Arab Educational Information Network

The aim of this paper is to investigate the contribution of some Western countries in adult education and illiteracy. The main question of the study is to explore contributions of Western countries in adult education movement and field. The research used the historical analytical method to track and analyze the history of adult education in Western countries from the literature review. The history and movement of adult education in Western countries began from Aristotle, Plato and Socrates era. Then, it begins again from 18th to the 20th century in the following countries: The United States of America, the United Kingdom and Russia. Canada, Germany and Ireland and Others. The theoretical and philosophical foundations of adult education have started. Besides, its concept, importance, objectives. The research movement has begun throughout history, after that. The results showed that, the history of adult education in some Western countries has begun from ancient eras. The initiatives s of adult education was based on the social and economic policies and movement of the adults. The main objectives of adult education in Western culture are (religious education, improving the ability to live, achieving social justice, fighting social injustice, achieving gender equality, ensuring continuous training). Then, the Theory of “Andragogy” formulated by Malcom Knowles, which eliminates the learner's need for knowledge in self-concept, the learner experiences, readiness to learn, the orientation towards learning, motivation. (Published abstract)