Investigates three roles of the adult educator in light of varying conceptions of self-directed learning (SDL). Addresses the issue of when self-directedness is desirable and for what purposes. Suggests educational processes that foster SDL and discusses implications for future SDL research. (JOW)

Program failure has been demonstrated to have both detrimental and enhancing effects upon individuals. Two detrimental reactions to program failures are those of self-doubt and embarrassment. The focus of adult and continuing educators should not be on condemning each other for failure, but on exploring program failure, how it personally affects…

Discusses the advantages and disadvantages of live interactive video teleconferencing as a learning tool. Suggests that its biggest advantage is that learning opportunities may be brought to thousands who previously were unable to participate in organized learning activities. (JOW)

Effective instruction must reflect a functional understanding of the present level of learning, based on the learner's situation and maturity. The Situational Instruction Model is designed to assist in the development of personalized learning. (JOW)

The authors highlight major new propositions that were inferred from a study of autodidactic learning experiences. They suggest corresponding implications for practice in a formal educational setting. Topics include motivation, goals, specialization, monitoring of the learning process, and reflection. (CH)

In distance learning, the persons or institutions that provide instruction are separate in place and/or time from their learners. A range of teaching-learning relationships is involved, from largely self-directed to highly organized. Through a variety of communications media, instructors and students carry on a dialog that traditionally occurs…

The author observes that the report from the Council on the Continuing Education Unit, "Principles of Good Practice in Continuing Education," is a list of reductive, formal stipulations that imply that adults are not capable of self-directed learning. (CT)

Moral development is a part of the healthy adult personality that continues throughout one's life. Churches, as societal institutions, play a vital role in the development of moral reasoning in adults and religious educators can foster it through andragogical methods of learning and teaching. (JOW)

Discusses the National Writing Project and the concept of writing as a liberating activity. Analyzes this concept by addressing critical thinking in writing, comparing writing and learning, characterizing writing as purposeful, and considering teacher/learner interactions during writing activities. (SK)

Details some key points in the implementation of a learning exchange network: enlisting public support; establishing nonprofit, independent status; maintaining good public relations; budgeting and obtaining financing; establishing network centers; and providing leadership from a master center. (SK)

Describes a poetry workshop in which the teachers intended to teach the students but instead found themselves learning with the students. Discusses the importance of elder poets' use of reminiscence and relationships. Techniques that were used, such as audiotaping and discussion of poems, and formula stems are explained. (CT)