Controversies over adult education purposes, methods, audiences, and procedures are examined. After outlining a procedure for reviewing competing positions on controversial topics, the book pairs the contrasting views of two authors on each of 10 key issues facing adult education. Chapters cover: philosophies at issue (David L. Boggs); identifying the major focus of adult education--life fulfillment or human liberation (Harold W. Stubblefield and Paul St. Clair McGinnis); adult educator involvement in social intervention (Grace M. Healy and Mary Jane Even); mandatory continuing professional education (Kenneth J. Mattran and Kathleen Rockhill); development of professional certification for adult educators (Catherine Rosenkranz Cameron and Waynne B. James); established standards of performance for government-funded adult education programs (Margot Keith Green and Floyd C. Pennington); competency-based adult education (Noreen M. Clark and Herschel N. Hadley); college credit for life experiences (John C. Snider and Leo McGee); self-support from learner fees (Howard A. Sulkin and Harold W. Beder); establishment of adult education program goals at the local level (Laverne B. Forest and J. David Deshler); federal government role in adult education (Allen B. Moore and Robert A. Fellenz); and issues of the future (Roger W. Boshier). Notes on the authors, references, and an index are given. (Author/LC)