Recounts the accomplishments of Jessie Allen Charters (1880-1971), one of the founders of the adult education movement in the United States, who was a pioneer for the development of parenting skills and an advocate of lifelong learning. (SK)

Depicts adult education in Britain 30 years ago through description of the Kesgrave Evening Institute from 1965-69. Notes differences then and now in culture and value systems and similarities such as ongoing discussion of the adequacy of provision and differentiation between recreational and nonrecreational classes. (SK)

Includes "Something to Cheer About" (Tuckett); "From British Institute to National Institute, 1921-71" (Hutchinson); "Pre-history of the Arts Council" (Williams); "Adult Education in the Forces" (Adam); "Crisis in Adult Education" (Stock); "The REPLAN Experience" (Uden); and "Personal Reflections on Adult Education' and the Challenges of Today and…

Innovation in adult education has historically been brought about by voluntary agencies. The classic Workers' Education Association-university partnership is being expanded by new collaborations among providers of community-based adult education. (SK)

Emphasis on competence and National Vocational Qualifications in Britain raises questions as to whether the competence framework is an appropriate form of progress. Development of education/training and employment opportunities in the present period of uncertainty requires imagination as well as competence. (SK)

Presents the history of women's participation on British government advisory committees for adult education: the 1919 committee, the Adult Education Committee (1922-33), the Russell Committee, and the Advisory Council for Adult Continuing Education. Notes substantial policy contributions by women but little attention overall to women's education.…

The "1919 Report" on education in Britain recognized women's educational needs in light of the social, economic, and political changes following World War I. Despite the liberal and humanitarian attitudes expressed, the separate spheres of men and women and distinctions between working class and other women were maintained. (SK)

Describes the achievements of Frank Laubach, founder of Laubach Literacy International, pioneer of a pragmatic method of literacy instruction and advocate of volunteer literacy tutoring. Compares Laubach's ideas with those of Paulo Freire. (SK)