Tectonic boundaries : negotiating convergent forces in adult education

Comprend des références bibliographiques et un index.1. Understanding Adult Learning in the Midst of Complex Social “Liquid Modernity” Aliki Nicolaides, Victoria J. Marsick This chapter describes the increasing complexity and fluidity of the contemporary contexts in which adult learning is occurring from various theoretical perspectives. The multidimensional nature of adult education is explored from simple, complicated, and chaotic learning contexts, culminating in a proposed generative, complexity learning approach for expanding individual and societal capacity.2. Literacy Development and Language Expression for Adult Learners in Transition Clarena Larrotta, Ji Yoon Christine Moon Adults face many transitions in their lives. This chapter highlights some of those transitions through case examples, identifies a growing gap in relation to adult learners’ access to reentry adult programs, and addresses literacy and language expression as key factors for successful transitioning and goal achievement.3. Educating African American Women Through Job Clubs Traci L. Hodges, E. Paulette Isaac-Savage This chapter highlights the challenges of African American women as adult learners who are faced with the persistent challenge of long-term unemployment. Faith-based job clubs are presented as holistic communities of practice for developing personal adaptability, social network relationships, and new career identities.4. Interactive Influences on Health and Adult Education Lilian H. Hill This chapter examines the complex interconnected factors affecting health care in a global environment, addresses the learning and analytical needs of self-directed adults, and proposes an educational model for understanding adult education’s responsibilities for human health in the various contexts of learning in society.5. Competing in the World’s Global Education and Technology Arenas Simone C. O. Conceiçao Technology as a transforming force in adult education delivery has presented opportunity for adult learners to compete in the global arena. Intergenerational differences and characteristics are identified, and the need of adult educators and adult programs to address these differences, using learning-based approaches to design dynamic learning environments is articulated.6. What Our Ancestors Knew: Teaching and Learning Through Storytelling Randee Lipson Lawrence, Dennis Swiftdeer Paige The use of storytelling past and present is presented as formal and informal pedagogical methods of adult education and learning. Ethnodrama, fluid sculptures, and counter-storytelling, among other methods, are explored for transformative learning, for challenging master narratives, and as ways to make meaning of adult learner experiences.7. Taking Care of Business: The Opportunities and Dilemmas for Adult Education in a Changing Economy Ellen Scully-Russ This chapter highlights how economic changes affect adult education by highlighting workplace demands and the trend toward vocationalism. A renewed lifelong learning imperative is analyzed from human capital, learning society, and life-course frameworks.8. Challenges for Policy and Standards for Adult and Higher Education Belle S. Wheelan Illustrations of convergent forces like the economy, funding, government, and technology are presented. Collaborative partnerships are proposed for addressing the challenges and tensions arising from new types of programs, financial aid justification, and the quality of emerging adult programs.9. Negotiating Boundaries Through Flexibility, Capacity, and Agility in Adult Education Carmela R. Nanton This chapter summarizes the key concepts of the volume and presents strategic methods for negotiating the complexity of identified forces in light of the framing metaphor