Lifelong Education: Interaction with Adult Education

Publisher Summary This chapter elaborates about acceptance of the principle that education should be available during the entire life cycle and that this access should be practicable. The idea that education should last the life of each individual is by no means new. Extended modern discussions appeared in English in about 1920, while writings in both the Middle Ages and also in ancient times often stressed the importance of continuing to learn throughout the adult years. It is important to make clear at once that the promotion of lifelong learning would not be a matter of extension of the values, goals, methods, materials, and organizational forms of traditional schools to the entire lifespan. Linking learning in many settings could not be achieved, short of enschooling all learning, through exclusive reliance on conventional teaching and learning activities. Formal institutions of higher education are making an increasing contribution to lifelong adult education by offering learning opportunities outside their traditional degree structures.