This article explores the discursive work done by different notions of professional development in adult education. In particular we outline the ways in which the discourses of technical expertise, competence and reflective practice are deployed to mobilise professional practices and identities in particular ways and position certain practices and…

The qualification of adult educators is a central aspect of the quality of adult education. However, within current policy discourses and adult education research on the professional development of prospective adult educators, little attention is paid to teacher qualification when compared to other fields of education and training. In this study,…

Reviews three recent books (by Gessner, Calvert, and Nowlen) that investigate how the changing economic, political, and social context affects continuing professional education. The focus of each book on individualistic responses to professionalism suggests that professional continuing educators need to be sensitive to the culture of their…