Why Researchers Choose Journal of Adult and Continuing Education for High-Impact Publications
The Journal of Adult and Continuing Education stands as a cornerstone in the field of adult and continuing education programs, providing a dedicated platform for scholars to disseminate innovative research on lifelong learning and professional development. Established in 1994 and published by SAGE Publications Ltd., this quarterly journal has built a reputation for rigorous peer review and high-quality scholarship. Researchers are drawn to its commitment to advancing theoretical and practical insights into how adults engage with education throughout their lives. The journal's scope encompasses a wide array of topics, from policy implications in continuing education to innovative teaching methodologies in adult learning environments.
With an impact factor of 1.3 as reported in the 2022 Journal Citation Reports, the Journal of Adult and Continuing Education demonstrates its influence within the education sector. This metric reflects the average citations received by articles published in the preceding two years, underscoring the journal's relevance to ongoing academic discourse. Scholars value its hybrid publication model, which allows authors to choose between traditional subscription access or open access, thereby maximizing visibility and reach. The journal's indexing in prominent databases further enhances its appeal, ensuring that published works are discoverable by a global audience of educators, policymakers, and practitioners.
Submitting to the Journal of Adult and Continuing Education offers researchers the opportunity to contribute to a vibrant community focused on transformative educational practices. Articles often explore themes such as equity in adult education, digital literacies for continuing learners, and the role of community-based programs in lifelong skill development. The editorial process emphasizes clarity, originality, and methodological soundness, making it an ideal outlet for both emerging and established academics. As the field of adult and continuing education evolves with societal changes, including remote learning trends and workforce reskilling needs, the journal remains at the forefront, publishing timely research that informs practice and policy.
For those navigating academic careers in education, publishing here can bolster profiles for tenure, grants, and collaborations. The journal's United Kingdom base aligns it with international standards while welcoming global submissions. To explore related opportunities, consider browsing higher education jobs or checking the academic calendar for key deadlines. Ready to submit your work? Visit the official site to begin your journey toward impactful publication.
Overview & History
The Journal of Adult and Continuing Education was founded in 1994 to address the growing need for scholarly dialogue on adult learning beyond traditional schooling. Initially published by the British Institute of Adult Continuing Education, it transitioned to SAGE Publications Ltd. in 2015, enhancing its global distribution and production quality. Over nearly three decades, the journal has chronicled shifts in adult education, from post-industrial training programs to contemporary digital and inclusive learning initiatives. Its evolution mirrors broader trends in lifelong education, emphasizing accessibility and relevance in diverse cultural contexts.
Key milestones include special issues on topics like migration and adult learning, and the integration of interdisciplinary perspectives from sociology, psychology, and policy studies. Today, it serves as a vital resource for understanding how continuing education supports personal and professional growth in an era of rapid change.
Scope and Disciplines Covered
The journal covers a broad spectrum of adult and continuing education programs, focusing on theoretical, empirical, and applied research. It welcomes studies on learner motivations, program design, and evaluation in non-formal settings.
| Discipline | Description |
|---|---|
| Adult Education | Explores teaching strategies and learner engagement in informal and formal adult contexts. |
| Continuing Professional Development | Examines ongoing training for career advancement in various sectors. |
| Lifelong Learning | Investigates policies and practices promoting education across the lifespan. |
| Community Education | Focuses on local programs addressing social inclusion and skill-building. |
| Digital and Online Learning | Analyzes technology's role in accessible continuing education. |
Key Journal Metrics
Performance indicators highlight the journal's standing in academic publishing.
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Impact Factor | 1.3 | Clarivate JCR 2022 |
| CiteScore | 2.0 | Scopus 2023 |
| h-Index | 25 | Scopus |
| Acceptance Rate | Not publicly disclosed | N/A |
| Average Review Time | 3-4 months | SAGE estimates |
Indexing and Abstracting
The Journal of Adult and Continuing Education is indexed in several prestigious databases, ensuring wide dissemination. It appears in Scopus, ERIC, British Education Index, and the Social Sciences Citation Index. These listings facilitate discoverability and citation tracking for authors. For verification, access Scopus or the official journal homepage at SAGE.
Publication Model and Fees
As a hybrid journal, it offers subscription-based access with an open access option via SAGE Choice. The article processing charge (APC) for open access is £2440 GBP / $3010 USD / €2780 EUR. No fees apply for subscription publication. Authors retain copyright under a standard license, with green open access permitted after 12 months.
Submission Process and Guidelines
Manuscripts are submitted online via the SAGE portal. Guidelines require 6,000-8,000 words, APA style, and anonymized reviews. Focus on originality and relevance to adult education. Initial screening checks fit, followed by double-blind peer review. For details, visit the author guidelines.
Editorial Board Highlights
The board comprises experts from leading institutions. Co-Editors Kevin Orr (University of Huddersfield, UK) and John Field (University of Stirling, UK) oversee content, supported by associates in North America, Europe, and Asia. Their diverse backgrounds ensure balanced, international perspectives on continuing education challenges.
Why Publish in Journal of Adult and Continuing Education?
Publishing here elevates research visibility through SAGE's network and indexing. It attracts citations from interdisciplinary fields, aiding career progression. The journal's focus on practical implications appeals to practitioners, while its prestige supports grant applications. Explore PhD programs in education to build expertise for submissions.
Comparison with Similar Journals
| Journal | Impact Factor | Publisher | Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult Education Quarterly | 2.1 | SAGE | Broad adult learning theory |
| Studies in Continuing Education | 2.5 | Taylor & Francis | International policy and practice |
| International Journal of Lifelong Education | 1.8 | Taylor & Francis | Lifelong learning globally |
| Journal of Workplace Learning | 1.9 | Emerald | Professional development |
This journal excels in UK-centric yet global adult education coverage.
Researcher Tips for Successful Submission
- Align your work closely with the journal's scope in adult and continuing education programs.
- Ensure robust methodology and clear implications for practice.
- Use Rate My Professor for networking with experts.
- Proofread for APA compliance and originality.
- Consider faculty jobs in education to contextualize research.
- Engage with recent issues for citation opportunities.
Incorporate feedback from peers before submission to strengthen your manuscript.