Tectonic Boundaries: Negotiating Convergent Forces in Adult Education

Much like how tectonic plates interact, this volume explores the convergent, divergent, and transforming interaction of multiple forces pressing against adult contemporary education. Presenting multiple perspectives and environments, topics covered include: possibilities and requirements for change that will be needed in curriculum, philosophy, programs and practice, strategies for negotiating the interactive boundaries of a dynamic, complex, fluid global environment, and case studies and examples from theory, pedagogy, technology, healthcare, workplace, society, and policies. This is the 149th volume of the Jossey Bass series New Directions for Adult and Continuing Education. Noted for its depth of coverage, it explores issues of common interest to instructors, administrators, counselors, and policymakers in a broad range of education settings, such as colleges and universities, extension programs, businesses, libraries, and museums.

Autorentext

Volume Editor:
Carmela R. Nanton is Professor of Education, and Chair of the Professional Education Program in the MacArthur School of Leadership, Palm Beach Atlantic University. As Founder and CEO of Carmel Connections Inc. she is a leadership strategist and business consultant. Series Editors:
Susan Imel is professor emerita at Ohio State University. Jovita M. Ross-Gordon is a professor in the College of Education at Texas State University. Joellen E. Coryell is associate professor in the College of Education at Texas State Universty.

Inhalt
EDITOR'S NOTES 5
Carmela R. Nanton 1. Understanding Adult Learning in the Midst of Complex Social Liquid Modernity 9
Aliki Nicolaides, Victoria J. Marsick

This chapter describes the increasing complexity and fluidity of the contemporary contexts in which adult learning is occurring from various theoretical perspectives. The multidimensional nature of adult education is explored from simple, complicated, and chaotic learning contexts, culminating in a proposed generative, complexity learning approach for expanding individual and societal capacity.

2. Literacy Development and Language Expression for Adult Learners in Transition 21
Clarena Larrotta, Ji Yoon Christine Moon

Adults face many transitions in their lives. This chapter highlights some of those transitions through case examples, identifies a growing gap in relation to adult learners' access to reentry adult programs, and addresses literacy and language expression as key factors for successful transitioning and goal achievement.

3. Educating African American Women Through Job Clubs 31
Traci L. Hodges, E. Paulette Isaac-Savage

This chapter highlights the challenges of African American women as adult learners who are faced with the persistent challenge of long-term unemployment. Faith-based job clubs are presented as holistic communities of practice for developing personal adaptability, social network relationships, and new career identities.

4. Interactive Influences on Health and Adult Education 41
Lilian H. Hill

This chapter examines the complex interconnected factors affecting health care in a global environment, addresses the learning and analytical needs of self-directed adults, and proposes an educational model for understanding adult education's responsibilities for human health in the various contexts of learning in society.

5. Competing in the World's Global Education and Technology Arenas 53
Simone C. O. Conceição

Technology as a transforming force in adult education delivery has presented opportunity for adult learners to compete in the global arena. Intergenerational differences and characteristics are identified, and the need of adult educators and adult programs to address these differences, using learning-based approaches to design dynamic learning environments is articulated.

6. What Our Ancestors Knew: Teaching and Learning Through Storytelling 63
Randee Lipson Lawrence, Dennis Swiftdeer Paige

The use of storytelling past and present is presented as formal and informal pedagogical methods of adult education and learning. Ethnodrama, fluid sculptures, and counter-storytelling, among other methods, are explored for transformative learning, for challenging master narratives, and as ways to make meaning of adult learner experiences.

7. Taking Care of Business: The Opportunities and Dilemmas for Adult Education in a Changing Economy 73
Ellen Scully-Russ

This chapter highlights how economic changes affect adult education by highlighting workplace demands and the trend toward vocationalism. A renewed lifelong learning imperative is analyzed from human capital, learning society, and life-course frameworks.

8. Challenges for Policy and Standards for Adult and Higher Education 83
Belle S. Wheelan

Illustrations of convergent forces like the economy, funding, government, and technology are presented. Collaborative partnerships are proposed for addressing the challenges and tensions arising from new types of programs, financial aid justification, and the quality of emerging adult programs.

9. Negotiating Boundaries Through Flexibility, Capacity, and Agility in Adult Education 93
Carmela R. Nanton

This chapter summarizes the key concepts of the volume and presents strategic methods for negotiating the complexity of identified forces in light of the framing metaphor.

INDEX 105