Themes and thoughts (rather than a literal transcription of proceedings) are presented on a symposium held in November, 1979, on the research, policy, and practice of adult learning. Participants were federal officers, adult education professors, researchers in business and education, and policy developers. The symposium was organized around four major areas: (1) current events in adult education; (2) issues concerning the translation of research into practice; (3) policy implications; and (4) the future of adult learning. Each area was addressed by a panel with comments from the audience. The document is divided into three parts: the symposium and a general overview, the main meeting discussion summaries, and specific recommendations and written reactions to the meeting. Names and addresses of the participants are appended. (MEK)