In the 21st century, globalization has ruled the drive behind adult education. While adult education, throughout much of the world, historically has its roots in addressing social inequities and social justice, globalization has caused a shift into more economic driven approaches in years of late. Through experience and observation in the field of adult education there is a constant drive to provide stackable credentials and quick pathways to employment. It is important that adult education find balance with the demands of today's world and the foundation upon which it was built. An exploration of terms and approaches related to and relevant to adult education and critical thinking provide a springboard for its continued role in today's world. Adult education has a duty to continue to incorporate criticality and social awareness as a foundational function of its work. This can be done through a myriad of approaches that apply to the many various adult education settings. This work has great import to today's world and our future. [For the full proceedings, see ED597456.]