A PHILOSOPHY FOR ADULT EDUCATION
By
The purpose of Adult Education, in the mind of the author, is to offer the adult the chance to mature as an individual and to help him learn how to contribute his part to the civilizing process. In contemporary society this purpose carries Adult Education far beyond the traditional services of the night trade school, and made it essential to the fullness of adult living today. The author proceeds to develop ""a supporting structure for a program of Adult Education in a free society."" He discusses the goals, meanings, major problems confronting education for adults, and a framework for understanding the way adults do their learning. A basic concept throughout is that of this kind of education being centered upon the person who is learning--his needs, interests, problems, previous experiences. Although the discussion at times becomes hortatory and the style generalized, still this book can be a very useful introduction to the subject for those who find themselves active and responsible in programs for adults. It can be helpful, also, to the individual who is trying to think through the place of adult learning in his own situation. The author is Professor of Adult Education at the University of Indiana.