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Libraries are useful resources for adult learners.

Adult education is the practice of teaching and educating adults. Adult education takes place in the workplace, through 'extension' school (e.g. Harvard Extension) or 'school of continuing education' (Columbia School of Continuing Education). Other learning places include community colleges, folk high schools, and lifelong learning centers. The practice is also often referred to as 'Training and Development 'and is often associated with workforce or professional development. It has also been referred to as andragogy (to distinguish it from pedagogy). Adult education is different from vocational education, which is mostly workplace-based for skill improvement; and also from non-formal adult education, including learning skills or learning for personal development.

In 1926 the American Library Association study Libraries and Adult Education was published and the association established the Board on Library and Adult Education (later the Adult Education Board) with reports in the ALA Bulletin. The concept of the library as an agency of ongoing education for adults became firmly established in U.S. society.^[1] In her historical review of libraries and adult education, Margaret E. Monroe (1963: 6) identified a variety of library services provided by libraries to adults during the first half of the twentieth century that incorporated aspects of adult education.^[2] Many libraries have a literacy center, either within their community or in the building; others offer on-site tutoring for adults, or at least space for tutors to meet with students. Family literacy programs are also quite popular within libraries and schools. Roehrig, L. (2010). ^[3] The U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services helps create vibrant, energized learning communities recognizing that "Our achievement as individuals and our success as a democratic society depends on learning continually, adapting to change readily, and evaluating information critically."

Characteristics[link]

Programs provide one-to-one tutoring and small group sessions for adults at the 6th grade level or below. Public libraries, nonprofit organizations and school systems administer these programs across the country. Many adult education centers from community colleges receive grants from Welfare and Unemployment departments to offer training to welfare and unemployment recipients to help these individuals gain life and work skills to facilitate their return to the mainstream. They also provide programs for ex-offenders to reintegrate to society.

Educating adults differs from educating children in several ways. One of the most important differences is that adults have accumulated knowledge, work experience or military service that can add to the learning experience. Another difference is that most adult education is voluntary, therefore, the participants are generally better motivated.

Adults frequently apply their knowledge in a practical fashion to learn effectively. They must have a reasonable expectation that the knowledge recently gained will help them further their goals. One example, common in the 1990s, was the proliferation of computer training courses in which adults (not children or adolescents), most of whom were office workers, could enroll. These courses would teach basic use of the operating system or specific application software. Because the abstractions governing the user's interactions with a PC were so new, many people who had been working white-collar jobs for ten years or more eventually took such training courses, either at their own whim (to gain computer skills and thus earn higher pay) or at the behest of their managers.

In the United States, a more general example, and stereotypical, is that of the high-school dropout who returns to school to complete general education requirements. Most upwardly mobile positions require at the very least a high school diploma or equivalent. A working adult is unlikely to have the freedom to simply quit his or her job and go "back to school" full time. Public school systems and community colleges usually offer evening or weekend classes for this reason. In Europe this is often referred to as "second-chance", and many schools offer tailor-made courses and learning programs for these returning learners.

Those adults who read at the very lowest level get help from volunteer literacy programs. These national organizations provide training, tutor certification, and accreditation for local volunteer programs. States often have state organizations such as Literacy Florida!Inc., which provide field services for volunteer literacy programs.

In the U.S.A., the equivalent of the high school diploma earned by an adult through these programs is to pass the General Education Development (GED) test.

Another fast-growing sector of adult education is English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), also referred to as English as a Second Language (ESL) or English Language Learners (ELL). These courses are key in assisting immigrants with not only the acquisition of the English language, but the acclimation process to the culture of the United States.

A common problem in adult education in the U.S. is the lack of professional development opportunities for adult educators. Most adult educators come from other professions and are not well trained to deal with adult learning issues. Most of the positions available in this field are only part-time without any benefits or stability since they are usually funded by government grants that might last for only a couple of years.

See also[link]

Education portal

	Book: Education
Wikipedia books are collections of articles that can be downloaded or ordered in print.

