Purpose: The purpose of this report is to demonstrate open and distance education (ODE) can support poverty alleviation. Taking the practices of the Open University of China (the OUC) as an example, this paper aims to reveal how open universities make contributions to local residents in rural and remote areas. Design/methodology/approach: Focusing…

This paper describes the methodological design of a qualitative research strategy that followed the bricolage approach. The research, a qualitative case study, followed the empowerment journey of 12 adult learners in a second chance educational programme, aiming at recording the mechanisms through which the learners were empowered or disempowered.…

In Costa Rica, before 2016 the subject of statistics was not included in the national high school tests in Mathematics. As of 2016, the test, consisting of 60 items, includes 9 statistical items. On the other hand, teachers in their lessons usually use traditional expository methods, mediated by the use of a blackboard and printed materials. In…

This study aimed to examine the impact of workplace literacy programs on the structure of social networks accessible to low-income Somali refugee workers. We conceptualized structure as network size and tie strength. Data were drawn using interviews with eighteen participants enrolled in a workplace literacy program. The classes offered included…

The tradition of leaving high school and finding full-time employment after grade 8 has put Low German-speaking (LGS) Mennonites in rural Southwestern Ontario in a vulnerable economic position. Consequently, alternative education programs have been developed by Ontario public school boards in areas containing high numbers of LGS Mennonites. The…

This article reports on a mixed methods study that investigated aspects of formal, non-formal and informal learning for workers and adult high school learners seeking literacy and essential skills. Three key themes emerged from the qualitative data: motivations for participation in various forms of learning; seeking out informal learning…

The education of students is fundamental to shaping a preferred provincial, national and global future. It is also essential in maintaining Alberta's standard of living and ensuring its global competitiveness. The education system must simultaneously prepare the citizens of tomorrow while equipping the students with the knowledge and skills they…

Eight provinces and two territories have built a Canadian General Educational Development (GED) testing program. The Canadian GED program has a number of major Canadian characteristics that have evolved due to a certain inner logic set in motion as the provinces and territories joined the GED program. In order, these provinces and territories have…

Adult education in the Netherlands is administered under four different branches of government. Formal education or credit-granting courses come under the Ministry of Education and Science. Development of the adult as an individual in his/her social environment falls under the Ministry of Welfare, Health, and Cultural Affairs. Industry training,…

This document consists of English and French versions of a report profiling some of the local, regional, and national professional development opportunities available to workplace education practitioners across Canada. The report begins with an introduction that describes the process used to identify the programs (surveys and interviews with more…

This paper reports on the progress of a project to redevelop the Certificates in General Education for Adults (CGEA) in Australia. It describes the progress to date and the expected next steps, and it lists 10 Accreditation Principles that must be met for a curriculum to be approved. Descriptions of routes for attaining the CGEA (foundation and…

This document is intended to help Australian technical and further education instructors in New South Wales (TAFE NSW) identify teaching principles and learning activities that they can use to help adult learners master the mathematics processes, knowledge, and skills needed to perform basic measurement tasks in today's workplace. The materials…

Because of changes in welfare eligibility, the education system, and employment and training opportunities, it has become more likely that young people who have had difficulty with the mainstream schooling system and who face a lack of employment options will end up in adult education. Educators in the adult education classroom have an opportunity…

Most of the job losses that occurred in New York City after the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center occurred in low-wage jobs held by lower-skilled workers. Many of those affected faced multiple obstacles limiting their employment prospects, including limited literacy and English language skills and a lack of "connections" to…

This volume contains 13 articles that reflect the development of adult education in Israel during recent years. The material relates to the principal areas with which the Division of Adult Education deals: formal and nonformal education for adults, language and cultural absorption of new immigrants, and training of facilitators for parental…