Adult and Continuing Education

The concept of continuing (or lifelong) education is of great importance to Americans. Every year, over 20 million Americans (that is, about ten percent of all adults) further their education through participation in part-time instruction. Some estimates that as many as 45 million adult Americans are currently taking courses in universities, colleges, professional associations, government organizations or even churches and synagogues. Most participants in continuing or adult education have a practical goal: they want to update and upgrade their job skills. As a result of economic changes and the rapid advance of the “information age”, the necessity to acquire new occupation skills has increased. Adult education thus fills a need of many Americans who want to improve their chances in a changing job market. This is one explanation for the continuing growth of adult education classes over the past several years. Of course, not all people who take courses in adult education do this for job-related purposes. Many simply want to broaden their knowledge or learn something they would enjoy doing, such as print-making, dancing, or photography.

Continuing education courses are provided mainly by community or junior colleges and mostly take place in the evening. The types of courses range from hobby and recreational activities to highly specialized technical skills. Courses in business, health care and health science, engineering, and education are most popular. While some 50 per cent of all people in adult education were enrolled in programs sponsored by educational institutions, about 15 per cent were sponsored by business and industry. Over 80 per cent of all companies today conduct their own training programs. Many large corporations offer complete degree programs, and some even support their own technical and business colleges and universities. Recently close to 6 million students were enrolled in industry-sponsored degree programs. It is estimated that some 8 million Americans are involved in corporate education of some kind.

Discussion Points

7.1 What new information have you learnt about higher education in the USA? American colleges and universities?

7.2 In groups of three discuss the difference between the educational systems in Russia and the USA:

· How do American universities differ from universities in your country?

· What is the admission process in American university and in this country?

· The general pattern of learning at American university has its peculiarities. What do you like and dislike? How does it differ from that in your country?

· What degrees are conferred by universities in Russia and the USA?

· Do you like the idea of “the honor code” at American universities? Why/Why not?

7.3 Comment on the statements:

1. American universities really provide good education.

2. American universities are unique because they follow two traditions.

3. The process of admission is complex.

4. Some American universities have long and interesting history.

5. The Honor Code is an important factor of education process.

HIGHER EDUCATION IN THE UK

Before you start

1.1 Answer the following questions:

1. What do you know about higher education in Great Britain?

2. What British universities do you know?

3. Have you ever been to any university in Great Britain?

4. What are the oldest universities in Great Britain?

5. Do you know any peculiarities of studying at British universities?

Pronunciation

2.1 Read and practise the pronunciation of the following words:

polytechnic	[plI @teknIk]
specialized	[ @speS«laIzd]
requirements	[rI @kwaI«m«nts]
measure	[ @meZ«]
thesis	[ @Ti:sIs]
variety	[v« @rai«tI]
focus	[ @f«Vk«s]
campus	[ @kQmp«s]
accommodation	[«km« @deIS(«)n]

Reading

3.1 Read the text to know more about higher education in the UK