Adult Education and The Education of Adults — The Subtleties of Lifelong Learning in a Complex Society

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The concept of adult education is a complex and elusive term which has fluctuating meaning depending upon the purpose and intention of the person or organization using the term. Describing this broad band of meaning, Courtney states that “Adult education might be seen to embrace a variety of prominent, visible, social activities lying somewhere between schooling and recreation” (Merriam & Cunningham. 1989, p.15). Furthermore, numerous terms have been used interchangeably (i.e., adult education, continuing education, lifelong learning, etc.) without adequate distinction between their shades of meaning.

In an attempt to hone and clarify the definition Courtney presents several versions of comprehensive descriptions which attempt to capture the enigmatic notion of adult education. These include the following interpretations:

· “The progressive movement towards the solution of problems and the development of abilities to encounter similar future problems with greater competencies” (Boyd, Apps and Associates, 1980, pp 10–11).

· “A process whereby persons whose major social roles are characteristic of adult status undertake systematic and sustained learning activities for the purpose of bringing about changes in knowledge…