Self-directed learning is a fundamental competence for adults living in our modern world, where social contextual conditions are changing rapidly, especially in a digital age. The purpose of the present article is to review key issues concerning self-directed learning in terms of (1) what are the historical foundations of the self-directed…

Despite popular framings about skills for 21st-century jobs, there are few studies of how new media literacies unfold in workplaces, nor of how professional education programs can build on adult learners' previous experiences to foster effective digital communication practices. We argue that seminaries and divinity schools are a particularly rich…

Increasing numbers of students attending higher education institutions in Ireland take obligatory mathematics modules -- service mathematics -- as part of their programmes of study. A dislike of mathematics is frequently expressed among students, particularly mature students, some of whom experience mathematics anxiety. However, despite their…

Taiwan's university-level vocational education is faced with a growing need to strengthen students' soft skills as a means to increase job market eligibility. Students in Taiwan are usually not equipped with group learning skills in junior and senior high school education. These learning skills, however, are an essential component of a successful…

This paper describes a journey undertaken by literacy tutors who were caught between incompatible values and needs in building apprentices' literacy. The highly literate tutors were committed to teaching critical literacy. They believed that improved literacy could support learners' aspirations to advance their prospects at work, build their…

Quality models for online and blended learning (OBL) have mainly been developed in higher education. The literature indicates that these models are often conceptualised from the providers' perspective. What is important for the quality of OBL from the students' perspective has recently received increased attention in the literature. Consensus…

This article seeks to begin a conversation about pedagogical responses to the current moment. Specifically, I argue that two of adult learning's most venerated practices--transformative learning and the use of personal narrative--are insufficiently nuanced to respond effectively to the political divisions and the epistemological chaos represented…

There is a gap in best practices to teach "hands-on" skills in a blended environment in the physical therapy literature. The purpose of this study was to explore faculty perceptions. A mixed methodology gathered information from faculty who taught or published in blended learning. Data analysis included descriptive statistics and the…

This phenomenological study explored the success of women undergraduate adult learners at a predominantly traditional-aged, mid-size, public master's comprehensive institution in the Midwest. Five women undergraduate adult learners participated in two intensive individual interviews, focusing on how their experiences have facilitated or hindered…

Traditional education and training models are failing to equip many job seekers--especially people of color and individuals living in low-income communities in urban and rural areas--with the skills and experience they need to succeed in today's workforce. This report is about combining the best evidence, practices, and policies to drive a broader…

This study examines the effectiveness of asynchronous learning in a corporate workspace. Education is the basis for success both in a corporate environment and the personal lives of the employees. The challenge is that today's skills in the corporate environment are not always available through higher education. Educating workers is a success…

This qualitative study explores how adult educators use a blended teaching format, that is, the use of face-to-face teaching combined with online technology, to promote cross-cultural understanding between students from different cultures. This study is based upon the following assumptions: (1) cross-cultural understanding can be achieved through…

This book offers critical discussion of developing inclusive theory, practice, and policy that supports the needs and experiences of adult learners within higher education settings in the UK. The first part of the book shares the research of authors, all who have lived experience of their area of expertise, and the experiences and needs of adult…

In this essay, I share reflections on what it meant to teach my book of poetry in an introductory English literature class. The book took inspiration from the philosophy of Emmanuel Levinas, particularly his studies on encountering the other person. Engaging with this text (both the poetry and the philosophy), I consider some of the nuances of a…

Since the 1990s, many researchers in the field of Second Language Acquisition (SLA) have become focused on second/foreign language learners' motivation to learn a language, and the role of motivation in determining future success. However, much of the research agenda has revolved around the acquisition of English as an Additional Language, and…