Adult education is a term that refers to the education that is provided to adults who are beyond the age of compulsory education. It is a type of education that is designed to cater to the needs and interests of individuals who are already in the workforce, or who have other responsibilities such as family or community obligations. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of adult education, its origins, associations, synonyms, antonyms, and example sentences.
Definitions
Adult education can be defined as the form of education that is provided to adults who are beyond the age of compulsory education. This type of education is often designed to cater to the needs and interests of individuals who are already in the workforce or who have other responsibilities such as family or community obligations. According to UNESCO, adult education is “the entire body of organized educational processes, whatever the content, level, and method, whether formal or informal, whereby persons regarded as adults by the society to which they belong develop their abilities, enrich their knowledge, improve their technical or professional qualifications or turn them in a new direction, and bring about changes in their attitudes or behavior in the two-fold perspective of full personal development and participation in balanced and independent social, economic and cultural development.”
Origin
The origins of adult education can be traced back to the early 19th century when the Industrial Revolution led to an increase in the demand for education among the working class. The Chartist Movement in the UK was one of the earliest examples of adult education, where working-class people organized themselves to demand political reforms and education. Later, in the 20th century, adult education became more formalized and organized, with the establishment of universities and community colleges that offered adult education programs.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, adult education is “the education of adults, especially in vocational or practical subjects or in subjects of general interest.” Merriam-Webster defines it as “education for adults who are beyond the age of compulsory education, often given in the form of evening classes, part-time courses, or correspondence courses.” The Cambridge Dictionary defines it as “education for adults, typically those who have left school, that is not part of a degree or diploma program and is often taken for personal or professional reasons.”
Associations
There are several associations that are dedicated to adult education, such as the American Association for Adult and Continuing Education (AAACE), the European Association for the Education of Adults (EAEA), and the International Council for Adult Education (ICAE). These organizations work to promote adult education and provide resources and support to educators and learners.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of adult education include continuing education, lifelong learning, non-formal education, and professional development.
Antonyms
There are no direct antonyms of adult education, but some related terms that could be considered opposites include child education, compulsory education, and primary education.
The same root words
The root words of adult education are “adult” and “education.” “Adult” comes from the Latin word “adultus,” meaning grown-up, while “education” comes from the Latin word “educare,” meaning to bring up or rear.
Example Sentences
- Many adults choose to pursue further education through adult education programs.
- The community center offers a variety of adult education classes, such as cooking and computer skills.
- Adult education can help individuals improve their job prospects and increase their earning potential.
- Lifelong learning through adult education can lead to personal growth and enrichment.
- The government has invested in adult education programs to help address the skills gap in the workforce.