This is an interpretive report, commissioned by The College Board's Future Directions for a Learning Society project, of the National Adult Continuing Education Conference held in Detroit 29 October-2 November 1977. Themes included international lifelong learning programs, competency-based education, older persons as resources, the need for…

The writer argues that, contrary to common assumptions, certain dimensions of adult leadership require no followership. Three negative types of leadership are discussed followed by three positive approaches (discovery learning, creative problem solving, and empathy) for educational leadership in continuing education. (MF)

Although most of adult learning is not formal, adult education focuses primarily on formal schooling. To help resolve the paradox, the author suggests an approach to nonformal adult education using interpersonal learning resources and natural learning. (MF)

The author describes her difficulties as an adult learner at age 37 in a dance class and relates her experience to the unrealized potential of adult education as an alternative to therapy and to her own work as a professor of adult education. (MF)

Discusses varying philosophies on the nature of being human and the question of freedom v determinism. This leads to a consideration of the decision-making responsibility and self-knowledge needed by the adult learner and the similar qualities required of the adult counselor/facilitator in working with adult students. (MF)

Research on factors affecting the aging learner, including intelligence, memory, motivation, loss of speed, and physical health is reviewed, refuting the belief that learning ability declines with age. Strategies and techniques for the education of older adults are recommended. (SK)

Adults should be involved in the community problem-solving process which is educational and therefore involves the adult educator as a process expert. Author then considers the extent of the educator's involvement. (MF)

States that the Adult Education Association of the USA (AEA/USA) is the appropriate central organizing institutional structure to provide for the development of adult and continuing education and describes a proposed AEA/USA learning center to facilitate research and arrange information referral in the field of adult and continuing education. (MF)

Examines the proposed federal 1980 budget with respect to federal support for Lifelong Learning and Higher Education Act reauthorization. Although major programs are slated for no funds or slashed, there is some federal commitment to lifelong learning over the long term. Tables provide details of present and proposed funds. (MF)

Describes the Colonial Junto organized by Benjamin Franklin in 1727 as a discussion club to debate politics, morals, and natural philosophy, and the later American Philosophical Society which extended (and continues) the subject knowledge. The present-day Junto Center for Continuing Education in Philadelphia is an adult education information…

Themes of this interpretive report of the 27th National Adult Education Conference, held in Portland, Oregon, October 25-29, 1978, were employment, ethics, education, environment, and energy. Focus throughout was on people--adult learners and adult educators--and the role of adult education in the years ahead. (MF)

Reviews examples of diversified adult learning experiences in various settings: clinics for Wisconsin inventors; training for hospital staffs in Carrollton, Georgia; a humanist-in-residence program to promote interest in planning for Fayetteville, North Carolina; and workshops for adult basic education teachers to share ideas about their programs.…