This is the third edition of Peter Jarvis' classic textbook, which established itself as the most widely used and respected book about adult education today. In this new edition, the author has made extensive revisions and includes substantial additional material to take account of the many changes which have occurred in the field of adult education. The book begins with a rationale for the provision of education for adults and analyses contemporary theory before going on to give practical advice on the curriculum development and the teaching of adults. Students of the education of adults will find it an invaluable course companion, whilst practitioners in the field of adult and continuing education and lifelong learning will find much in this book that is relevant to their day-to-day work.

Table of Contents

1. Towards a rationale for the provision of learning opportunities for adults; 2. From adult education to lifelong learning: a conceptual framework; 3. The adult learner and adult learning; 4. Adults learning - some theorists' perspectives; 5. Teaching adults; 6. Some theoretical perspectives on teaching adults; 7. Distance education; 8. Assessing and evaluating; 9. Curriculum theory and programme planning; 10. Practice, theory and research; 11. The professional preparation of teachers of adults ;12. The provision of adult education and lifelong learning in the United Kingdom