Rural Adult Learners: An Emerging Clientele for Continuing Education.

Overview & Synopsis

Since 1975 a reverse in rural to urban migration has created an increasing population of rural adults who require the availability of continuing education programs; 28.8 % of the population now resides in rural areas. Although characteristics of urban and rural populations differ significantly, both have similar continuing education needs. In October, 1983, the U.S. Department of Education announced a "Rural Education Family Education Policy for the 80's" which recognized rural education's need for equitable services, funds, information, and assistance. Nonetheless, rural learners, often in lower income brackets, may find tuition costs and transportation problems difficult obstacles. Rural learners are often older and less educated than their urban counterparts, which may lead to discomfort and lack of confidence in an educational setting. The Cooperative Extension Service delivers most continuing education programs to rural America. While teacher-class approaches are commonly preferred by rural adults, other delivery systems such as computers, electronic mail systems, mobile vans, seminars, newsletters, correspondence courses, etc., are gaining acceptance and becoming more available. The emergence of a new rural America challenges continuing educators to provide meaningful outreach programs that will be: (1) sensitive to rural needs, (2) practical, (3) empowering, and (4) supported by educational services to assist in balancing job, family, and community responsibilities. (PM)