Challenges of globalization for adult education are exposing the economic core, confronting the governance structures, assessing liberal democracy, affirming the importance of the local, and caring for the cultural environment. Their common thread is citizenship. (SK)

During the past 25 years, when Northern Ireland has been a divided society in which structures and processes have broken down, the country has witnessed tremendous growth in community growth in both Catholic and Protestant communities. The Ulster People's College combats social deprivation and exclusion through community development and education.…

Reviews historical antecedents of adult education in Hungary, aims and effects of socialist education 1949-89, and the enormous changes in the wake of political change, including increased demand for training and greater numbers of unemployed and disadvantaged persons. (SK)

The study circle is described as a democratic and emancipatory method for learning that can be summarized in three words: learning by sharing. This method offers opportunities and possibilities for all participants to contribute their previous knowledge and experiences through open and democratic dialogue. As a method for "liberal adult…

The ideological shift by nation-states to "a knowledge-based economy" (also referred to as "knowledge-based society") is causing changes in the workplace. Brought about by the forces of globalisation and technological innovation, the ideologies of the "knowledge-based economy" are not limited to influencing the…

Popular education contributes to democracy by helping people respond to the demands of a society in the midst of evolution, by turning the right to learn into a reality, and by being a tool for personal development and community growth. (SK)

Preoccupied with political and economic problems, new governments in Eastern Europe place a low priority on adult education. However, without education in new ways of thinking about citizenship, the promise of the democratic revolutions will not be fulfilled. (SK)

Edgar Snow scored an extraordinary scoop in 1936 when he persuaded Mao Zedong to tell his story. The resulting book--"Red Star Over China"--was a best-seller in the West and translated editions caused a sensation in China. Adult education was the centrepiece of Communist revolution and featured prominently in Red Star. It is now the…

Despite weaknesses, community-based adult education is an example of local democracy at work. It can challenge forces that focus on material outcomes, strengthen the concept of community in a global age, and offer opportunities that meet the needs, values, and attitudes of those outside the mainstream. (SK)

Demise of single-party rule in many African nations presents an opportunity for adult educators to influence development of liberal democratic states. The need for adults to be integrated into economic and social structures points to a role for adult education. (SK)

Reviews the interconnection of economic, political, and legal structures and their implications for adult education in a global context. Describes adult education's role in alleviating poverty and powerlessness and spurring social transformation by advocating equitable distribution of resources, equal educational opportunity, and peace. (SK)

In countries new to democracy, people need training in citizen participation. Adult educators have a critical role to play in managing and maintaining democracy and should also examine how democratic their educational institutions and practices are. (SK)

Presents a history of four phases of Canadian adult education: (1) agrarian radicalism, 1910-1945; (2) women's organizations and community development sites; (3) adult education and the crisis of democracy, 1929-1945; and (4) community building in Nova Scotia, 1954-1957. (SK)

Three challenges face education and democracy in the United States: (1) the demographic revolution altering the nation's ethnic composition; (2) environmental preservation, necessitating behavioral and policy changes; and (3) the reluctance of too many citizens to exercise citizenship responsibilities. (SK)

The transition of Estonia from totalitarian to democratic society poses challenges for adult education. Changes already taking place include voluntary training, use of private sector schools, opportunities for study abroad, reestablishment of folk high schools, and formation of the Adult Education Association of Estonia. (SK)