Comparative Studies in Adult Education--A Review.

Overview & Synopsis

One of the most important recent developments in comparative adult education (CAE) has been the formation in 1987 of the Committee for Study and Research in Comparative Adult Education (CSRCAE), jointly founded by the International Council of Adult Education and the International Congress of University Adult Education. The Committee continues to be active in a number of ways: through a series of communications mailed by the Secretary; through face-to-face communication at meetings and conferences CSRCAE members have attended; and through ad hoc sessions held at various international sites. One of CSRCAE's contributions is a definition of the field of CAE which is broadly acceptable to practitioners and which distinguishes it clearly from the field of International Adult Education. CAE has some antecedents in Comparative Education and both may be seen within the paradigm of lifelong education. The first international conference on the comparative study of adult education was held in 1966 at Exeter, New Hampshire. The Exeter group's definition of the main subject matter for comparative study has proven helpful through the years. Since Exeter, a number of events have nurtured work in CAE. There has been a growth in the activity of international bodies with an interest in adult education either from a policy or academic standpoint. UNESCO has sponsored a series of international conferences on adult education. The World Bank has stimulated an interest in adult and nonformal education. Professional international bodies have provided a dynamic thrust through meetings and conferences that provide opportunities for face-to-face meetings and that facilitate networking. Scholarly contributions on CAE have increased significantly. Furthermore, the studies and research in this emerging field are becoming increasingly vigorous. (YLB)