Industry/Education Cooperation for Adult Continuing Education. Information Series No. 111.

Overview & Synopsis

Focus of this information analysis paper is on (1) brief review of the definition of adult continuing education, (2) some critical problems that set forth imperatives for greater industry/education cooperation, (3) barriers and facilitators relating to industry/education cooperation, (4) joint ventures and new developments in the industry/education cooperation arena, and (5) suggested techniques and implications for future industry/education research and development activities. Specific topics discussed include economic, social, and technological conditions that impact on adult education needs (population age shifts, unemployment, underemployment, working women, energy). A sample of industry/education activities studies, reports, books, and newsletters which give visibility to industry/education cooperative efforts is presented, many of which are aimed at reducing the criticalness of the economic, social, and technological problems discussed, and at assessing and/or improving cooperative linkages between industry and education. Conclusions and recommendations call for reorienting adult continuing education programs and more intensive cooperation among business, industry, labor, and education to provide relevant continuing education programs for adults. (TA)