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Adult higher education from an international perspective

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Abstract

Adult higher education, the active participation of adults in formal degree or certificate programs of study in higher education, has become an important movement internationally. This movement is focused upon adults who are typically 25 years of age or older and who have had a previous interruption in their formal schooling, have assumed adult life responsibilities such as work, family, or military commitments, and are now enrolled in formal higher education programs. This article will present a synthesis of current international policies, programs, and perspectives in adult higher education. As a background overview, key societal forces, local characterizing terminology, and select national descriptive statistics of adult student enrolments will be presented. Three organizational patterns of international adult higher education will be suggested.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Technological and Adult Education, University of Tennessee-Knoxville, Knoxville, Tennessee, USA

    Carol E. Kasworm

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  1. Carol E. Kasworm
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Kasworm, C.E. Adult higher education from an international perspective. High Educ 25, 411–423 (1993). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01383844

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