The continuing challenge of engaging adult learners in the process of positive social change has summoned adult educators to a new understanding of their role as change agents in an increasingly complex world. Despite all obstacles presented by our contemporary culture, the nature of adult development continues to offer opportunities for adult…

Adult education efforts in Africa are dominated by Western models. One aspect of this domination is a presumption that Western models of adult development can be applied to African contexts. As perspectives on adult development affect adult education programmes, this presumption may negatively impact these programmes in Africa. This manuscript…

In this article, we examine adult education literature as it relates to all aspects of popular culture. After an extensive literature review we found that, increasingly, adult educators are investigating popular culture's connection with adult education and learning; however, we argue that much more work needs to be done in this area, specifically…

Reviews an extensive list of books and articles on middle-aged adults to assist practitioners in the helping professions (including educators and career and psychological counselors). (SK)

This is an interpretive report, commissioned by The College Board's Future Directions for a Learning Society project, of the National Adult Continuing Education Conference held in Detroit 29 October-2 November 1977. Themes included international lifelong learning programs, competency-based education, older persons as resources, the need for…

The two papers in this report explore the dimensions of the idea of adulthood as a period of continuing change and learning, and their implications for adult education. In the first paper, Harry Lasker and James Moore review the major works on adult psychological, intellectual, and moral development. They describe the major stage theories posed by…

Article lists the major factors inhibiting the progress of adult education and calls upon all educators to do whatever is in their power to help adults meet their basic educational needs now and in the future. (GB)

Resource persons who help adults learn are more effective if they are knowledgeable about subject matter and adult development and are capable in the use of program development procedures. (Editor)

Three factors affecting the paradigm shift in adult education are the exponential growth of information, changing demographics, and emergence of a philosophy of adult development. The focus is changing from adult education to adult learning, from adult education practitioners to facilitators. Professional organizations must convince funders and…

Analysis was made of over 50 biographies of men and women whose lives were disrupted by direct involvement in World War II. A major implication is that life events, even traumatic ones, are sources of growth and development. Adult educators should assist learners in finding meaning in life events. (JOW)

Popular misconceptions about creativity include the following: it is limited to a few unique individuals, it declines seriously with age, and it is associated with uniqueness or innovation. As the focus of creativity research has shifted from examination of the personality traits of creative individuals to examination of the social and…

Discusses adult individuality and the need to recognize and consider individual differences in adult education. States that the effects of differences experienced over time determine adult value systems. Presents data from author's dissertation study to show one group's value ranges and how no one person can represent the composite data. (MF)

The first part of this two-part paper provides a general review of adult development and is premised on an understanding of andragogy. Andragogy is the art and science of helping adults learn. It is based on the following four assumptions about adults: (1) as people mature they become less dependent and more self-directed; (2) experiences serve as…

As adult educators, our contribution lies in the rediscovery and re-invention of a civic literacy, for our business is adult learning. A new understanding of adult learning in relation to the public life becomes our point of entry...(it) is the lynch pin of a social philosophy for adult education. (Author)