A study examined how adult learners used a WebCT bulletin board space to construct knowledge. Metaphors and questions of possibilities were the "tools" that connected reflection, dialogue, and self-direction to create new understandings. The online space itself provided unique opportunities for self-directed learning and reflective dialogue.…

Focus groups captured 35 adults' perceptions of an online library and information science master's program. Analysis of results using adult learning theories resulted in 10 recommendations for online courses. Student/instructor and student/student interaction was absent in theories but a key element in distance learning. (Contains 11 references.)…

Examines a model of professional development including preprofessional, autonomous, collegial, and postprofessional phases. Addresses the importance of reflective practice in moving from autonomous to collegial. Suggests the potential for computer-mediated communication to promote reflective dialogue. (Contains 30 references.) (SK)

A series of four studies identified the conative factors associated with the constructs of desire, resourcefulness, initiative, and persistence through the development of a conceptual model that provides a framework for understanding autonomous learning. The studies ultimately produced a single instrument, the Learner Autonomy Profile, that…

Grades and final exam scores for 99 students from 2 community colleges and student evaluations of 5 business instructors were examined. There was no significant relationship between learning style/teaching style match and student success. A significant relationship existed between course grades, final exam scores, instructor evaluations, and grade…

The occurrence of 7 life events within the last 2 years and the top three 3 reasons for return were identified by 61 women returning to higher education. Motivations clustered in the following categories: financial improvement, personal goals and aspirations, self-fulfilment/self-esteem, and family considerations. (Contains 34 references.) (SK)

Interviews were conducted before and after 10 trainers attended workshops on using an educational equity guide for nontraditional training. Pretraining resistance to equity gave way to new awareness of issues and learner concerns and willingness to change practice. Training modified male and female participants' discourses in different ways.…

Discusses advantages and disadvantages of audioconferencing for professional development; recommends basing technology choice on curriculum and provides a checklist of criteria. Describes an audio workshop on learning disabilities, outlining principles of good practice, guidelines for site coordinators, and participant handouts. (SK)

Content analysis of 11 adult development textbooks examined coverage of 5 adult education topics. There was extensive discussion of adult intelligence across most of the textbooks, but little information about the roles and functions of adult education in promoting adult development. Textbooks need to link developmental research and theory to…

A leadership development program for managers used appreciative learning, based upon appreciative inquiry, an organizational development method focused on what organizations do well. Participants identified prior successful learning experiences for use in future work performance, creating a multiplier effect of positive experiences. (SK)

Using web-based bulletin boards in classes elicited enthusiastic responses from 109 graduate education students. They felt it enhanced learning, created a greater sense of community and encouraged participation through its use. Some negative aspects of web-based conferencing (need for self-direction and technological literacy, lack of spontaneity…

The issue of integrating technology into adult literacy programs would benefit from the implementation of a curriculum deliberation process that includes perspectives of practitioners, learners, subject matter experts, and milieus. This would ensure the development of coherent curricula, with the key consideration being the efficacy of computers…

A faculty development workshop that addressed assessment, measurement, grading, and evaluation was designed for a system of 21 career-focused postsecondary schools with 1,500 faculty. Faculty, students, and administrators were involved in the design, and a pilot test was conducted with a small group, which resulted in adjustment of activities and…

Teachers, instructional designers, and corporate trainers pursuing graduate degrees in education participated in small-group collaborative activity in an asynchronous online graduate course. A group charter, which provided structure for group evolution and collaboration, was a powerful element in success. Proactive and reactive means of nurturing…

Principles for using andragogy as a framework in designing distance education for adult learners include the following: setting the psychological climate, using learning contracts and individualized course projects, and using a group charter to guide asynchronous discussions. (SK)