The purpose of this book is to shed light on an area of adult education often overlooked and inadequately understood, that of education that takes place outside the formal system-local nonformal education within North America. Through an intensive investigation of five nonformal educational sites (e.g., museums, state parks, literacy, consumer education) involving teaching observations, interviews with educators and learners this book provides a reconceptualization of nonformal education as is presently understood. It offers a clearer and more responsive framework for making sense of different forms of adult education, a better understanding of effective practice in nonformal settings, and insights into how nonformal education can contribute to the practice of formal education.