• Adult high school
• Bullying in adult education
• Community college in Canada and the United States
• Community Education in Scotland
• Continuing education
• Dialogue education
• Distance learning
• E-learning
• Environmental adult education
• Folk high school in Scandinavia and Germany
• Folkbildning community education through learning circles in Scandinavia
• Heutagogy
• Illiteracy
• Life skills
• Lifelong learning
• International Society for Comparative Adult Education
• Open University
• Part-Time Learner
• Remedial education
• Scuola serale in Italy

Adult Education by geographic region[link]

• Adult education in Africa

Historical adult education[link]

• Lyceum movement
• Mechanics' Institutes
• London Institution

Educators[link]

• Paulo Freire
• Malcolm Knowles
• Eduard C. Lindeman
• Albert Mansbridge
• John Dewey

References[link]

External links[link]

• International Council for Adult Education (ICAE)
• European Association for the Education of Adults (EAEA)
• Adult Literacy Education (USA)
• The Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (USA)
• UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning (UIL)
• National Center for the Study of Adult Learning and Literacy (NCSALL U.S.)
• Adult Education in Ireland
• American Society for Training & Development (ASTD)
• BBC Adult Learners resources
• [1]
• Database of Adult Education Courses in Ireland

A group of adult people.

An adult is a human being or living organism that is of relatively mature age, typically associated with sexual maturity and the attainment of reproductive age. In human context, the term has other subordinate meanings associated with social and legal concepts; for example, a legal adult is a legal concept for a person who has attained the age of majority and is therefore regarded as independent, self-sufficient, and responsible (contrast with "minor"). Adulthood can be defined in terms of physiology, psychological adult development, law, personal character, or social status.

These different aspects of adulthood are often inconsistent and contradictory. A person may be biologically an adult, and have adult behavior but still be treated as a child if they are under the legal age of majority. Conversely one may legally be an adult but possess none of the maturity and responsibility that may define adult character.

An event relating to the oncoming of adulthood is Coming of age, which encompasses passing a series of tests to demonstrate that a person is prepared for adulthood, or reaching a specified age, sometimes in conjunction with demonstrating preparation. Most modern societies determine legal adulthood based on reaching a legally specified age without requiring a demonstration of physical maturity or preparation for adulthood.

Some propose that moving into adulthood involves an emotional structuring of denial, suggesting this process becomes necessary to cope with one's own behavior, especially in uncomfortable situations, and also the behavior of others.^{[citation needed]}

Biological adulthood[link]

Historically and cross-culturally, adulthood has been determined primarily by the start of puberty (the appearance of secondary sex characteristics such as menstruation in women, ejaculation in men, and pubic hair in both sexes). In the past, a person usually moved from the status of child directly to the status of adult, often with this shift being marked by some type of coming-of-age test or ceremony.^[1]

Most medical and general English dictionaries define childhood as the period from infancy to puberty, thus historically adulthood began with puberty. After the social construct of adolescence was created, adulthood split into two forms: biological adulthood and social adulthood. Thus, there are now two primary forms of adults: biological adults (people who have attained reproductive ability, are fertile, or who evidence secondary sex characteristics) and social adults (people who are recognized by their culture and/or law as being adults). Depending on the context, adult can indicate either definition.

Although few or no established dictionaries provide a definition for the two word term biological adult, the first definition of adult in multiple dictionaries includes "the stage of the life cycle of an animal after reproductive capacity has been attained".^[2][3] Thus, the base definition of the word adult is the period beginning at puberty. Although this is the primary definition of the base word adult, the two word term biological adult stresses or clarifies that the original definition, based on the beginning of puberty, is being used (that is, the organism has matured to the biologically important point of being able to reproduce).

Although there is no scientific agreement on when physical maturation completes, in modern society social adulthood somewhat corresponds to the completion of physical maturation. Because the term adult is most often used without the adjective social or biological, and since the term is frequently used to refer to social adults, some writers have taken the meaning of the two word phrase biological adult to begin at the end of physical maturation rather than the onset of puberty.

In modern developed countries, puberty and therefore biological adulthood generally begins around 10 or 11 years of age for girls and 12 or 13 years of age for boys, though this will vary from person to person. ^[4][5]

Legal adulthood[link]

Legally it means that one can engage in a contract. The same or a different minimum age may be applicable to, for example, parents losing parenting rights and duties regarding the person concerned, parents losing financial responsibility, marriage, voting, having a job, serving in the military, buying/possessing firearms (if legal at all), driving, traveling abroad, involvement with alcoholic beverages (if legal at all), smoking, sex, gambling (both lottery and casino) being a prostitute or a client of a prostitute (if legal at all), being a model or actor in pornography, etc. Admission of a young person to a place may be restricted because of danger for that person, concern that the place may lead the person to immoral behavior, and/or because of the risk that the young person causes damage (for example, at an exhibition of fragile items).

