HISTORICAL PERIODS AND CURRENT STATE OF ADULT EDUCATION AND LEARNING IN UKRAINE

Abstract

Currently in Ukraine the relevance of adult education as an integral part of lifelong learn-ing is growing, which is associated with social, psychological, pedagogical, scientific, technical, economic and other factors that at the beginning of the XXI century transformed adult education from a purpose to a mean of human development. The article, based on a theoretical analysis of dissertation research and the legal framework for adult education and training, presents four historical periods of adult education development in Ukraine; characterizes its current state including the main structural components (further education, non-formal learning, continuing professional development and in-house training, training of the unemployed, education and training of the elderly), providers, management, legislative and financial support. A number of contradictions regarding the development of adult education and training in Ukraine have been identified. The study shows a steady interest of Ukrainian researchers and society in the problems of adult education and training and the formation of andragogy research school, as evidenced by the number of defended disser-tations on this issue, including 22 doctoral dissertations and 48 PhD theses. In addition, it has been found that more dissertations study adult education and training in foreign countries. At the same time many issues in adult education require immediate consideration, such as the adoption of the Law of Ukraine «On Adult Edu-cation», amendments to current legislation, development of mechanisms encouraging people to lifelong learning and employers’ participation in employee training, and investment attractiveness of adult education