature for evening classes generally fail to examine impact-related questions and focus instead on satisfaction with services and curricular offerings. This study examined the consequences for students if evening classes were not available. All student groups reported negative impacts on degree completion and…

In recent years, procedures have been established in Flanders for "Prior Learning Assessment" (PLA) outside the formal learning circuit, of which the portfolio is a regular component. In order to maximize the possibilities of acknowledgement of prior learning assessment, the Flemish government is looking for a set of common criteria and principles…

Every wave of immigration to the United States has brought significant changes to the country and to its institutions. Unlike earlier waves that were drawn primarily from Europe, the majority of today's newcomers originate from developing nations, causing the United States population to be more diverse in terms of race, ethnicity, language,…

Eighteen faculty members participated in this qualitative study to determine the impact of reduced seat time in accelerated courses. The findings challenge critics who believe the accelerated delivery format compromises academic quality. The participants noted the importance of students in the learning process, emphasizing the significant workload…

Many continuing adult and professional education programs have heeded the call of what Packer and Greco-Brooks (1998) refer to as the "ontological work of school," or helping "change the kinds of person their students become" (p. 134). This new "ontological" work attempts to incorporate critical pedagogy to stimulate critical self-reflection and…

Described as "ripe for the picking," non-degree seeking (NDS) students in graduate education are creating an accelerated awareness of how little is known by institutional, state, and federal stakeholders about this population. Recognition of the unidentified learning objectives, limited student services, and ambivalence within the university…

Understanding the dynamics of financial support for continuing higher education students requires an understanding of the numerous programs that support adult learners. These include basic and family literacy programs, workforce education programs, programs administered under the auspices of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Title IV…

The term Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) refers not to a single kind of assessment but rather an entire family of assessment methods that can be used by institutions. Some of these methods are exam-based. In addition, there are other methods of PLA. One of the more innovative methods of offering PLA, however, is through the development of student…

These are heady days for online learning in the academy. What was once the domain of innovative institutions, administrators, and faculty is quickly becoming mainstream. Higher education has seen rapid growth in online enrollments relative to the rest of the college population. More than one in five college students has taken a class online. A…

Community colleges students (n=24) taught math by instructors trained in self-regulated learning were compared with 54 taught conventionally. Mean scores did not differ but self-regulation techniques strengthened the relations among feedback seeking, self-regulation standard, internal calibration, perceiving choice, and effective learning…

College-based adult learning programs are beset by low status, lack of institutional support, cash-cow syndrome, lack of faculty investment, and the dichotomy of traditional/adult students. The academy should embrace an entrepreneurial mission in order to adapt to the challenges of the 21st century. (Contains 15 references.) (SK)

Traces the history of tension between vocational and liberal traditions in adult education. Proposes that Dewey's concept of vocation may be found in liberal education if it is made accessible and meaningful and if it integrates theory and practice. (Contains 29 references.) (SK)

Describes how Iowa's state university system developed the bachelor of liberal studies, a nontraditional external degree program offered via distance education. Discusses challenges, including opposition to the program, and details course offerings. (SK)