A synoptic view of certain changes in adult education in Western Europe over the last twenty years, comments on their socio-cultural significance, and opinions about likely developments in the future are included in this study. Categories of adult education are defined as courses relating to established academic disciplines; courses in practical skills or informative knowledge; courses designed for those who are disadvantaged, sub-cultural or anti-social; courses assisting people in career advancement. Older concepts of adult education have become inadequate or obsolete through the impact of social changes such as television, work patterns, leisure, attitudes toward the disadvantaged, affluence, and protest. Post-war growth has been in the practical or useful skills and subjects, and student participation and group work has supplemented or replaced traditional lectures. In Western Europe an increasing need exists for adult education programs and adult education teachers. (EA)