The History of Adult Education in Greece.

Overview & Synopsis

Adult education in Greece dates back to the time of Homer. Poetry and Panhellenic festivals were the earliest forms of adult education in Greece. By classical times, however, an entire learning society of human and material resources had been developed. Greek society experienced periods of high levels of culture and learning only to be conquered militarily by nations superior in warfare but less cultured in such areas as art, literature, and science. However, adult learning never seemed to have totally died out at any given period. Despite the elitism and exclusivity of some forms of education for adults (particularly higher learning), efforts have been directed periodically throughout Greek history to educate the mass populace and raise the general level of education for all adults. The development of free-standing or informal discussion groups and learning circles as a form of adult education is evident throughout Greek history. In modern times adult education is available through the following operating systems: formal education (basic and secondary education for adults, inservice teacher education, and vocational-technical education for adults); nonformal and informal education (programs sponsored by various government ministries; other government agencies such as banks and churches; and voluntary, semigovernmental, and private initiatives); and client systems and programs to provide self-help among selected groups (women, families, parents, farmers, rural residents, professionals, elderly individuals, youth, disabled persons, and returning emigrants). (MN)