New directions for adult and continuing education, no. 149, Spring 2016

What do geological tectonic plates and the future of adult education praxis have in common? This volume explores the convergent, divergent, and transforming interaction of multiple forces pressing against adult contemporary education. Adult education must become super-flexible as it is positioned at the nexus of these powerful forces. Presenting multiple perspectives and environments, this volume includes suggestions for: (1) possibilities and requirements for change that will be needed in curriculum, philosophy, programs, and practice; (2) strategies for negotiating the interactive...  [+] Show more

What do geological tectonic plates and the future of adult education praxis have in common? This volume explores the convergent, divergent, and transforming interaction of multiple forces pressing against adult contemporary education. Adult education must become super-flexible as it is positioned at the nexus of these powerful forces. Presenting multiple perspectives and environments, this volume includes suggestions for: (1) possibilities and requirements for change that will be needed in curriculum, philosophy, programs, and practice; (2) strategies for negotiating the interactive boundaries of a dynamic, complex, fluid global environment; and (3) case studies and examples from theory, pedagogy, technology, healthcare, workplace, society, and policies. Adult educators will need to become facilitators of capacity development for adult learners and responsive learner-centered programs. The speed of adaptability is directly proportionate to the extent of collaboration between learning communities and governmental, organizational, and policy developers.

Edited excerpt from publication.

Chapters in this volume are as follows: Editor's notes / Carmela R. Nanton (pages 5-7); Understanding adult learning in the midst of complex social 'liquid modernity' / Aliki Nicolaides and Victoria J. Marsick (pages 9-20); Literacy development and language expression for adult learners in transition / Clarena Larrotta and Ji Yoon Christine Moon (pages 21-29); Educating African American women through job clubs / Traci L. Hodges and E. Paulette Isaac-Savage (pages 31-39); Interactive influences on health and adult education / Lilian H. Hill (pages 41-51); Competing in the world's global education and technology arenas / Simone C. O. Conceicao (pages 53-61); What our ancestors knew: teaching and learning through storytelling / Randee Lipson Lawrence and Dennis Swiftdeer Paige (pages 63-72); Taking care of business: the opportunities and dilemmas for adult education in a changing economy / Ellen Scully-Russ (pages 73-82); Challenges for policy and standards for adult and higher education / Belle S. Wheelan (pages 83-92); Negotiating boundaries through flexibility, capacity, and agility in adult education / Carmela R. Nanton (pages 93-104).