This book examines how adult education is influenced by and has an influence on the society in which it takes place. It presents a clear analysis of the development challenges and sociological realities of the adult education context and explores the potential of adult education to help African countries and communities achieve their developmental goals. Issues discussed include: adult education, social change and development; community education; race, ethnicity and religion; social class and gender; empowerment; democracy; health and HIV/AIDS; poverty and debt; globalisation and the environment.

Presenting psychology as an applied discipline that can help adult educators be more effective in their work, this book analyses the cultural factors that influence the characteristics, behaviour and thinking of adult learners. It emphasizes the collective orientation of African cultures and the view of the self in terms of interdependent relationships within a community. The chapters provide an introduction to the psychology of adult learning and address the following: characteristics of adult learning; life span development; human motivation and participation; learning styles; facilitating adult learning; and guidance and counselling of adult learners.

This book presents key concepts, information and principles that should underlie the practice of adult education in African contexts. It assumes that adult educators should have a historical perspective on the current educational context, understand how the colonial experience has impacted on indigenous traditions and be aware of the philosophical underpinnings of adult education activities. The chapters introduce the foundations and history of adult education in Africa; philosophy and adult education; socio-cultural, political and economic environments; opportunities and access for adult learners; gender and development in adult education; adult education as a developing profession; information and communication technology; globalization and adult education; and policies and structures of lifelong learning

This book identifies quantitative, qualitative and multi-method approaches, and is based upon existing research methods teaching in Africa. It is grounded in African adult education contexts and draws on material and experiences from research courses taught in African universities. It emphasises the importance of combining quantitative methods with qualitative research that is embedded in adult education contexts and that builds on indigenous knowledge. Examples of the contexts addressed in the book include: village communities, agriculture development workers, literacy and income generation projects, community policing strategies, brigades, vocational training centres, mass health awareness campaigns such as HIV/AIDS, work-based education and training, management development, needs analyses, and the training of adult education trainers.

This book is a logical progression from The Sociology of Adult and Continuing Education. The author takes a completely new approach to the subject and puts forward a model of adult learning which is analysed in depth. This model arises from the results of a research project in which adults analysed their own learning experiences.

We recognize that our society and demands for lifelong learning changes rapidly, and needs to continue to be rapidly effectively infused in changing forms into the teaching and learning process. Conversations about Adult Learning in Our Complex World focuses the study of adult learning to address the issues of living and learning within a complex world- the epitome of the 21st century. Readers will find that this book is valuable for a wide variety of professors, researchers, practitioners, and students in fields related to adult learning and adult education as it reveals emerging research and trends relevant for today and tomorrow. Moreover, this publication represents some of the most innovative and thoughtful scholarship resulting from the work of the Adult Higher Education Alliance and, arguably, the field of adult education. The book is arranged thematically in five sections, each one dealing with a domain where intercultural competence and other fundamental skills may improve the learning experiences for adult learners. The sections include, The Learning Environment and Authentic Teaching, Interculturally Competent Classroom Practices, Programming for Adults—Redesigning University to Serve Adult Learners, Professional Development, Teacher Training, and Leadership Development, and Meaningful Assessment of Programs for Adults.

Adult Learning: A Design for Action: A Comprehensive International Survey contains the proceedings of the International Conference on Adult Education and Development held in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, in June 1976, under the auspices of the International Council for Adult Education. The papers explore ideas and actions for carrying out a design for development that recognizes the centrality of adult education and of the participation of the people in development decisions. This book consists of 29 chapters and begins with a discussion on the role of adult education in development as well as expanded concepts of development for action. Case studies of adult education in a number of countries are presented, including Guinea Bissau, Hungary, Indonesia, Mozambique, Vietnam, and member states of the Arab League. The following chapters focus on the role of short cycle and community colleges in development; workers' participation for development; distance teaching alternatives in education and for development; and the impact of agricultural extension on development. This monograph will be of interest to educators and policymakers.