Final Paper/E-Archive

Charlene commented on Group 1 and 5
Becky commented on Groups 1 and 2 for the final paper/e-archive
Jessica commented on groups 2 and 4

Group 3- Final Paper

Ball State University

Charlene Jackson

Becky Moening

Jessica Kirby

Important Aspects of Adult & Community Education

·         Adult/Community education has deep historical roots. (CJ)

o   Although many tend to believe that adult education began in the early twentieth century, it was actually practiced in various formats well before it became recognized as a field of study. In the 1860’s adult education in the United States included apprenticeships for many new immigrants, literacy education for former slaves, and vocational training for adults from various backgrounds. Booker T. Washington and Peter Cooper were instrumental in revolutionizing adult education in the 1860’s.

·         Adult experience is key. (CJ)

o   Adults bring a wealth of experience into the learning environment. It is important to recognize the unique experiences and backgrounds of every adult learner. Adult educators should act as facilitators and help adult learners recognize the value and importance of their experiences.

·         Adult/community education is essential for immigrants seeking citizenship. (CJ)

o   Foreign-born adults residing in the United States face a number of challenges on the pathway to citizenship. Adult education for immigrants can take the form of English as a Second Language (ESL) classes, local programs that encourage community engagement, or preparation classes for the U.S. Naturalization/Citizenship test.

·         Adult Education is many things and is hard to define. (BM)

o   Before this class, when I thought about adult education, I simply thought about adults going back to school, sitting in classrooms. I never really thought about community events as adult education or any of the other million ways we talked about that could count as adult education. I am amazed at how blinded I have been in the past by my own thoughts.

·         Booker T. Washington did a TON for adult education. (BM)

o   I have known that name for as long as I can remember, but I always thought he was just a ‘history’ guy. I didn’t know he was such an influential part of adult education. It makes me wonder how many other ‘history’ people that I underestimate what they did for our country.

·         The many different programs and organizations that were discussed by the groups has impressed me and opened my eyes. (BM)

o   I have always known there were programs and organizations that did these sort of things, but until I actually researched a few of them and read about the others, it again just makes me reflect on how narrow minded I have been in the past about things. There are so many resources for people, and it’s just a matter of finding what you need/knowing what you need. It’s a great feeling to realize there is help out there for people who seek it.

·         Adult education is more about learning than teaching. (JK)

o      Adults bring their own experiences and needs into the classroom, so adult educators must take those things into consideration. Rather than teaching material, adult educators should work to create environments that foster learning and discovery so that adult learners are able to draw their own conclusions about new knowledge.

·         There is no “typical” adult educator. (JK)

o   Because the field of adult/community education is so vast, the characteristics of those who serve as educators in this field are widely varied. It’s almost impossible to define an adult educator by one concrete set of characteristics. When we study the field of adult education, we must keep in mind that not only are the students quite diverse, but the educators are as well.

Our Ideas of Adult/Community Education

·         Becky Moening

o   Adult/community education is anything that improves the life of adults/communities. This can be in the way of classes, workshops, programs, museum visits, and tons of other interactions. There can be group or individual education. It's about making each and every one of us better.

·         Charlene Jackson

o   Adult/community education takes place in formal classroom settings, in everyday activities such as reading a newspaper or magazine, or during a fitness class at a local gym. Whenever an adult is involved in an activity that leads to learning, he/she is participating in adult/community education.

·         Jessica Kirby

o   Adult/community education is any activity in which an adult actively engages in learning or discovering new knowledge and/or skills either individually or as part of a group. This happens in a variety of locations and covers a very wide range of topics, but every adult education opportunity should be designed to help adults grow personally or professionally.

Our E-Archive

http://group3edac631.wix.com/edac-group-3