Thematic Description of Research in Adult Education: University and Non-University Research.

Overview & Synopsis

A study collected information about research on adult education conducted in Canada from 1983-1988 and identified themes that emerged from the research studies, projects, and activities. Sources of information searched were electronic databases, bibliographic compilations of reports and articles in adult education and related fields, journals, and proceedings from adult education research conferences. The searches yielded 529 entries that were coded by area of adult education to which they referred, the type of learner involved, and topic of interest. The document includes approximately 92 pages of references on studies produced at universities and approximately 28 pages of nonuniversity research. The entries are arranged by the following themes: continuing education/general adult education, postsecondary/higher education, continuing professional/vocational education, vocational education, adult basic education/literacy education, language education, health education, distance education, postsecondary students, adult learners, special needs students, native Canadians, visible minorities/immigrants, women, older adults (university section only), teachers of adults, student attrition/accessibility/participation, program development/evaluation, adult learning, adult development, theoretical bases of adult education, policy, teaching strategies, history of adult education in Canada, and the use of media and technology in adult education. (CML)