CURRENT LITERATURE
THE GROUNDWORK OF ADULT EDUCATION. (British Institute of Adult Education, 39 Bedford Square, W.C. 1. 2s. 6d.) Two collection of papers read at the Oxford Conference of _B.I.A.B. held last autumn gives a useful- conspectus oft the present position and prospects' of adult education, with particular reference to its less formal aspects and their in- fluence upon the young, adult. While the Workers' Educa- tional Association is the principal 'agency at work, attention must not be withheld from numerous semi-educational organiza- tions which are producing valuable results in similar spheres. The conference was addressed by speakers so widely divergent in outlook and occupation as Lord- Haldane, Mr. G. D. H. Cole, Dr. Crichton Miller and Mr. G. H. Gater. It is -impressive, therefore, to find a consensus of opinion biith
as to the 'critical position that has now been reached and the broad principles upon which adult education must hence.. forward be based. These include control of the administration by the students themselves ; affiliation with working-class organizations such as the trade union and co-operative movements ; more liberal support from Local Education Authorities, and a conception of true education widened to include social, recreational and athletic activities. A problem affording immediate anxiety is the relationship of the W.E.A. and its co-related bodies to the Statutory Authorities, and the difficulty of combining a measure of bureaucratic control with a wide internal autonomy, Interesting information is given with regard to local experi- ments in this direction, particularly in London and Kent. While it.is obvious that only a fraction of the adult popula- tion is yet able—or willing—to profit by further education whether vocational, general or civic, the contents of this . stimulating volume give proof alike of the urgent necessity, and the not unreasonable expectation, that in due course our growing citizens may be taught to think—and to think wisely—for themselves. Only thus will democracy be made safe for the world.
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