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Kansas State University Libraries

Adult Education Research Conference

Informal learning

2011

Articles 1 - 7 of 7

Full-Text Articles in Education

Critical Transformational Learning In The Post-Postmodern World, Jennifer A. Sandlin, M. Carolyn Clark, Robin Redmon Wright, M. Carolyn Clark Jun 2011

Critical Transformational Learning In The Post-Postmodern World, Jennifer A. Sandlin, M. Carolyn Clark, Robin Redmon Wright, M. Carolyn Clark

Adult Education Research Conference

We examine the modernist underpinnings of traditional adult learning and development theories and evaluate elements of those theories through more contemporary lenses. Drawing upon recent “public pedagogy” literature, we argue that much learning takes place outside of formal educational institutions. We look beyond modernist narratives to consider the possible implications for critical adult learning occurring in and through contemporary fragmented, digital, media-saturated culture.


Perceptions Of Beauty And Identity: The Skin Bleaching Phenomenon In Jamaica, Petra A. Robinson Jun 2011

Perceptions Of Beauty And Identity: The Skin Bleaching Phenomenon In Jamaica, Petra A. Robinson

Adult Education Research Conference

Founded on the significance of the skin bleaching phenomenon in Jamaica, and the persistent influences of colonialism, the purpose of this paper is twofold: (a) to explore the skin bleaching phenomenon and (b) to provide a snapshot of how colonialism (despite national independence) influences perceptions of beauty and identity in Jamaica, particularly through informal learning. Based on an empirical study, the research sought to explore and understand the perceptions and motivations behind the practice of skin bleaching, given the historical and social context, and how it influenced the participants’ perceptions of beauty and identity


What’S The Social Network Got To Do With It?!?: An Adult And Higher Education Evaluation Of Perceptions And Motivations To Study Abroad, Shelbee R. Nguyen, Joellen E. Coryell Jun 2011

What’S The Social Network Got To Do With It?!?: An Adult And Higher Education Evaluation Of Perceptions And Motivations To Study Abroad, Shelbee R. Nguyen, Joellen E. Coryell

Adult Education Research Conference

The purpose of this study was to investigate adult learners’ perceptions and motivations to study abroad as well as the kinds of influences, including popular culture and social networks, that influence adult students to study abroad.


Resonance And The Importance Of Informal Learning In The Literacy Environment, Rebecca Melville Jun 2011

Resonance And The Importance Of Informal Learning In The Literacy Environment, Rebecca Melville

Adult Education Research Conference

This paper describes a study that was done with tutors and students in Frontier College’s Beat the Street/Literacy and Basic Skills program. The study investigated how tutors and students interact and learn from one another in a literacy environment. It was conducted with qualitative methods including focus groups, interviews, reflexive inquiry and ethnographic research. Findings indicate that the informal learning of both tutors and students plays an important role in literacy learning, particularly in creating moments of profound connection that the author refers to as resonance.


A Transformative Dance Through “Language Mountains” And “Blind Spots”: Park Educators Learn Responsiveness To Immigrant Newcomers, Elizabeth Lange, Peter Vogels, Zenobia Jamal Jun 2011

A Transformative Dance Through “Language Mountains” And “Blind Spots”: Park Educators Learn Responsiveness To Immigrant Newcomers, Elizabeth Lange, Peter Vogels, Zenobia Jamal

Adult Education Research Conference

This paper describes a project Learning Language, Learning the Land, created to enhance park accessibility and social belonging for immigrant newcomers by combining language learning and environmental literacy in a city park and provincial park setting. This paper reports on the dialectics of transformative learning for parks staff as they discovered the inappropriateness of didactic methods and how effective adult learning emerges from rapport, educational responsiveness and ethnocultural knowledge. Second, through informal learning, staff became allies in these traditionally white, middle class spaces, helping build a sense of place and social belonging.


Transformative Professional Development In Unlikely Places: Twitter As A Virtual Learning Community, Kathleen P. King Jun 2011

Transformative Professional Development In Unlikely Places: Twitter As A Virtual Learning Community, Kathleen P. King

Adult Education Research Conference

This case study reveals new dimensions of transformative learning occurring through informal learning opportunities. The research results demonstrate that the individual’s learning spans understanding, networking, professional identity development, and transformative learning. Specifically, virtual online communities facilitated through social media provide professional networks and social relationships beyond the scope of the individual’s usual interactions and experience. Discussion and recommendations include using social media and virtual communities as instructional strategies for graduate studies and continued learning beyond formal education. The educational significance includes facilitating transformative learning in informal learning contexts, and using social media and online communities for professional learning.


Learning Lives With/In Digital Media: Emergence Of Online Economy Disputants In The Midst Of Economic Crisis In South Korea, Dae Joong Kang, Seon Joo Choi, Seunghyeop Lee Jun 2011

Learning Lives With/In Digital Media: Emergence Of Online Economy Disputants In The Midst Of Economic Crisis In South Korea, Dae Joong Kang, Seon Joo Choi, Seunghyeop Lee

Adult Education Research Conference

This study aims to understand adult online informal learning illuminating a way of becoming an influential social figure. We interviewed five famous online economy disputants whose postings were very popular in Korea during the global financial crisis in 2008-2009. We explored how they learned and found that their self-directedness interplayed with the context of other- directedness, a sense of being stimulated and indebted enhanced their learning process, and dynamics of anonymity and social recognition were keys to their emergence.