Overview
This course will explore different adult education theories and philosophies, including “for-credit” learning in formal education; workplace learning; informal, self-directed learning; and public pedagogy (i.e., informal learning that takes place in public spaces, popular culture, and political struggle). We will also consider the role and purpose of adult education for the individual and for society. Readings have been carefully selected from older, foundational literature, along with readings that explore more recent issues in adult learning. The readings will help us consider contemporary issues and realize that the study of adult learning has its own history.
Outline
The course is divided into the following units:
- Unit 1: “It’s Only Theory”: The Role of Theory in Our Practice and Why Theory Is Important
- Unit 2: Further Understanding the Theoretical Foundations of Adult Education
- Unit 3: Education and a Just Society
- Unit 4: Reconciliation and Decolonization of Adult Education and Learning
- Unit 5: Public Pedagogy
- Unit 6: Bringing It All Together
Learning outcomes
After completing this course, you should be able to
- understand the origins of the modern practice of adult education;
- understand and articulate the role of theory and different approaches/purposes in adult education;
- explain the individual and social dimensions of adult learning;
- demonstrate a considered position on the philosophy and practices of self-directed learning;
- identify different approaches to emancipatory learning (learning for a just society) and make strong arguments for a particular view; and
- understand the nature of public pedagogy for our time.
Evaluation
In this course, the student's final grade will be composed of the following:
| Activity | Weight |
| Assignment 1: Learning Journal (6 submissions at 5% each) | 30% |
| Assignment 2: Making Sense of Theory and Theorists (paper) | 20% |
| Assignment 3: Adult Education Outside the Classroom (creative project) | 25% |
| Participation | 25% |
| Total | 100% |
Please note that some changes in schedules and/or specifics of assignments may be made from time to time by individual instructors.
Materials
All course resources are provided online.