So…I went searching for an article to use in exploration of trends for adult education. I wanted something that is both current and research-based. I found a large number of articles, but frankly, they tended to be advertisements for post-secondary institutes selling their programs disguised as articles, or blog opinions that didn’t have the research base I was looking for. Where I did find articles with evidence of research, they tended to be dated. I really wanted to look at trends post 2020 - preferably post 2022. I suspect that circumstances of the COVID years have had and will continue to leave a long lasting impact on adult education. Also, any discussion of trends has to include technology, and if it is going to be current, that has to include the advancements of Artificial Intelligence (AI) since 2022.

What did I find? Well, I really enjoyed this article from Benavot et al (2022) on Reimagining adult education and lifelong learning for all: Historical and critical perspectives.

Benavot et al took a long step back to look at adult learning and education (ALE) globally. The article discusses international trends in terms of:

ALE as an accessible right for all people
Acknowledgement of the necessity of ALE for sustainable development
Acknowledgement of both the informal and formal aspects of education as a lifelong endeavour, and call for the measurable, institutionalized and professionalized government of ALE
The application of humanistic concepts to ALE, which demonstrates mutual respect and recognizes local contexts, cultures and languages, yet simultaneously provides education that encourages learners to encounter different knowledge and historical traditions

Umm…wow. There is some pretty heavy stuff in there. I also found a 2022 version of If the World were 100 People, which helps bring a whole different context to these issues. Education related statistics are shown from minutes 2:26 through 2:45.

I think the trends in adult education that I am experiencing have some commonality with the article by Benevot et al, but, let’s face it - it’s highly improbable that my future as a teacher will influence access to education for the people in rural Africa. Maybe I should consider trends on a bit smaller scale.

My Examination of Adult Education Trends

So…as I want to look at trends in adult education that are a bit closer to home, I looked at some relevant articles on-line. I also looked at publications like Faculty Focus, Academica Group, and University World News. Here are the trends I saw in the headlines, the subject matter, and the advertisements:

A Focus on the Adult Learner - understanding adult learners, their needs, their risks, strategies for teaching them, how to personalize their education, and how to accommodate their wellbeing were in this grouping. This would also include recognition that adult learning is for life.
Humanism in Education - these included respect, diversity, equality, equity, ethics, access, accountability, social responsibility, etc. Education is at the forefront in humanistic thinking.
Innovations in Programme Delivery - this varied from digital and on-line options, asynchronous learning, microschools or micro-credentialing (vs. full degrees), and integrating learning as “games” or social media. This also recognizes formal and informal learning environments.
Collaboration and Partnerships - academia, the business world, industry, and educational delivery options are partnering to make adult learning accessible, scalable, and easier for educators and adult learners.
Technology - here I saw digitization and on-line delivery comes hand-in-hand with technological advancements. And the volume of articles on AI are explosive. What is emerging. How teachers and students can use it. Where it can be useful. Where there are dangers. There were so many discussions about the unknowns of AI as a technology that seems to be pervasively taking over so many domains, and the resultant instability and opportunities.

So What?

Well, I believe I am on the right track. I am an adult learner myself, and I am taking courses to help me better understand how I can effectively participate in the future of education. I am using this opportunity to explore these trends and think critically about them. For example, being honest, I confess that I am biased against AI. However, I have to acknowledge that I will not be able to function if I don’t learn about it, because AI is going to influence my world whether I’m on board or not.

A Final Thought

I thought I would share Brené Brown’s story about a pilot’s concept of “living beyond human scale.” When we talk about current advancements in technology - especially AI - this exactly describes how I feel about the current pace of change. I recommend listening to it here in her podcast with Barrett Guillen. The story I am referring to goes from minutes 4:00 - 8:15. Thanks for joining me in my rambling thoughts, and I will post again soon!

~ Jennifer

Resources:

Academica Group. Resourced October 16, 2024 at https://academica.ca/

Benefit, A. Hoppers, C.O., Lockhart, A.S. et al. (2022, May 30). Reimagining adult education and lifelong learning for all: Historical and critical perspectives. In International Review of Education 68, 165-194 (2022). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11159-022-09955-9

Brown, B., Guillen, B. (2024, May 15). Brené Brown and Barrett Guillen reflect on the “living beyond human scale” podcast series. Dare to Lead. https://brenebrown.com/podcast/the-living-beyond-human-scale-podcast-series-2/

CityUniversity in Canada. (2024). The future of continuing education: Trends to watch. https://www.cityuniversity.ca/the-future-of-continuing-education-trends-to-watch/

Earth Management TV. (2022, June 29). If the world were a village of 100 people (2022 Edition). YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=clEXfXkAAi0

Faculty Focus. Resourced October 16, 2024 at https://www.facultyfocus.com/

Klepper Training Academy. (2024). Key trends shaping adult and vocational education in 2024. https://klepper.edu.au/key-trends-shaping-adult-and-vocational-education-in-2024/

Riipen. (2024, March 2027). Top 6 trends in higher education: Expert insights for 2024. https://www.riipen.com/blog/trends-in-higher-education

Statistics Canada. (2001, May). Report on adult education and training in Canada: Learning a living. Catalogue no. 81-586-XIE. https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/en/pub/81-586-x/81-586-x1998001-eng.pdf?st=Mn8PPUve

University World News. Resourced October 16, 2024 at https://www.universityworldnews.com

Vander Ark, T. (2017, September 21). 10 current and emerging trends in adult learning. Getting Smart. https://www.gettingsmart.com/2017/09/21/10-current-and-emerging-trends-in-adult-learning/