An 18-month study examined the way adults learn in rural settings, particularly those adults over the age of 25 who have not completed a high school education or its equivalency. The study was organized into three major phases. The first phase consisted of a survey interview of 93 adults living in a rural county in Vermont. The second phase involved indepth case studies with a sub-sample of 14 subjects from the first phase. The third phase entailed a comprehensive analysis of the data and dissemination of the results. Data indicated that 98 percent of those surveyed reported at least one major learning effort. The majority of learning efforts were self-planned and involved the self and/or a mixture of resources in the learning process. Most learning projects were non-credit. Among the most frequent obstacles to learning were time constraints, basic skills, and access to good information. Finally, those interviewed were most comfortable learning at home or in their communities. Recommendations called for developing more ways to determine what adult learners actually want as well as for reassessing the rights of self-directed learners and curriculum and delivery system issues for long-distance learners. (MN)