Resources

Journal Issue.

Briton challenges the dominant depoliticized vision of adult education, calling into question the modernist tenets and moral integrity of contemporary adult education practice. By examining his own struggle to escape the confines of modernist thought, the author delivers a succinct yet decisive critique of modern educational practice and challenges educators to reconceptualize their field of endeavor as a postmodern pedagogy of engagement. In refusing to deny its conjectural foundations, to mask its tenuous structure, or to defend its precarious integrity, the book assumes a form that distinguishes it markedly from its modernist counterparts. In favoring commentary over empirical evidence, a multiplicity of voices over a prescriptive narrative, the development of an ethical attitude toward practice over formulaic prescriptions for practice, and inter- over intra-disciplinary sources to substantiate its claims, this work calls into question a whole range of modernist predilections. By repeatedly breaching the narrowly prescribed parameters of adult education's orthodoxy and constantly promoting reflective inquiry, this book reveals how different, yet equally valid, forms of evidence can be drawn upon to develop an ethical postmodern perspective that calls the modern instrumental practice of adult education into question. (From the Publisher)

Adult educators are increasingly faced with the task of creating and facilitating learning activities for participants from diverse backgrounds. They need to take into account the needs of both male and female learners, learners of different ethnic and racial groups, and learners from different social backgrounds in creating an inclusive adult learning environment. The developing body of literature on multicultural concerns in adult education, on feminist theory and on critical and feminist pedagogies offer some insights in this regard. This publication aims to: (1) synthesise some of the work related to inclusivity and diversity that has already been done in the field of adult education; and (2) examine aspects of the wider literature base on multicultural education and feminist theory and pedagogy that can offer insights specifically for creating inclusive adult learning environments. (From the Publisher)

In Taking Learning to Task, Vella draws from current theory and practice to explore the meaning and power of learning tasks. To illustrate this unique approach, she provides seven steps to planning learning-centered courses, four types of learning tasks, a checklist of principles and practices, critical questions for instructional design, key components for evaluation, and other invaluable tools." "Taking Learning to Task is a hands-on, practical guide to designing effective learning tasks for diverse learners and diverse content. Teachers, trainers, and all types of instructors will find a wealth of advice for refining their day-to-day practice. (From the Publisher)

The Art brims with practical tips on a range of need-to-know topics, including how to plan sessions; set up a class room; facilitate group work; deliver lively lectures; ask questions effectively; generate participation; assign projects; design tests and quizzes; use visual aids; assess courses; and more. (From the Publisher)

Learning from Our Lives is the first professional guide to using educational biography with adult learners. It offers anecdotes and narratives, interpretations and analyses, and numerous examples of different biographical approaches. Written for practitioners who conduct adult educational programs in formal or informal settings, this book can help teachers, trainers, career counselors, and human resource professionals to empower learners in assuming greater responsibility for their education and development. (From the Publisher)