This book is a guided inquiry into the newly emerging technology of adult education based on an original theory of andragogy (the art and science of helping adults learn) as distinguished from pedagogy (teaching children and youth). Its central thesis is that adults in certain crucial respects are different from young people as learners, and that a different approach is needed. Part 1 explores what the differences are, and what they mean to the development of a unique adult education methodology. In Part 2, principles and practical techniques are offered for establishing an organizational climate and structure, assessing needs and interests, defining purposes and objectives, translating objectives into program designs, organizing and administering total programs, evaluating them, and using a systems approach to program planning and operation. The third part presents tested management procedures for courses, workshops, institutes, and other types of educational activities. Numerous samples of actual programs and successfully used materials are introduced to illustrate a variety of curricular offerings, interest groups, and learning levels. An index, chapter bibliographies, and 77 tables and figues are also included. (LY)