Adult education is often the most under utilized entity in the agricultural education program; however, adult education has historically been an integral part of agricultural education. Today a continuing debate exists whether agricultural educators should continue to teach adults. Whether or not a teacher believes that adult education belongs in the high school agriculture program, adult education remains a responsibility of agricultural educators in most states. In order to conduct adult education programs, teachers need to know the appropriate teaching principles and methods for adult audiences. Teachers should also be able to plan and develop programs at their school for the adults in the community. Agricultural educators can stay in touch of adult education needs and wants by working with advisory and alumni groups.

Take the Adult Education pre-test to see how much you know.

I. Describe the development of adult education in agricultural and extension education.

• Read about Farmers Institutes in this article by Moss and Lass.
• For the past 30 years, The Federal government has been establishing new pieces of legislation over the past 30 years that is related to adult basic education. Read about the history of the adult education act .

II. Identifying the need for adult education in agriculture.

• Read Riley's article "Adult Agriculture Education: Not a Matter of Need But Who Will Provide It?" from the Sept.-Oct. 1999 issue of the Agricultural Education Magazine.
• Read Zidon's article "Adult Education in Agriculture: An Old Timer's Dream" from the Sept.-Oct. 1999 issue of the Agricultural Education Magazine.
• Read Bolton's article "Change and Diversity: The Real Issues Facing Postsecondary Agricultural Education" from the Sept.-Oct. 1999 issue of the Agricultural Education Magazine.

III. Identify principles and teaching methods in conducting education programs for adult audiences.

• Andragogy and Pedagogy…what is the difference? Read more specifically about Andragogy
• Look at the five major philosophies of adult education. Consider your own philosophy and the phiolosphies of the adult learners you will teach.
• Read Guidelines for Working with Adult Learners for a few good ideas.
• Check out Teaching Techniques for Adult Learning.

IV. Plan and implement programs in adult education in agricultural and extension education.

• The National Young Farmer Educational Association (NYFEA) uses one model plan adult programs in agriculture. Check it out on their website.
• Review the factors involved in Implementing Adult Education Programs from TAMU. 
• Consider The Program Manager's Guide to Evaluation.