This is the first number of a series devoted to the analysis of critical issues facing institutions, systems, and other organizations serving the learning needs of a variety of new learners by nontraditional methods and means. Four essays are included: assessing adult learning needs (I. Bruce Hamilton); synthesizing needs and resources (Patrick M.…

This report covers the Council on Adult Education's operation from September 1979 to December 30, 1980. The report outlines the annual activities, describes the Council's program, and gives a status report on the process developed to obtain input on the development of recommendations for the reauthorization of the Adult Education Act, which…

This publication, the first of a planned series, is intended to advance discussion by professionals and, hopefully, the public about education for adults--its purposes, control, and programs. Four essays are included, each with a distinct theme and purpose. However, all the essays relate to the major issues in adult education, national policy,…

A Europe-wide consultation elicited contributions from more than 12,000 citizens and was conducted to identify coherent strategies and practical measures with a view toward fostering lifelong learning for all. The responses called for a broad definition of lifelong learning that emphasizes learning from preschool to postretirement and encompasses…

In February 2000, England's Department for Education and Employment (DfEE) proposed a new degree, called the Foundation Degree, and solicited stakeholder input by publishing a list of 13 questions pertaining to Foundation Degrees. The Further Education Development Agency (FEDA) responded to the DfEE's request for input by responding to all 13…

In January 2002, Ireland's minister of state announced the establishment of the National Adult Learning Council to take effect in March 2002. One of the council's priorities will be to establish local adult learning boards (LALBs) to oversee development and delivery of adult education. An Irish government white paper recommended that LALBs'…

In England, adult education became widespread as industrialization fed the demand for popular democracy. A marked shift from practical to leisure-based adult education occurred after World War II. More recently, policymakers have acknowledged the broader aims of education, including social inclusion and creation of a learning society. More than…

This document contains information from and about a world assembly on creativity and democratic governance in adult learning that was held by the International Council for Adult Education (ICAE) and its partner organizations in the Caribbean. The proceedings begin with English, French, and Spanish translations of the address…

A project entitled Enhancing the State Role in Lifelong Learning was undertaken in Kansas to enhance state-level planning and the development of policies in support of adult education. Because Kansas is one of six pilot project states participating in the Education Commission of the States (ECS) Lifelong Learning Project, a two-year data…

As exporters of oil in the Middle East and throughout the world, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) must address the following challenges in the area of development and economic growth: (1) an increasingly integrated world economy in which technology and knowledge will be paramount; (2) the need to diversify its economy from a natural resource-based…

Adult Learning in Australia (ALA), the lead organization in the field of adult learning in Australia and the national organization for adult learners in Australia, reviewed the current state of lifelong learning in Australia and identified why and how Australian policymakers should develop and finance a national strategy for lifelong learning. The…

European structures of qualification levels were examined through a review of reports on recent developments in Germany, Spain, France, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom. The examination focused on the following topics: the scope of the national frameworks; the definition of standards and qualifications; the definition of levels in…

Recent trends and developments related to the structures of qualification levels in Germany, Spain, France, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom were examined in a quasi-experimental study that was part of a more comprehensive study on the same topic. The study focused on standards, qualifications, and classifications at the tertiary level of…

This paper attempts to raise awareness and stimulate debate about the family as a focus for developing learning in the United Kingdom (U.K.). The discussion focuses on the following aspects of the issue: the nature and scope of family learning; families as a place for learning; context; development of family learning; patterns of provision;…

This document contains reports on the structures of qualification levels in Germany, Spain, France, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom that were commissioned during a study to identify trends and developments in the European Union related to national certification frameworks. Each country report examines the following topics: the history of…