This article contends that university continuing education is in need of a dramatic repositioning in the minds and wallets of most university administrations. In order to respond both to a developed economy's need for the continuous upgrading of skills and knowledge and to universities' needs for new funding sources, the provision of lifelong…

Writing recently in this journal, two of Canada's veteran adult educators contemplated the "death" of the Canadian adult education movement. I disagree and argue that adult education in Canada is as vital an activity as ever and one that still fully justifies being called a movement. Specifically, Selman and Selman (2009) list five trends that…

The utility of definitions and descriptions applied to adult learning can be effectively measured only by direct application to a specific field of learning, in this case, fine arts. Based on the author's 12 years of experience as an art educator, the article provides a conceptual framework for those who are at the beginning of their pedagogical…

Representatives from Manitoba seniors' organizations and the University of Manitoba collaborated on a proposal to examine the participation of older adults in learning activities. The initiative led to a series of studies on this theme, including an exploration of participation at a seniors' centre (Sloane-Seale & Kops, 2004), a comparison of…

In the Fall 2007 issue of CJUCE, Scott McLean reviewed and analyzed the public claims made by university continuing education (UCE) units about the purpose of their work. He hoped that his survey would promote informed reflection and dialogue about these purposes and generate debate about the future direction of UCE in Canada. This article takes…

This article examines the relationship between the participation of older adult learners in educational activities and successful aging. In partnership with seniors' organizations, focus-group interviews were conducted on seniors' involvement in learning and their perceptions of its influence on successful aging. Successful aging is defined in…

This paper reports on a 2004 follow-up study conducted in partnership with the University of Manitoba Continuing Education Division and local senior's organizations. The partnership was formed in 2002-03 to promote applied research on lifelong learning and older adults, develop new and complement existing educational activities, and explore new…

In this study, we examined the provision and development of lifelong learning within institutions of higher education in British Columbia and explored some of the institutional characteristics that enable or discourage it. The results suggest that most lifelong learning opportunities are directed toward enhancing employment and career…

This article explores claims made on websites of CAUCE members about the purpose of university continuing education. CAUCE members often claim a role in addressing the needs or goals of learners seeking professional development, personal enrichment, or the furthering of knowledge and skills. They claim to deliver programs and services that promote…

Over the past decade, many government and policy documents have highlighted with greater urgency the need for lifelong learning. What do present mission statements of Canadian universities have to say regarding lifelong learning? In researching this question we analyzed the institutional mission statements of 58 Canadian universities to identify…

Analyzes the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development's Jobs Study, which advocated a two-tier economy: high-skill jobs and low-skill, low-wage jobs to absorb the unemployed. Shows how Canada has adopted some of these strategies under the guise of structural adjustment. Advocates a social policy role for adult educators. (Contains 35…

Structured interviews with 11 older rural residents who participated in university outreach courses indicated high satisfaction, in contrast to earlier studies indicating lack of interest among this population. Identifying interests at grass-roots level and encouraging local ownership of outreach programs are success strategies for rural…

Efficiency in continuing education is of limited use without awareness. The goal of effectiveness helps avoid "efficiencies" that subvert program objectives. Effectiveness cannot be separated from an ethical view of lifelong learning as collaborative and based on high standards. (SK)

The article compares past differences and speculates about future differences in continuing education of French-speaking and English-speaking universities in Canada. (The article is written in French.) Available from: Extension Division, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon S7N OWO. (Author)

The article questions current university practice of separating or ignoring the needs of part-time students in planning and budgeting. Available from: Extension Division, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon S7N OWO. (Author/MW)