The substance of four studies is presented to aid in identifying and analyzing the concept of continuing education and showing its practical implications. The first paper, "Continuing Education and the Educational System in France," by Joffre Dumazedier, shows the various sectors of education and its functions in France and also its inadequacies. The second study, "The Influence of Schools on Continuing Education in the United States of America," by Alexander N. Charters, identifies the factors which paralyze the pupils' desire and capacity to continue to study after leaving school. The third paper, "The Idea of Continuing Education in the Current Reform of Educational Systems and Teacher Training," by Jiri Kotasek, is philosophical in its emphasis. Finally Pierre Allouard's "The Present Situation of Continuing Education in France among Engineers and in Schools of Engineering," describes continuing education as an educational process that derives from diverse sources. (CK)