The Economics and Organisation of Adult and Continuing Education. Review of Existing Research in Adult and Continuing Education, Volume X.

Overview & Synopsis

Economic and organizational aspects of adult and continuing education in Great Britain are examined in this report. After chapter 1 introduces various economic approaches to educational policy, chapter 2 reviews the costs and consequences of policies relating to recurrent education and study leave, adult education and training, paid educational leave, and education for the elderly. Chapter 3 explores the structure and finance of adult and continuing education, including an examination of experiences in Scandinavia, England, and Wales. In chapter 4, the organizational forms and financial policies of adult and continuing education are discussed in terms of the roles of the universities; the Open University; the polytechnics; local education authorities; voluntary bodies; directed private study, distance education, and open learning systems; private agencies; residential education; provision for the disadvantaged; information from outside the United Kingdom; and the broadcasting organizations. Finally, chapter 5 offers conclusions based on the study of adult and continuing education in Great Britain, indicating that the effectiveness of the adult education service has diminished because not enough resources have been allocated to enable the service to maximize its efficiency. An appendix provides a comparison of adult education in West Germany with recent developments in England and Wales. (HB)