Mission:

The mission of the Adult Education program at Auburn University is to provide professional development opportunities to individuals engaged in adult-centered learning. Instruction, research, and outreach form the basis for addressing essential knowledge and skill components for the professional adult educator. Our objective reinforces the belief that adult education is a lifelong process committed to purposeful, synergistic, and systemic learning.

Philosophy:

A variety of teaching techniques and strategies are employed in the instruction of adults.The principal methods utilized include, but may not be limited to, lectures, video tapes, visual aids, peer teaching, laboratory experiences, guest lectures and group discussion. 

Adult education is a professional learning experience. All students are considered adults and are expected to not only study but also practice principles of andragogy. The student is expected to take responsibility for acquiring new information and skills. Thus the student is expected to contribute to the class setting by participating, and to be collaborative and supportive of all members engaged in the learning process. 

Ignorance is not vested in the students while knowledge is vested in the instructor. Both are learners and have contributions to make to each other. Both are responsible for their own learning. Adult education is not a place for passive learning but a place to explore, take risks and grow.