The Significance of Adult/Community Education

Darcey commented on Groups 1,  2,  & 3.
Vince commented on Groups 1,  2,  & 3.

Darcey Mitschelen

and

Vincent Stults

Ball State University

EDAC 631

Here is Our E-Archive

Roles: Darcey Wrote Summary Article. Gathered Ideas for E-Archive
           Vince Wrote E-Archive. Gathered Ideas for E-Archive

What follows is a summary on the subject of what we have learned over the course of our work completing several projects concerning Adult and Community Education for ECDAC631.  We both collaborated extensively on how to approach and design this project. We have detailed how we arrived at these thoughts on our E-Archive. The archive is written to convey in a non-technical way what we have learned about adult education, outlining for the public key ideas about what adult education is, and how it can benefit them. The summary is simply that, a means of summarizing these thoughts in a simple synopsis, Thank you for reading and please visit our E-Archive and explore this group blog to see what we have been learning.

Here is a link to our E-Archive for EDAC631.

We also made a video for you: "Adult Educations is..."

 

 

The Significance of Adult/Community Education

When discussing adult/community education it is important to consider three main components: the student, the educator, and the field. A closer look at each component will reveal significant aspects that contribute to and shape the overall experience of adult education. Together, they help to bring a focus to the broad definition of adult/community education – “...activities intentionally designed for the purpose of bringing about learning among those whose age, social roles, or self-perception define them as adults” (Merriam & Brockett, 2007,  p. 8).

Significant Aspects

The Adult Student

Collectively, the following student aspects provide an understanding of the uniqueness of adults as learners and the instruction challenges they bring to the classroom. The adult student:
•    Comes to the classroom with experiences and a history.
•    Utilizes prior experiences to base learning and to solve problems.
•    Advances prior understanding to a deep level through the use of the five senses.
•    Demonstrates potential through both informal and non-formal education opportunities.

The Adult Education Educator

The adult educator must respond to the ever-changing social and economic demands of the times to keep adult education important and relevant. The use and inclusion of technology, including social media and computerized instruction, assists in developing skills that are being demanded by the business world. Additionally, the educator:

•    Acknowledges awareness of the importance of the senses and create opportunities to connect emotional experiences with content to enhance understanding, memory, and recall.
•    Collaborates with other educators and programs across the state, federally and internationally building a resourceful adult educational presence.
•    Understands and supports the need for continual professional development to provide both educator and students with the best tools and practices.

The Field of Adult/Community Education

The Field is responsible for the global understanding of adult/community education. It assists in defining the broader stroke of the umbrella in which adult/community education exists. Additionally, it supports research and publication in efforts to further the field. The Field:
•    Is central to lifelong learning as it encompasses all of learning in adulthood.
•    Promotes lifelong learning and citizenship for adults of all backgrounds.
•    Provides formal education and supports non-formal and informal means of learning.
•    Recognizes that true student success is dependent on personal, professional, and academic achievements and understands its responsibility for providing instruction in all those areas.

Conclusion

    It is through the combined efforts of the student, the educator, and the field that adult/community education experiences growth and success. Each provides commitment and dedication that allows for meeting the ever changing needs of our world, creating a new generation that not only embraces the challenges of the day, but welcomes the opportunity to leave a renewed legacy.

Reference

Merriam, S. B., & Brackett, R. G. (2007). The profession and practice of adult education.
 San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.