Lifelong Learning As Critical Action

In this era of economic uncertainty, there has been renewed interest in the benefits of adult and higher education for economic and professional gain. André P. Grace questions this perspective and advocates for a holistic view that also incorporates the social, cultural, and personal benefits of learning as a lifelong pursuit. A detailed and thoughtful critique of the effects of neoliberalism and globalization on adult and higher education, this book examines the quality of lifelong learning in historical and contemporary contexts, with an emphasis on multivariate learner populations and education as a platform for social engagement, ethics, and justice. Weaving together academic analysis and first-person reflections, the author addresses the diverse needs of learners from Canada and around the world in a variety of social and economic situations. An essential text for anyone interested in the development of lifelong-learning policy and practice, Lifelong Learning as Critical Action: International Perspectives on People, Politics, Policy, and Practice is a call to action that challenges readers to engage with lifelong learning as a critical, democratic, and inclusive process.

In this era of economic uncertainty, there has been renewed interest in the benefits of adult and higher education for economic and professional gain. André P. Grace questions this perspective and advocates for a holistic view that also incorporates the social, cultural, and personal benefits of learning as a lifelong pursuit. A detailed and thoughtful critique of the e ects of neoliberalism and globalization on adult and higher education, this book examines the quality of lifelong learning in historical and contemporary contexts, with an emphasis on multivariate learner populations and education as a platform for social engagement, ethics, and justice. Weaving together academic analysis and first-person reflections, the author addresses the diverse needs of learners from Canada and around the world in a variety of social and economic situations. An essential text for anyone interested in the development of lifelong-learning policy and practice, Lifelong Learning as Critical Action is a call to action that challenges readers to engage with lifelong learning as a critical, democratic, and inclusive process.

This book critically reflects on the context in which lifelong learning policies and practices are organized in Europe with contributions of researchers and policy makers in the field. Through a critical lens the book reinterprets the core content of the messages that are conveyed by the European Commission in the “Memorandum for Lifelong Learning”, the most important policy document in the area, which after a decade from its publication still remains the vehicle for all current developments in lifelong learning in Europe. With references to research findings, proposed actions, and applications to immediate practice that have an added value for Europeans –but which either do not appear to correspond directly to what is stipulated by the European Commission, or are completely ignored as part of the lifelong learning process– the book offers an analytic and systematic outlook of the main challenges in creating the ‘European Area of Lifelong Learning’. In times as decisive as the ones we are going through today (both in social and economic terms), a critical perspective of the practices and policies adopted by the EU Member States is essential. The book follows the same structure as the Memorandum in order to debate and critically approach in separate sections the core issues that Europe faces today in relation to the idea of making a ‘European area of Lifelong Learning’. ​

Lifelong learning has developed enormously as a distinct area of study within education in recent years not least because numerous governments and educational strategists have become very vocal supporters of new ways of learning throughout all stages of life. This guide to the topic brings together new writing from some of the leading thinkers in the field to offer a broad ranging and detailed snapshot of the position to date. The book provides a critical summary of current developments in understanding adult learning and the social context in which they are located. This provides a background for the framing of issues and the problems that emerge in institutional and non-formal contexts of lifelong learning. Students undertaking courses of study in this area as well as a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate students in a variety of professional areas will find the material essential reading.

Reconceptualizes local, national, and transnational adult education practices in light of neoliberalism and globalization. Honorable Mention, 2017 Phillip E. Frandson Award for Literature in the Field of Professional, Continuing, and/or Online Education presented by the University Professional and Continuing Education Association This groundbreaking book critiques the boundaries of where adult education takes place through a candid examination of teaching, learning, and working practices in the social periphery. Lives in this context are diverse and made through complex practices that take place in the shadows of formal systems: on streetscapes and farms, in vehicles and homes, and through underground networks. Educators may be family members, friends, or colleagues, and the curriculum may be based on needs, interests, histories, and cultural practices. The case studies presented here analyze adult education in the lives of sex workers, LGBTQ activists, undocumented migrants, disabled workers, homeless youth, immigrants, inmates, and others. Focusing on learning at the social margins, this book challenges readers to reconceptualize local, national, and transnational adult education practices in light of neoliberalism and globalization. Robert C. Mizzi is Assistant Professor of Educational Administration at the University of Manitoba, Canada. Tonette S. Rocco is Professor of Adult Education and Human Resource Development at Florida International University. Her books include Transforming the School-to-Prison Pipeline: Lessons from the Classroom (coauthored with Debra M. Pane). Sue Shore is Professor in Education at Charles Darwin University in Australia and the coeditor (with Peter Kell and Michael Singh) of Adult Education @ 21st Century.

Since the concept of lifelong learning came to prominence much excellent work has been undertaken but, as Professor Longworth's new book shows, major change in some areas is still needed if the concept of learning from cradle to grave is to become a true reality. Using his unique vantage point from consulting with schools, universities, local, governmental and global authorities, Professor Longworth brings the development of lifelong learning bang up-to-date with a complete survey of the principles of lifelong learning including examples from around the world and crucial information on the impact of lifelong learning on 21st century schools.

The Third edition of this well-received and widely used Handbook brings together an entirely new set of chapters, to reflect progress and new themes in the ten years to 2022. Building on the established structure of the first two Handbooks, the four sections focus in turn on: philosophy, history and theory development; fresh perspectives on policy and policy development; emerging programs and new approaches; and re-imagining lifelong learning for future challenges. The Handbook stimulates readers with fresh and timely insights, while exploring anew some enduring themes. New topics and themes introduced in all sections address lifelong learning challenges associated with climate change, the digital world, the rise of populism, migration and precarious living. The Handbook features learning innovations and evolving pedagogies such as intergenerational learning, art as pedagogy to promote public-mindedness, neuroscience enhancing learning effectiveness, and lifelong learning for sustainability. Policy responses to lifelong learning for work and well-being are debated. In state of the art contributions, authors from around the globe focus readers' attention on multifaceted processes, issues and decisions that must be better understood and enacted if inclusive development and fair access to lifelong learning are to become realities for us all.

This book provides an up-to-date, accessible and critical resource relating to contemporary issues and debates in the Lifelong Learning Sector (LSS). This comprehensive book is an essential read, intended to support the numerous modules that cover this theme and striving to encourage readers to become critical, questioning practitioners in the LLS. It offers reflective tasks which focus on key issues and debates in the lifelong learning sector today and each chapter is clearly linked to the Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills (QTLS) standards, so it will provide a practical, useful reader for trainees and staff working in the LLS. The themes that are covered are presented in an accessible yet scholarly and critical format, and are underpinned by recent research as well as policy analysis.