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)

Outlines problems in continuing higher education, suggesting that it lacks (1) a standard name; (2) a unified voice on national issues; (3) a standard set of roles and functions; (4) a standard title for the chief administrative officer; (5) an accreditation body and process; and (6) resolution of the centralization/decentralization issue. (SK)

Interviews with four adults over 65 in Learning in Retirement Institutes explored life events, their experience of retirement, and the impact of institute participation. Recurring themes were personal growth, self-esteem, contribution to society, and empowerment. (Contains 22 references.) (SK)

Develops a framework listing ways to create learner connections that includes (1) formative processes initiated by the institute or the learner; (2) aspects of connected learning (curriculum, program design, interpersonal and individual elements); and (3) outcomes (learning, growth and development, institutional). (Contains 54 references.) (SK)

Outlines factors to consider in assessing and evaluating continuing education programs and elaborates on seven questions to guide the process: purpose, audience, who should evaluate, what to evaluate, evaluation criteria, methods, and reporting of results. (Contains 15 references.) (SK)

A model leadership program should enhance leadership competencies, emphasize feedback, develop conceptual knowledge, and foster personal growth. A constructivist approach helps learners recognize, relate, assimilate, and apply concepts and principles. (Contains 20 references.) (SK)

The proliferation of uses of "certificate" in education and business is rendering the term meaningless. Higher education institutions should seek consensus on the types and categories in order to maintain clarity. A delineation between nonbaccalaureate and postbaccalaureate and between credit and noncredit is a starting point. (Contains 11…

Composite state-level data from four national sets were used to compare 1991 and 1997 higher education participation of adults over 24. Variations in state structural factors significantly affected participation variance. Factors at one point in time substantially affected future participation. State policymakers had an influence on access and…

A participant-observer study included initial and 10-month follow-up surveys of 19 adult learners before and after the September 11th terrorist attacks; 18 described their experiences as perspective transformation. Grief stages were observed; the reorganization stage was most evident. Combining the models of transformative learning and grief…

Of 247 graduates of a management and organizational development program, 188 identified themselves as leaders; 155 responded to a survey of learning outcomes. Only 3 of 27 outcomes were frequently applied in their work (communication skills, flexibility to adapt to change, and adjustment to organizational culture). (Contains 63 references.) (SK)

An overview of distance teaching in Hungary and other East/Central European countries identified barriers: lack of tuition reimbursement, institutional mergers, limited Internet access, teacher-directed instruction, English proficiency, and technical support. Promising signs are apparent in Hungarian teacher education programs using distance…

Examines the thesis process from both student and faculty supervisory perspectives, using the experience of the joint authors as an example. Identifies and questions four assumptions underlying thesis supervision, such as "the supervisor and committee are experts whereas the student is a novice being initiated into the culture." Concludes that the…

Reports on a research study which surveyed approximately 1,400 students at Canadian universities concerning the needs and characteristics of undergraduate student populations with potential for part-time degree completion. Concludes that demographic changes require changes in university programming, including evening and weekend programming,…

Describes the construction of a scale to assess university students' perceptions of a chilly climate toward women. The 28-item Perceived Chilly Climate Scale (PCCS) has five factors: climate students hear about, sexist treatment, climate students experience personally, classroom climate, and safety. Also provides data on the reliability and…