Institutions Directory » Education Training and Adult Learning

Training can be defined as "the procedure whereby knowledge is transmitted with an instrumental and operational vision of the learning process and of its expected results" or as "a planned and systematic sequence of instruction under supervision, designed to impart skills, knowledge, information and attitudes." (Jarvis, P. International Dictionary of Adult and Continuing Education. Kogan Page, London, 3rd ed., 1999.)

Adult learning is defined as ‘the entire range of formal, non-formal and informal learning activities which are undertaken by adults after a break since leaving initial education and training, and which results in the acquisition of new knowledge and skills’. (Study on European Terminology in Adult Learning for a common language and common understanding and monitoring of the sector (July, 2010), p. 6; View link)

Job-related continuing education and training refers to all organized, systematic education and training activities in which people take part in order to obtain knowledge and/or learn new skills for a current or a future job, to increase earnings, to improve job and/or career opportunities in a current or another field and generally to improve their opportunities for advancement and promotion. (Education at a Glance, OECD, Paris, 2002, Glossary. View link)

Adult Learning Theory is a term that encompasses the collective theories and principles of how adults learn and acquire knowledge. Popularized by Malcolm Knowles, adult learning theory provides the foundation that training and development professionals need to meet workplace learning needs. (ASTD. 2011. The Infoline Dictionary of Basic Trainer Terms A Revised and Updated Edition. Alexandria, VA: ASTD Press.)

Careers in Education Training and Adult Learning may include the following job titles:

• Distance Learning Coordinator/E-learning Specialist
• Instructional Coordinator/Designer
• Corporate Trainer
• Project Manager
• Instructional Technologist/Developer
• Chief Learning Officer
• Human Capital Consultant/Director/Specialist