This article reflects on a fairly recent continuing education experience, seeking to identify some general principles for getting the most out of an approach to learning that has objectives which celebrate the acquisition of new knowledge" for its own sake," rather than with a specific end in view, such as the attainment of a…

In this article, the author has advanced the view that the world is currently on the threshold of a new status quo--the hegemony of the image. Yet, this seems a mixed blessing, for people, and especially young people, are not equipped with the necessary critical viewing and thinking skills to survive it. Nevertheless, this unfortunate situation…

As he turns 60, the author reflects on changing ideas of social purpose in adult education. He recounts personal experiences to illustrate the notion that remembering our fragile but also potentially resilient humanity and our common need for love, care and social solidarities, alongside democratic experience, reminds us of what adult education…

This article presents an interview with Chere Campbell Gibson, a professor emerita in the School of Human Ecology and graduate program in Continuing and Vocational Education at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Gibson shares her years of experience in distance education, discusses her book titled "Distance Learners in Higher Education:…

An adult educator describes the elements of his personal philosophy of adult education and the factors that influenced its development. (SK)

Suggests that lifelong education is a policy for education, and education is too broadly defined. Education should be restricted to areas of learning that produce desired effects. The place of knowledge in lifelong education is discussed, and distinction is drawn between education and training. (Availability: Falmer Press, Falmer House, Barcombe,…

Questions commonly held assumptions about lifelong learning. Suggests that lifelong learning should include daily-life activities of learning, doing, and being that involve cooperation with a community of friends or family rather than just formal instruction. Outlines elements of holistic lifelong learning. (SAS)

The author posits a conceptual approach to lifelong education that would provide a meaningful and productive framework for practical educational planning. Such an approach would enable the educational system to break from the confines of the education v training dichotomy. (SK)

This article discusses the importance of thinking about and identifying what one wants in a school--and deciding whether or not these are realistic expectations. One might want to consider the core values that attracts one to Montessori, and observe, when visiting a school, to see how these are expressed in the school day. The author points out…

Highlights the principle elements of the Soviet educational system as seen by key adult education figure, Alexandre Pavlovich Vladislavlev: non-stop education, work-linked adult education, partnerships between basic and supplementary educational systems, program flexibility, teacher evaluation, and professional training. (DMM)

Contrary to conventional wisdom about the nature and purpose of education in later life, education for older adults should relate to their gaining power over their lives, to retraining, self-fulfillment, and empowerment. Critical educational gerontology should be based on concepts of emancipation, transformation, and conscientization. (SK)

Asks what relevance the liberal tradition has for post-compulsory education in the contemporary United Kingdom. Explores critiques of the liberal tradition and finds them wanting. Argues that the underpinning values of liberalism, empowerment, and democracy have potential as a framework for developing an accessible post-compulsory system. (DSK)

Examines moral education in a postmodern cultural context, where there is a privatization of moral responsibility. Building upon a critique of modernist ethics and moral education, five types of response to privatization are postulated and evaluated. Presents the notion of situational sensitivity as defining an appropriate curriculum for…

Notes that the further education (FE) sector has changed more over the past decade than any other educational sector in Britain; FE colleges are being assigned a central role in the new post-compulsory system designed to develop a "learning society." Outlines a values foundation for the new FE sector and programs. (DSK)

Discusses the Finnish government's decision of principles concerning the development of adult education in terms of "free cultural and educational work": adult education centers or civic and workers' institutes, folk high schools, and study circles and cultural work of national civic organizations. (MF)