The conference at the Hyatt Regency, 333 E. Kilbourn,  will bring together several hundred experts to discuss ways people around the world are continuing their education into adulthood and even after retirement for both personal and career development. AAACE has members and affiliate organizations in every state and more than 40 countries. Several hundred are expected to attend the conference in Milwaukee.

"The AAACE is dedicated to lifelong learning" says Simone Conceicao, assistant professor of adult education and leadership in the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee?s School of Education. She is one of 17 local educators and members of AAACE who are working on arrangements for the conference and will also lead several presentations at the conference. The committee includes professionals from Carroll College, Concordia University, Journey House, Madison Area Technical College, Marquette University, Milwaukee Area Technical College, Northern Illinois University, UWM, the University of Wisconsin, and the Wisconsin Technical College System. 

"Our mission is to help adults acquire the knowledge, skills and values they need to lead productive and satisfying lives," says Larry G. Martin, UWM professor of administrative leadership.  "Continued learning is becoming absolutely essential in both business and the community around the world."

Presentations focus on the "how-tos" like how to teach algebra and other mathematics to adult learners, using technology to teach English as a second language and using games in adult education classes. Also, presentations look at theories and techniques in adult and continuing education, both currently and historically.  One presentation, for example, focuses on how women transformed themselves from victims to leaders of local community development following a devastating earthquake in Taiwan. Elizabeth Fayram of UWM's College of Nursing will discuss a successful program to help nurses who've left the field transition back into the profession. Another demonstrates an adult education program that helps older adults educate themselves on the "new basic literacies" of retirement: technology, finances, and legal and medical matters. Representatives from public libraries share how they are linking adults and children in family literacy programs.

The conference program will also include meetings of the different commissions such as Military Education, Commission of Professors of Adult Education, Community Minority and Non-Formal Education, Workforce and Professional Development, and International Adult Education. Another highlight of the conference is the Educational Policy Day on Friday, Nov. 10. The morning forum will help each participant draft an action plan to strengthen adult and continuing education opportunities focused on public issues. Although public issues reflect personal, national, and international aspects, the forum will emphasize democratic community level strategies.

?Adults often learn in different ways than children or teens," says Dr. Martin, "and people in different cultures may respond to different ways of teaching. This conference gives educators from around the world a chance to share information about programs, teaching techniques and ideas."

For more information on the conference and a complete list of presentations, see www.aaace.org. Deadline for registration is Nov. 3. Fax registrations to 301-459-6241.

CONTACT INFORMATION: Elizabeth Evans 262.243.4283.