The origins and focuses of adult education across Western countries are often about meeting adults' needs, and for purposes they have nominated, not those compelled by others. Unlike other sectors (e.g. schools, vocational colleges and universities) that were mainly initiated and sustained by church or state, adult education has long been grounded…

At their best, adult community learning partnerships not only offer the least educated adults a second chance, they can motivate a whole community by developing a culture of learning. Critical to success is careful planning to meet the needs of individuals and groups of learners, especially those who have been away from learning for many years. At…

"Education at a Glance 2011: Highlights" offers a reader-friendly introduction to the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development's (OECD's) collection of internationally comparable data on education. As the name suggests, it is derived from "Education at a Glance 2011", the OECD's flagship compendium of education…

Describes a University of Kentucky extension program which offers diverse musical activities for adults over 50. The program includes music appreciation, instrumental and vocal instruction, and performance groups. The author describes program adaptations to cope with physical disabilities associated with aging and emphasizes the increasing demand…

A study examined the volume and quality of distance training in Italy, the bodies most directly interested, and problems and trends. Two factors were singled out that not only led to greater interest in distance training between 1970 and 1980 but also to the first experiments being carried out--the economic crisis and the modernization process.…

Discusses the factors contributing to the growing demand for lifelong learning and examines the disproportionately low participation rate of minority students in the lifelong learning process. Considers the need to create, from the elementary level onward, self-directed students who are aware of their educational options. (DMM)

Argues that contemporary interest in lifelong learning can be seen as a mechanism of social control. Compares strategies for the promotion of lifelong learning designed for those in "included social categories" with the policies designed for those in marginal and excluded positions. Concludes by citing positive learner experience in each case.…

The president of the University of Mid-America describes the past growth and future direction of this seven-state consortium which produces and distributes multimedia courses and provides alternative learning opportunities to underserved adult learners. (SK)

The variety of educational programs being made available to older adults in different countries is outlined, and the issues in the development of such programs in Australasia are examined. (MSE)

The projections made in a report of the Department of Education and Science concerning the types of students (traditional, full-time, part-time, adult, graduate, and foreign) enrolling in higher education and their demand for institution types are outlined for each year from 1983-84 to 1989-90, 1994-95, and 1999-2000. (MSE)

The major provider of adult education in Switzerland is the largest supermarket organization, Migros, through its Ecoles-Clubs Migros, subsidized from store sales with course topics selected according to consumer demand. The article describes the organization and operation of the program. (MF)

A new source of students, workers eligible for tuition aid plans offered as incentives or negotiated by unions, is seen as a significant development for higher education. Some worker education programs are described. Low participation rates are seen as the result of lack of information. (MLW)

Educational needs are changing as social and economic characteristics of society evolve. Since teacher education institutions have historically had the responsibility for preparing educators for elementary and secondary schools, they must now take the responsibility for preparing educators for business, industry, government, human services, and…

This report, one of a series of country studies on higher education and employment particularly in continuing professional education, looks at recent developments in the United States. A foreword briefly sketches the state of higher education in general that provides the context for professional continuing education in the United States. The…

Across OECD countries, governments are seeking policies to make education more effective while searching for additional resources to meet the increasing demand for education. The 2010 edition of "Education at a Glance: OECD Indicators" enables countries to see themselves in the light of other countries' performance. It provides a rich, comparable…