Current Trends in Adult Education Research and Their Implications for Policy, Practice, and Science

Session Type: Symposium

Abstract

Insights from adult education research has the potential to improve the academic, workplace, and lifelong outcomes for struggling adult learners. However, this field is sometimes overlooked, and researchers in other fields are often unaware of overlapping interests and important findings. The purpose of this symposium is to showcase this vibrant area of research by highlighting both some of the recent findings from this field and some of the paths researchers are exploring with innovative studies. Panelists represent a range of research methodologies, from longitudinal data analysis to cognitive science studies, and research areas, from literacy and assessment to national policy.

Sub Unit

• SIG-Adult Literacy and Adult Education

Chair

• Meredith J. Larson, National Center for Education Research

Papers

• Cognitive Science Investigations of Reading Difficulties for Low-Literacy Adults - Gail McKoon, The Ohio State University

• Lessons to Improve Research and Adult Literacy Practice - Daphne Greenberg, Georgia State University

• Research Priorities in Adult Populations: Motivation, Math, and Job Corps - Daryl F. Mellard, The University of Kansas

• Bridging the Gap: Moving From Dropout to College - Elizabeth Zachry Rutschow, MDRC

• Practice Engagement Theory: Lifelong Interaction Between Proficiency and Practice - Stephen M. Reder, Portland State University

Discussant

• Johan Uvin, U.S. Department of Education