Exploring disparate philosophies and applications of adult education practice can help identify principles for more effectively facilitating perpetual learning that benefits adult learners and society. Emerging research shows that adults have an amazing capacity to learn at all stages of life and that adult education practice provides a broad array of possibilities for enriching individuals' lives while meeting society's needs.

No single approach or theory seems to address the diverse abilities and needs of adult learners adequately, the multiple missions of institutions, and the changing needs of society. Rather than imposing myopic philosophy and ideology, adult educators can be more effective by adapting practice to the dynamically interacting needs of the student and the environment.