The present study is the first part of a longitudinal study following the progress of the first generation of Open University students through the university. It concentrates on the initial cohort of students, those entering in 1971. A comprehensive questionnaire was used to collect data, and covered in some detail the students' educational and…

The paper is one of a series from the Indian Directorate of Adult Education. Intended to stimulate reflection and discussion among educationists about the long-term perspectives, roles, and functions of universities in various aspects of adult continuing and nonformal education, the paper makes specific suggestions on opening universities to the…

In a speech on the development of formalized systems for distance education, the British Open University is highlighted. Three themes are addressed: (1) objectives, methods, and evaluation of Great Britain's Open University, (2) examination and comparison of similar institutions in other countries, and (3) development of guidelines for initiation…

The bulk of this issue consists of five articles providing insight into various phases of adult continuing education. "The Meliorist Position as a Philosophic Base for Adult Education" (Gordon Clay Godbey) examines these questions about meliorism: should we accept as natural improvement of the human condition, the constant wars, the…