Accelerated Learning for Adult Learners

Journal articles

"Accelerated Learning in Colleges and Universities," by Wlodkowski, Raymond J.
New Directions for Adult & Continuing Education; Spring2003 Issue 97, p5, 11p Abstract: Provides a research-based overview of accelerated learning as a program and educational format in higher education. Purpose of accelerated learning programs; Reasons for criticism of the program by conventional academics; Methods used by researchers to collect data on the topic. I'm sending this to you as a pdf.

"Assessment in Accelerated Learning Programs: A Practical Guide," by Walvoord, Barbara E. New Directions for Adult & Continuing Education; Spring2003 Issue 97, p39, 12p Abstract: Focuses on the importance of assessment in accelerated learning. Prerequisites of research questions; Importance of choice of an instrument to evaluate student performance; Improvement of the program on the basis of assessment information. I'm sending this to you as a pdf.

"A Critical Theory Perspective on Accelerated Learning," by Brookfield, Stephen D. New Directions for Adult & Continuing Education; Spring2003 Issue 97, p73, 10p Abstract: Presents a critical analysis of accelerated learning programs. Impact of reduction in class hours on learning; Condemnation of commodification of life by Herbert Marcuse, a critical theorist; Advantages of accelerated learning over traditional programs. I'm sending this to you as a pdf.

"Accelerated and Traditional Formats: Using Learning as a Criterion for Quality," by Swenson, Craig New Directions for Adult & Continuing Education; Spring 2003 Issue 97, p83, 10p Abstract: Focuses on the topic of accelerated learning. Lack of dependence of results on teaching formats and structures; Importance of defining educational quality for learning; Measures for ensuring institutional effectiveness. I'm sending this to you as a pdf.

"Accelerated Learning: Future Roles and Influences," by Wlodkowski, Raymond J. and Kasworm, Carol E. New Directions for Adult & Continuing Education; Spring2003 Issue 97, p93, 5p Abstract: Examines the role of accelerated learning in higher education. Comparison of accelerated learning with traditional learning; Reasons for the emergence of accelerated learning; Demerits of accelerated learning. I'm sending this to you as a pdf.

Web Resources

ERIC report: Accelerated Learning in Adult Education and Training and Development 2002. (This is a pdf file) Also available on the Web.

Information on accelerated learning -- "The person most associated with accelerated learning is Henry Levin of Stanford University in Stanford, California..."

From the Stanford Web site, publication by Levin:

"Replacing Remediation with Acceleration in Higher Education: Preliminary Report on Literature Review and Initial Interviews." Henry Levin and Bill Koski. 1997.
Synopsis: Remediation in higher education today is extensive: nearly 30 percent of all first-year college students take some type of remedial course. Given the demand for such remedial education, there exists a real need to study the many types of remedial programs offered and to assess their claims of increased student persistence rates and academic achievement. This report presents the findings of the first stage of a research project designed to assist institutions in the implementation and evaluation of programs that provide remedial education for students not adequately prepared for postsecondary education. It presents the results of the authors’ initial literature review and interviews in three main areas: the extent and demographics of remediation in higher education, the consequences of remediation in terms of academic achievement and persistence, and the delivery and content of remedial education.
Full text: PDF Publication 4-01

This got me to remembering something I had put on the WDBA Next Steps Web page:

"From Remediation to Acceleration: Raising the Bar in Developmental Education." Change, vol. 31, 1, Jan/Feb 1999, p. 57+ I printed this out for you. "too little is known about the content and delivery of remedial education nationwide or the features of successful programs for the underprepared." Refers to Henry Levin and "accelerated schools."

You mentioned hearing that something had been recently funded at Stanford. I don't find that. Here's Stanford's School of Education timeline that lists major funded efforts over the years. I don't find anything listed recently. It was in 1986 that

"Accelerated Schools Project is started as a national effort to bring at-risk students into the educational mainstream and make them academically able at an early age by accelerating their academic growth."

Funderstanding These are people who work with kids and adolescents, not just adults, but the Web site has summary information on whole brain teaching, etc.

The Web sites listed below are about accelerated learning, but they are not, in my mind, of high quality. However, they show that many people promote these approaches. Just thought you would want to be aware of this side of things:

Hope this helps. Let me know if you need more, or something else.

Topsy

10/15/05