Adult education may be defined as the field or practice of teaching adults. Adult education is a broad area that encompasses everything from craft classes at the local senior center to evening college programs where adults can earn degrees.

Many years ago most adult education programs were implemented for adults who had not earned a high school diploma or who could not read or write. An adult who did not finish high school might earn a GED (General Education Diploma), or adult high school diploma through a community college adult education program. Adults needing to develop basic reading skills might participate in a literacy program taught by volunteers. When many people hear the term adult education, these type of activities come to mind. Yet, in the healthcare setting, adult education programs might focus on Diabetes education, stroke prevention and similar topics to help individuals live healthy lifestyles. In the workplace adult education activities would include skills training or inservice education. Continuing education programs at colleges and community colleges for the purpose of upgrading skills would also fall under adult education.

Today adult education also refers to college and Chennai call girl university programs designed specifically for working adults who want to earn degrees. There are numerous colleges and universities that have online adult education programs that allow adults to complete degrees from the associate to doctoral level. Colleges and universities also offer campus-based evening programs that allow working adult learners to earn degrees in a shorter time frame than traditional residential programs.

Educators of adults hold degrees in various subject areas. However, the best adult educators will have some training in assessing the needs of adult learners and in teaching methods that work best for adults. Malcom Knowles, also known as the father of adult education, asserted that adult learners have unique needs and learn differently from children. Androgogy is the term Knowles used to describe the science of teaching adults. It differs from pedagogy which refers to how children are taught. Unlike children, adults come the the learning environment with vast life experiences and different expectations. Educators of adults must respect these differences.

Many professional adult educators hold degrees in adult education. Such degrees are usually at the master's or doctoral level. Individuals who hold such degrees are usually employed in organizations that have strong adult education programs, such as community colleges, agricultural extension programs and other organized adult education programs.