University Studies in Adult Education in the Arab Countries (A Comparative Study).

Overview & Synopsis

That adult education is an important aspect of a country's development is an idea that is often overlooked by the institutions of higher education in the Arab countries. Although a need for adult continuing education and adult literacy training exists, these needs are often ignored or frowned upon by Arab universities, which have traditionally conducted education for its own sake along with some research. Further research in the field of adult education and more understanding of how adults learn is needed in order to professionalize the adult education efforts of the universities in the Arab region. However, some efforts in adult education have been made. For example, the Egyptian University of Al Azhar has traditionally met adult education needs by carrying extension programs of religious education to the people, and other Egyptian universities have begun pioneering programs in public service that focus on liberal evening studies in languages and vocational subjects for adults. In the Sudan, provisions are made for courses in adult education and literacy within the framework of the University of Khartoum, which operates a graduate school of adult education studies and a division of studies in various fields for university or secondary graduates. For the future, Arab universities should emulate the programs of adult education in place at universities in other countries, particularly in the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, and other advanced countries. (KC)