Argues that an understanding of the dynamics of life transitions is crucial to effective adult education programs. Examines the "stage/phase" theory of transitions, maintaining that transitions occur in predictable sequences, and the "life event" theory, which views transitions as the result of social processes. (22 citations) (MAB)

As adult educators, we need to be aware that we are representatives of the fact that there are individuals with the knowledge and skills to accelerate authentic development. Our contribution can be through an educational process which will prepare for social action. Such action, assisted by adult education, has taken place successfully in the…

The article describes stages in the development of the municipally owned "workers' institutes" to provide education for adults in Finland and the now more common "civic institutes" with public or private sponsorship. Included are administrative structure, financing, staff, students, facilities, teaching arrangements, subjects…

The studies so far fail to prove that adult education reduces poverty, or is essential to its reduction. It appears impossible, logically and in terms of methodology, unequivocally to demonstrate a direct cause-and-effect relationship. Further studies are unlikely to produce such proof. (SSH)

An argument is made for increasing community-based art education programs for adults. Identification of this need emerged from information gathered in a 24-month field research project designed to examine how the attitudes of persons supporting the arts might influence local school policies on arts education. (KO)

Future Directions for a Learning Society is a program being conducted by the College Board with funds from the Exxon Corporation to study, plan, demonstrate, and develop new services in the area of adult, lifelong, recurrent, and continuing education. The initiatives and strategic actions of the program are outlined. (JMF)

Today's youth are entering adult and vocational education with learning self-images that have been damaged, rather than strengthened, by school and early career experiences. Adult educators should devote more attention to the analysis of the life-courses of different deprived groups of individuals. Changes in the conditions of life-courses in…

Maintains that adult students have distinctive learning characteristics. Briefly discusses these characteristics, their relationship to learning the musical keyboard, and pedagogical approaches that accommodate these characteristics. Interviews several teachers and recounts their specific techniques. A selected resources list includes methods and…

The economic crisis facing the world today shows us very clearly that we ought to rethink, redefine and characterize with precision the new role of adult education. A new role should help in contributing effectively to the quest for new ways, truly different alternatives toward a true and authentic development. (SSH)