Adult Education in American Society: Some Developments, Trends, and Issues.

Overview & Synopsis

A discussion of adult education in a changing American society is presented in the document. Section 1, Adult Education in American Society, examines societal changes and educational goals as well as the structure and organization of adult education programs. Section 2, The Delivery System of Adult Education, discusses: (1) the audience; (2) funding sources, including private foundations, State, and Federal governments; (3) institutions, examining educational and noneducational institutions; (4) new institutions or emerging forms, discussing adult learning centers; and (5) problems without an institutional base or system for resolution, examining public affairs, gerontology, and early childhood development. Section 3, Some Continuing Concerns, includes: (1) financing of adult education, discussing the present pattern of financing; (2) compulsory or mandatory participation in adult education, presenting illustrations of program participation; and (3) planning in adult education, discussing factors involved. Section 4, Adult Education as a Profession of Field of Study, discusses national adult education associations, including the Coalition of Adult Education Organizations (CAEO), and Education Resources Information Center (ERIC). It is stated that adult educators are increasingly influencing decision-making processes affecting educational development, trends, and issues. (LH)