HISTORY OF ADULT EDUCATION THEORY FORMATION IN EUROPE

Modern education undergoes expansion of its theoretical foundation in order to satisfy the needs of society. Adult education, which has long been aside the main interests of formal pedagogy, begins to take more and more importance. This is due to the global processes, rapid technological development, unification of the international community, increased life expectancy, changing requirements for skills and competences. Extension theory is impossible without a thorough analysis of history of the adult education development. Terminology should meet the main objectives of the learning process of adult students. A clear understanding of the reasons of its appearance, will avoid verbal embarrassments, leading to misinterpretation of the theory and, as a result, the chosen methodology. The proposed material, in addition to the already known facts, analyzes the history of adult education in theory works by M.S.Knowles – scientist, who in the mid 60's was a leading expert in the field. On his initiative, the issue of government funding of educational programs had been raised for discussion at the official level; a new approach to understanding the function of the teacher in the adult education appeared, turning them from pedagogues into andragogues. The maturity dimension scheme presented by Knowles brings understanding of adult psychological inclinations, behavior and goals that might help andragogue decide on methods chosen for achieving educational results. Clear determination of notions should explain and help to avoid misunderstandings on “whom should we consider an adult?” Historical approach will help to create a complex adult education development picture and motivate a researcher for further investigations. The creation of international organization for cooperation in the field (ESREA, Cedefop etc.) is aimed at unification of experience from different national systems. However, there remains a problem of information lack which slows down the effectiveness of the proposed grants, vocational training, and courses for forming new competences.