This study of selected London newspapers between 1742 and 1765 reveals that advertised educational opportunities for adults, such as public lectures, lecture courses, and private instruction, were relatively expensive. Prior to 1760 medical and scientific topics were emphasized; an emerging interest in dancing, fencing, and music is also noted.…

This study of newspaper advertisements in London and Philadelphia in the mid-eighteenth century reveals similarities in the public lectures and private instruction/evening schools offered for adults. Differences illustrate how colonial Americans were able to modify British institutions for their own needs. (SK)

Examines the variety of ways in which Americans in the 1930s participated in adult education, including the Lyceum Movement, the New York Free Lecture System, and public forums (the Bryson-Studebaker version of the Lyceum). Also discusses the first "Handbook of Adult Education." (CT)

The author traces the educational activities of adults in colonial America back to their British counterparts. (CH)

Describes the American lyceum movement in the nineteenth century, which embodied many principles now included in adult learning theory. The lyceum was a sort of adult learning center, mostly at the village level, which used the lecture-teaching-learning approach with community study circles to share experience and knowledge. (MF)

In 1874, Methodist minister John Vincent began a Sunday school retreat on the shores of Lake Chautauqua, New York, the mission of which was education. Initial offerings such as Bible reading, biblical geography, and public oration were supplemented with general education and entertainment activities. In the late 19th century, the Chautauqua…

This bulletin has been prepared in response to many hundreds of requests for information about public affairs forums. It is impossible in such limited space to give a comprehensive description of the forum method of adult civic education or its application in various parts of the country. However, the authors have tried to include in the bulletin…