Significant Developments in Continuing Higher Education. Occasional Paper Number 12.

Overview & Synopsis

This paper, published in 1965, identifies contemporary developments in adult and continuing education in three categories: a new climate and milieu, institutional changes, and new program developments. The following evidence of a new climate and milieu is discussed: broader scope and wider acceptance of adult education; more federal activity in continuing education; encouragement of local planning and cooperation; increased interest among professionals, industry, and publishers; changed attitudes in higher education; and increased international involvement by universities. Institutional changes include the following: more active regional associations, coordinated central planning by states, consolidation of cooperative and extension education, increased junior college activity, and reassessment of evening colleges and extension divisions. A number of new program developments are described: adult degree programs, continuing education for women, art and cultural programs, urban education programs, multimedia approaches, independent study, adult counseling, and attention to continuity in education. The paper concludes with implications for action. (SK)