Evolution of Adult Education as Adult Learning in the Present Scenario

Adult education has been evolving differently over the past century. It is both a discipline of study and field of practice. However, in several developing countries the scope is restricted to basic literacy or functional literacy. In developed countries, its approach can be seen more as practice rather than theory whereas adult learners acquired more self-directed basic knowledge and learning to be a lifelong learner. Consecutively to acquire new knowledge, to learn new skills, adapt values and to develop a reflective attitude, they need to be in the process of continuous learning. Learning is not only confined within the narrow and restricted contours of the school environment or restricted to certain age, but it takes place throughout life. Apart from providing an understanding and objectives of adult learning, this paper reflects on the rationale of adult education, adult learning and how it has evolved over time and in different contexts. The most important aim of adult education is to give a second chance for those who have left education on account of several compulsions or their access to education was lost in early age due to various reasons. To provide alternative choice to educate under privileged for attaining equality in society, access to education and justice is the prime aim of adult education all over the world. On the contrary, the purpose of adult learning is very distinct. Its aims are related to personal, physical, emotional, psychological and spiritual growth and development, and to achieve professional goals. In the first part of this paper, meaning & definition of adult education and its evolution from adult education to adult learning is discussed. In second part, specific philosophy and major theoretical perspective of adult learning theories is described. Principles of andragogy, which is also the central theory of adult learning during 1970 and which significantly contributed to adult learning is also discussed in last part of this paper.