Adult Education: Definitions, Objectives, and Target Learners

Understanding Adult Education: Definitions & Objectives

Core Definitions of Adult Education

• The term "adult education" denotes the entire body of organized educational processes, whatever the content, level, and method, whether formal or non-formal, and whether they prolong or replace initial education.
• Aimed at developing adults’ abilities, enriching their knowledge, improving their technical or professional qualifications, or reorienting them towards new directions, fostering changes in their attitudes or behavior to achieve full personal development and societal participation.
• Adult education, however, must not be considered an entity in itself; it is a subdivision and an integral part of a global scheme for lifelong education and learning.

The Primary Aim of Adult Education

The aim of adult education, understood as part of an ongoing continuing education process, is to overcome inequalities regardless of gender, academic level, social class, etc.

Key Characteristics of Adult Education Processes

1. Set of organized educational and formative processes.
2. In which adults participate.
3. With the aim to acquire, complete, update, or develop cultural knowledge, basic, cognitive, and social competencies, abilities, and skills.
4. Which promote a sufficient level of self-esteem and individual autonomy.
5. Based on good relationships and active participation in society.

Target Audience for Adult Education Programs

1. Potentially all adults seeking to update their general and basic competencies.
2. Adults with literacy problems or those who have not obtained basic qualifications in the education system (e.g., ESO Degree).
3. Adults who do not speak or lack fluency in the languages spoken in Catalonia.
4. Adults who wish to access vocational training or university.

Aims of the Lisbon Strategy Agenda (2000) for Education

1. Ensure basic learning and education for all.
2. Promote lifelong education as a tool for adapting to work and labor market changes.
3. Provide necessary tools to ensure access to and effective use of the Internet and Information and Communication Technologies (ICT).
4. Promote coexistence, knowledge, and respect for other cultures.
5. Promote active civic and cultural participation.