Women's workforce and higher education participation have increased in the past 30 years. This article reviews the literature on women in "Adult Learning" from 1989 through 2022. Key findings include that women were portrayed as marginalized, deficient, learners, educators, juggling social roles, and resilient. Various positionalities…

This article takes stock of research on immigration and adult education in Canada from 1981 to 2020. Through summative content analysis, we analyze the Canadian Association for the Study of Adult Education's annual conference proceedings to examine how Canadian adult educators have taken up these topics in their research over the past 40 years.…

In recent decades, educational research has strongly supported the incorporation of culture and cultural identities into adult learning environments. However, much of the literature about culturally responsive teaching, a well-established framework in multicultural education research, has been conducted in the K-12 setting, leaving one to question…

This literature review explored areas that are often manifest in adult classrooms but insufficiently addressed or overlooked in preservice training and in-service professional development for educators of adults. Three overarching themes emerged: (a) educational background considerations (e.g., significant interruptions in formal education), (b)…

An estimated 40 million Americans adults live their lives deprived of prosperity, pleasures, and the rewards of lifelong learning (Comings & Cuban, 2007). With the economic, social, and technical changes in society, there are shifts in the labor market (Champagne, 1987). Many adults are having to set their sights on obtaining sufficient skills…

Since the 1970s, immigrant studies have taken a feminist turn. This paper takes stock of how Canadian adult educators have contributed to this field and vice versa. Through an ethnographic content analysis of [Canadian Association for the Study of Adult Education] CASAE proceedings since 2000 and other related scholarly publications, the paper…

Through discourse analysis the research will unearth the tension between the Theories of Human Capital (HCT) and the Work First Policy (WFP), Policies Informing Education (PIE), and Human Capital Development (HCD) as they relate to the labor market. The application of discourse analysis demonstrates how the tenants of HCT are missing components…

The article summarizes the findings of a study on adult learning professions in Europe (ALPINE) commissioned by DG Education and Culture. It explores the current professional and social situation of staff in non-vocational adult education in Germany. It describes the structures and organisations of general adult education in Germany and…

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…

A literature review shows lack of consensus in defining adult education and rejection of the application of the traditional model of professionalism to adult basic education (ABE). Carl Rogers' concept of substituting realization for professionalization, as well as the literature of staff preservice and inservice training, can help practitioners…

This article explores the influence of Grundtvig on U.S. adult education by summarizing the ideas of major adult education philosophers such as Lindeman and Knowles and the lifelong learning philosophy of Grundtvig. This analysis indicates that Grundtvig has been largely unread and unacknowledged, although his impact on Lindeman has indirectly…

Historical knowledge is valuable to the adult educator, student, practitioner, or researcher in three different ways. There is philosophical justification for knowing history. There is a cognitive dimension to its value. There is a pragmatic reason for knowing history. A philosophical justification is that knowledge of history contributes to one's…

Explores different perspectives on self-directed learning and finds that the current theme is focus of attention on the self-directed learner and less on the process. Argues that the key element is reflection and suggests ways adult educators can foster self-direction. (SK)

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)

Reviews Freire's ideas and philosophy, especially regarding liberation. Observes his influences in the work of African scholars. (SK)