One can distinguish the legality of acts of a young person, and of enabling a young person to carry out that act, by selling, renting out, showing, permitting entrance, participating, etc. There may be distinction between commercially and socially enabling. Sometimes there is the requirement of supervision by a legal guardian, or just by an adult. Sometimes there is no requirement, but just a recommendation.

With regard to pornography one can distinguish:

• being allowed inside an adult establishment
• being allowed to purchase pornography
• being allowed to possess pornography
• another person being allowed to sell, rent out, or show the young person pornography, see disseminating pornography to a minor
• being a pornographic actor: rules for the young person, and for other people, regarding production, possession, etc. (see child pornography)

With regard to films with violence, etc.:

• another person being allowed to sell, rent out, or show the young person a film, a cinema being allowed to let a young person (under 18) enter

The legal definition of entering adulthood usually varies between ages 16–21, depending on the region in question. Some cultures in Africa define adult at age 13.

According to Jewish tradition, adulthood is reached at age 13 (the age of the Bar Mitzvah), for Jewish boys, for example, are expected to demonstrate preparation for adulthood by learning the Torah and other Jewish practices. The Christian Bible and Jewish scripture has no age requirement for adulthood or marrying, which includes engaging in sexual activity. The age of consent for sexual relations in the Vatican is 13,^{[citation needed]} the age when many girls achieve menses, and are thus reproductive and therefore physically capable of marriage and childbirth. However, the Vatican does not allow sex outside of marriage.^[6] The 1983 Code of Canon Law states, "A man before he has completed his sixteenth year of age, and likewise a woman before she has completed her fourteenth year of age, cannot enter a valid marriage".^[7] According to The Disappearance of Childhood by Neil Postman, the Christian Church of the Middle Ages considered the age of accountability, when a person could be tried and even executed as an adult, to be age 7.

In most of the world, including most of the United States, parts of the United Kingdom (England, Northern Ireland, Wales), India and China, the legal adult age is 18 (historically 21) for most purposes, with some notable exceptions:

1. The United Kingdom: Scotland (16)
2. British Columbia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Northwest Territories, Nova Scotia, Nunavut, Yukon Territory in Canada; Nebraska and Alabama in The United States, and South Korea (19)
3. Indonesia and Japan (20)

See also[link]

References[link]

John Oates
John Oates in 2009.
Background information
Birth name	John William Oates
Born	(1949-04-07) April 7, 1949 (age 63)
Origin	New York City, New York, United States
Genres	Blue-eyed soul, pop rock, rhythm and blues, soul, bluegrass
Instruments	Vocals, guitar, keyboards, bass guitar
Years active	1967–present
Labels	Atlantic, RCA, Epic, Arista, U-Watch
Associated acts	Carly Simon, Hall & Oates
Website	www.hallandoates.com

John William Oates (born April 7, 1949) is an American rock, R&B and soul guitarist, musician, songwriter and producer best known as half of the rock and soul duo Hall & Oates (with co-founder/lead vocalist/songwriter/occasional instrumentalist Daryl Hall).

Though he was a primarily a guitarist he also co-wrote several songs including: "Sara Smile" (with Daryl Hall - a song that refers to Hall's then-girlfriend, Sara Allen), "You Make My Dreams" (with Sara Allen & Daryl Hall), "She's Gone" (with Daryl Hall), "I Can't Go For That (No Can Do)" (with Sara Allen & Daryl Hall), "Maneater" (with Sara Allen & Daryl Hall), "Out of Touch" (with Daryl Hall), and "Adult Education" (with Daryl Hall & Sara Allen). He also sang lead vocals and has written or co-written a few less popular singles that did not make it to the Billboard's Top 10 such as: "How Does It Feel to Be Back", "You've Lost That Loving Feeling" (which was a remake of the 1965 song performed by The Righteous Brothers and written by Phil Spector, Barry Mann & Cynthia Weil, on which he shared lead vocals with Hall) and "Possession Obsession" (with Sara Allen & Daryl Hall). In addition to his work with Hall, Oates co-wrote and sang back-up on the song "Electric Blue" by the band Icehouse which was a Billboard Top Ten hit.

Life and career[link]

Oates was born in New York City, New York. He was raised in Philadelphia's suburb of North Wales, Pennsylvania. He was married to Aimee Oates, and his son Tanner was born in 1996.

