Future Issues in Adult Education: A Review of the Literature of the Seventies

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Abstract
The adult education and related literature was reviewed for the decade of 1970 in order to delineate the predominant future issues that emerge from that period. Based on conference proceedings, surveys, action-inquiry forums, investigations and informed opinion, the predominant program areas that included significant future issues were those of education for work and leisure, education for aging, health education, continuing professional education, education for social and civic responsibility, education for personal adaptation, education for functional competency and education for teachers of adults. Substantive issues also emerged regarding future delivery modalities. Reflected throughout was a view of adult learning ventures as potential vehicles for solving complex individual and social problems. The following conclusions were drawn: (1) Denial of the deleterious effects of change is apparent; (2) A consideration of global issues, as appropriate content for adult education intervention, is limited; (3) Although new roles for adult learning programs and professionals were forecast, there is a notable absence of specific strategies for meeting the educational needs projected during the seventies.