Course Descriptions

ADLL 5103 — Diversity and Inclusion in Adult and Lifelong Learning — Broadly explores how diverse populations and contexts influence the facilitation of adult learning. Focuses on the responsibilities of the practitioner to model and foster inclusive practices to enhance educational programs and initiatives across a variety of environments.

Recognize the essential and evolving language of diversity and develop an awareness of how it can be used to influence relationships between individuals and groups
Articulate the dimensions of diversity, inclusion and equity such as race, gender, socioeconomic status, national origin, and physical and mental ability
Analyze the key constructs of diversity including prejudice, bias and discrimination, and reflect on how their own cognition and experiences impact their response to diversity
Describe varying perspectives on the importance and implications of diversity, inclusion and equity in adult learning contexts
Determine best practices for creating and maintaining positive and equitable learning environments within diverse sociocultural contexts

ADLL 5113 — Perspectives in Adult Education — Historical overview of the evolving field of adult education and lifelong learning in the U.S. Course covers seminal and emerging theorists in the field, roles and responsibilities of adult education providers and reviews the expansion of adult and lifelong learning opportunities associated with societal and demographic shifts.

Analyze the importance of adult education to the individual and society
Explore the need for adult education at the state, nation and international level
Identify issues relative to major providers and program areas, including those which serve multicultural and diverse clienteles
Examine major and seminal adult education theorists and their contributions to the field
Compare and contrast adult education with other forms of education

ADLL 5123 — Principles and Practices of Adult Learning — Overview of the adult learner including characteristics, motivation for participating in learning and strategies for developing educational programs for diverse adult populations.

Describe the characteristics of adult learners
Discuss factors affecting motivation for learning among adults in various learning settings
Identify and discuss strategies for developing learning programs for adults
Analyze, compare and contrast different adult learning theories
Differentiate between the use of various adult learning theories for diverse adult populations

ADLL 5133 — Curriculum Development in ABE and ASE — Curriculum development in Adult Basic Education and Adult Secondary Education settings including the various educational functioning levels, measures to asses student levels, selection of teaching materials, and development of curriculum utilizing instructional standards for ABE and ASE programs.

Discuss the need and role of ABE and ASE programs in U.S. society
Utilize appropriate assessments to determine a student's educational functioning level (EFL) in ABE and ASE settings
Evaluate and select appropriate teaching materials for use in ABE and ASE settings
Apply appropriate classroom management and teaching techniques such as lecture, group discussion and peer learning when teaching adults in ABE and ASE settings
Design and teach lessons in ABE and ASE settings

ADLL 5143 — Instructional Strategies and Assessment in Adult Education — Selection and utilization of materials and instructional methods for use in adult learning settings. Evaluative strategies to develop or select appropriate tools and techniques predicated upon the needs and goals of adult learners.

Identify and evaluate teaching skills appropriate in adult and lifelong learning settings
Select and critique research that relates to adult and lifelong learning teaching practice
Select and evaluate materials for use in adult and lifelong learning contexts
Assess learner needs based upon students skills and abilities
Develop learning plans based upon the needs and goals of adult learners

ADLL 5153 — Organization and Administration of Adult and Lifelong Learning Programs — Legal, ethical, staffing and financial considerations for the development and implementation of programs for adult and lifelong learners in various programs including literacy centers, GED centers, community education, lifelong/leisure learning and postsecondary education.

Explain the roles and responsibilities of an instructional leader in adult and lifelong learning
Explore legal and ethical issues related to supervision of instructional and support staff
Discuss the practices and procedures for evaluating instructional and support staff
Create a financial plan for sustaining an adult education or lifelong learning program

ADLL 5163 — Managing Change in Adult and Lifelong Learning — Strategies for planning, organizing and facilitating change in programs that serve adult learners from diverse populations, across varied developmental stages and geographic locations. Discussion of social change that has impacted adult education and analysis of change models relevant to individuals, groups and organizations.

Describe the process of change and the adult educator's role as an agent of change
Justify the need for change at the individual, organization and societal level
Apply conceptual and theoretical models to the change process
Identify and discuss significant research regarding the effect of change on individuals
Identify and evaluate elements of social change which have affected adults

ADLL 5173 — Program Planning — Program development process for adult and lifelong learners. Overview of assessment, stakeholder buy-in, developing program objectives, formative and summative evaluation, budgeting and scheduling processes.

Explain the role of planning programs in adult and lifelong learning settings
Differentiate program needs of adults in multicultural and diverse settings
Identify appropriate learning objectives relative to different types of programs for adult learners
Determine the resources necessary to implement a program in an adult and lifelong setting
Design a program plan for an adult and lifelong learning setting

ADLL 5183 — Technology and Innovation in Adult Learning — Techniques for designing, developing, implementing and assessing technology-mediated adult and lifelong learning programs. Discussion of issues relevant to the use of innovative strategies for delivering instruction via emerging technologies and their potential impact on content and learning outcomes.

Identify and describe the types of technology which are appropriate for use in adult and lifelong learning settings
Review current research regarding the effectiveness of technology-mediated instruction in adult and lifelong learning settings
Interpret and apply policies pertaining to the use of technology (i.e. distance education) in adult and lifelong programs
Select technologies which incorporate universal design which addresses learning disabilities and differences for adults from special populations
Discuss and examine critical issues that influence the use of technology in adult and lifelong learning
Create a technology plan for an adult and lifelong learning setting

ADLL 5193 — Seminar in Adult and Lifelong Learning — Seminars focused on topics related to adult and lifelong learning. Topics include:

Grant writing
Management in community and nonprofit agencies
Adult literacy and numeracy
Adult ESL and family literacy
Programs for adults with disabilities

ADLL 5213 — Adult and Lifelong Learning Internship — Internship in adult and lifelong learning settings.

ADLL 5223 — Applied Project — Development and implementation of a project focused on adult and lifelong learning. Consent of advisor/instructor required.

Identify a problem or an issue that exists within an adult education or lifelong learning setting
Research interventions which have been used previously to address similar issues in adult education or lifelong learning settings
Develop a plan to address the problem or issue within the adult education or lifelong learning setting
Support the components of the plan which are designed to address the problem or issue