This article, a conceptual and theoretical piece, opens a window on "playful learning" as a philosophy of education and a suite of diverse pedagogical approaches, methods, and techniques. The paper criticizes the serious ambience of adult education with its high levels of instrumentalism and performativity. It argues for playful learning…

Many have defined the artist-teacher, most notable Alan Thornton (2013), who outlines the artist-teacher as an individual who practices making art and teaching art and is dedicated to both activities as a practitioner. However, this definition does not specifically define the artist-teacher in adult community learning (ACL). This article considers…

This review of the literature offers an analysis of ways in which the theory and pedagogical concepts of cosmopolitanism have been employed across research in adult education contexts. Twenty-nine research articles and dissertations on cosmopolitanism and adult education, conducted in various geographical locations and adult education contexts,…

The paper examines critically the dimension of empowerment in the European discourse, starting from some operational definitions used in official documents. The author analyses the shift in the European documents from 2000 to recent years, from a lifelong learning vision to an adult education approach, basically labour market-oriented, thus…

Since 2015, as part of our work for the European Agenda for Adult Learning, L&W and its partners across the UK have been researching and discussing the impact of adult learning. We have done this through the Impact Forums established in 2014 which meet in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales every quarter. For these meetings we…

This 2015 updated capsule on a History and Philosophy of Andragogy includes nine new items and is mainly limited [with a few exceptions] to a chronological history and the accompanying philosophy of andragogy, in line with when the English language documents were published and personal descriptions of events were recorded. Some of these documents,…

International travel has the potential to expand one's learning horizons exponentially, especially with the abundantly enriching experiences of adult, continuing, and lifelong learning conferences. CONFINTEA VI (The Sixth World International Conference in Adult Education) sponsored by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural…

This paper advocates for policy recognition of lifelong learning by institutions of higher learning and governments in Eastern Africa. Lifelong learning and lifelong education are two concepts that aim at widening access to and the participation of adult learners in the acquisition of new knowledge, skills, values and attitudes. There are many…

This article queries how one type of human difference--alterity, the experience of multiple distinct consciousnesses, or "alters," by one person--is pathologized in American culture. This experience is inscribed as a mental illness, labeled now as dissociative identity disorder (DID) and formerly known as multiple personality disorder (MPD). In…

Discusses definitional issues and tensions around adult development theory. Presents a typology of developmental theories: biological, psychological, sociocultural, and integrative. (SK)

This collection of four papers (each with a response) given at a 1987 symposium focuses on a renewed consideration of literacy in America and its implications for national, state, and local policy. The papers include "Definitions of Literacy" (Richard L. Venezky); "Literacy for What Purpose?" (Larry Mikulecky); "Measuring…

An operational definition of computer literacy for higher education is offered after reviewing various views concerning literacy and computer literacy. Some writers have specified levels of expertise beyond that of nonuser, ranging between the casual end-user and the programmer. Other definitions emphasize the computer as a tool and the importance…

Defines adult education as every adult's intentional efforts at self-education, alone and with others, in all human situations, including when the self-educator is facilitating the learning of other self-educators. Self-educating as an attitude, and a practice is offered as a sound basis for the profession of adult education. (SK)

This briefing paper endeavours to highlight the challenges facing refugees and asylum seekers in the United Kingdom in accessing education, training and employment. It does not claim to cover all the issues but is intended as a starting point for providers of adult learning and/or advice. It initially sets out the facts about definitions and…

Andragogy continues to generate discussion and capture the imagination of many adult educators. However, early critics have been joined by an increasing number of educators, researchers, and practitioners who question andragogy's theoretical and practical efficacy. This article reviews the nature of the andragogy debate and advances a revised…