Thinking Back--Looking Forward.

Overview & Synopsis

This paper traces the history of adult education through some 50 years. The study includes the early turn-of-the-century beginnings of adult education efforts, such as immigrant schools. However, it primarily traces the emergence and growth of the American Association for Adult Education (AAAE), the parallel and intertwining history of the Adult Education Department of the National Education Association, and their eventual merger. Also discussed is the National Association for Public Continuing and Adult Education (NAPCAE) and its eventual merger with the Adult Education Association to form the American Association for Adult and Continuing Education. Some insights are offered into the purposes of adult education and its associations, some ideas as to how the organizations can serve their members better, and some hopes for the future. (KC)