Adult Education in Changing Times: Policies, Philosophies and Professionalism

Of importance to all educators, practitioners and academics in adult education, training and lifelong learning, Adult Education in Changing Times explores the realities of adult education practice in the current economic and political climate, set against the backdrop of the changes in philosophy, policy and practice over the past thirty years.

In addition to examining the broader international picture, the text draws on recent specific research into the careers of 62 adult educators in England and New Zealand. It presents their perspectives on how their values, work and career expectations have been affected by funding and policy pressures in an increasingly insecure environment, and how they manage and respond to the contradictions between their beliefs and the expectations placed upon them. The text draws out the implications for adult education and lifelong learning and examines how they can be used to inform future training and development, policy and practice.

This is an original, accessible and up-to-date account of practice that will advance critical discussion of professionalism in adult education internationally