Adult Education Participation Decisions and Barriers: Review of Conceptual Frameworks and Empirical Studies

摘要

Each year, millions of American adults enroll in some type of formal educational program. The classes they take include English as a Second Language (ESL), basic skills and preparation for the General Educational Development (GED) exam, job or career related courses, vocational training, apprenticeship programs, and formal instruction in a host of other subjects ranging from Bible study to sports and recreation. Furthermore, adults' objectives and motivations for participating are just as diverse as the classes they take. Some want to improve their skills or develop new ones; others want to obtain a diploma or credential; and still others are simply interested in learning new things.