In 1966 he recorded his first single, "I Need Your Love," with The Masters for Philadelphia-based Crimson Records.^[1] After finishing high school in 1967, John attended Temple University in Philadelphia. It was there that he met Daryl Hall, also a musician and student at Temple, who was already a senior when Oates was a freshman. The two were involved in several college bands, but after forming the duo Hall & Oates, they were signed by Atlantic Records in 1972.^[2] Hall & Oates went on to record 21 albums (to date), which have sold over 80 million units worldwide, making them arguably the most successful duo in pop–rock history. They have scored ten number-one records and over 20 top-40 hits and have toured the world for decades. Their involvement in the original Live Aid concert and the ground-breaking We Are The World charity recording established them further as artists. Their influence on modern pop music has been cited by numerous contemporary bands, including Gym Class Heroes and The Killers, who have credited and acknowledged H&O's considerable contribution to American music.

In 1983 Oates was asked whether he regretted not pursuing his degree in journalism. He replied no and admitted never intending to finish it.^[3]

Despite 30 years as a chart-topping performer and sought-after producer, Oates did not release a solo album until 2002's Phunk Shui.

Oates took part, along with Jamie Cullum, in the song "Greatest Mistake" by Handsome Boy Modeling School. The song appears on the 2004 album White People.

Oates's second solo album, 1000 Miles of Life, was released on August 23, 2008.^[4]

As reported by Billboard, Oates will be starring in an animated series called J.Stache created by Evan Duby at Primary Wave Music Publishing.^[5]

In March 2010, Oates played with indie rock band The Bird and the Bee as a surprise guest. The show was a medley of The Bird and the Bee songs, as well as classic Hall & Oates. The performance was dedicated to H&O bassist T-Bone Wolk who died on February 27, 2010.

Oates now lives with his son and wife in Aspen, Colorado.

Oates came out and played with moe. at the Belly Up Tavern in Aspen on February 3, 2011. Oates also came out and played with Umphrey's Mcgee in Aspen on February 9 and 10, 2011, and again in the early hours of June 5, 2011 at Mountain Jam in Hunter, New York.

On October 1, 2011 Margo Rey charted at #24 on Billboard's Adult Contemporary Tracks with the song "Let the Rain", which is co-written by John Oates.^[6]

[edit] Hall & Oates songs featuring John Oates on lead vocal

• “Had I Known You Better Then” from Abandoned Luncheonette
• “Las Vegas Turnaround (The Stewardess Song)” from Abandoned Luncheonette
• “I'm Just A Kid (Don't Make Me Feel Like A Man)” from Abandoned Luncheonette
• “Can't Stop The Music (He Played It Much Too Long)” from War Babies
• “Camellia” from Daryl Hall & John Oates
• “Alone Too Long” from Daryl Hall & John Oates
• “Back Together Again” from Bigger Than Both of Us
• “Crazy Eyes” from Bigger Than Both of Us
• “You'll Never Learn” from Bigger Than Both of Us
• “The Emptyness” from Beauty on a Back Street
• “Portable Radio” from X-Static
• “All You Want Is Heaven” from X-Static
• “Bebop/Drop” from X-Static
• “How Does It Feel To Be Back” from Voices
• “You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'” from Voices
• “Africa” from Voices
• “Mano A Mano” from Private Eyes
• “Italian Girls” from H2O
• “At Tension” from H2O
• “Jingle Bell Rock” from 1983 Christmas single (flip-side featured another version with lead vocals by Daryl Hall)
• “Possession Obsession” from Big Bam Boom
• “Cold Dark And Yesterday” from Big Bam Boom
• "Rockability" from Ooh Yeah!
• "Keep On Pushin' Love" from Ooh Yeah!
• "Change Of Season" from Change of Season
• "Only Love" from Change of Season

Releases[link]

• Phunk Shui (CD that was released multiple times, each adding bonus tracks)
• John Oates: Live At The Historic Wheeler Opera House (DVD and bonus live CD) (2004)
• John Oates Solo - The Album, The Concert (DualDisc: CD side of Phunk Shui (14 track version), DVD side Live at the Historic Wheeler Opera House) (bonus live CD that came with the original above the DVD is not included) (2006)
• 1000 Miles Of Life (2008)
• Mississippi Mile (2011)

References[link]

External links[link]

• Official John Oates website
• Official website of Hall & Oates
• John Oates at Allmusic