Achieve Your Learning Goals!

What do you want to accomplish this year? Advance at work? Get a new job? Change careers? Enrich your life with a new hobby or interest? Whether your plans involve personal or professional development, or significant life changes, they're certain to require some learning.

No wonder so many adults participate in continuing education! Over thirty percent of American adults take some type of course every year, according to a report from the U.S. Department of Education.

Taking a formal education program isn't a requirement for learning. Many adults create self-directed learning plans customized to suit their interests, schedules and learning styles. The Internet is teeming with resources to support self study, including extensive free How To's and Tutorials.

If your resolution is to finish high school or college, become an adult educator, or to take up a new hobby or interest, you'll find many more resources available on this site.

Resolution #1: Get a high school diploma or GED credential
If you dropped out of high school, you're not alone. The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) reports that approximately 15 - 20% of young people leave high school without receiving a diploma. Fortunately, there are a variety of options available to help busy adults get a high school diploma or equivalency.

Resolution #2: Get a college or university degree
Think that going back to school is too difficult, time consuming and too expensive? Inspiring student stories profile adult learners who have overcome single parenthood, domestic violence, alcoholism and other challenges to return to school. Make sure the school you choose is accredited and get help with the admissions process. Learn how to save time and money with the fast track degree and financial aid resources on this site.

Resolution #3: Become an adult educator or a better teacher.
If you're contemplating a career in adult education, read "Careers in Adult Education" to learn about working conditions, teaching specialties, qualifications and experience required, salaries, occupational outlook, and more.

If you are an adult educator, enhance your knowledge with primers in understanding Adult Learnersand Adult Learning, then prepare for class with the Teacher Toolkit, which includes information and resources on Instructional Design, Lesson Plans, Icebreakers, Learner Assessment, and more.

Resolution #4: Take up a new hobby or interest.
About.com is a valuable gateway to the wealth of resources available on the Internet. It features over 300 Guide Sites specializing in such topics as computing/technology, health/fitness, hobbies/games, house/home, parenting/family, people/relationships, sports/recreation, and many more. Every About site presents articles, annotated net links, free newsletters, discussion forums and chat rooms.

Also, don't miss About University, a collection of free online courses from About.com. "Each online course is sent to you via email on a daily or weekly basis and is designed to help you learn a specific skill or solve a particular problem. There are no grades or degrees, only a whole lot of free online learning."

Best wishes!