The Purposes of Adult Education: A Guide for Students

K. Lynn Taylor is coordinator of the Instructional Development Program
in the Centre for Higher Education, University of Manitoba.

This excellent primer for readers new to the field of adult education
examines the historical, philosophical, and sociopolitical foundations
of adult education and traces the evolution of the field to incorporate
such contemporary issues as access for diverse constituencies, the use
of educational technologies, and the maintenance of lifelong learning.
The author reviews the purposes and principles of adult education and
discusses the roles of adult education in economic, personal, and
societal development. His explanations are rich in Canadian and
international examples of adult education initiatives, including
cooperatives, institutes, and labor education. Throughout, a critical
posture toward adult education principles and practices is modeled with
examples of debates in the field, and is encouraged through questions
and suggested activities.

Primarily a sociopolitical/philosophical perspective on adult
education, the book includes very little discussion of the learning
theory that supports adult education practices. However, for readers
seeking an introduction to the historical, philosophical, and
sociological foundations of adult education, The Purposes of Adult
Education provides an interesting and accessible introduction to the
field. Both historical and contemporary perspectives are represented in
its extensive bibliography. To further support student readers, Spencer
provides appendixes on strategies for studying, note-taking and essay
writing, based on his teaching experience in adult education.