This book tells the story of Fielding Graduate University, an institution that started a radically innovative doctoral program in the 1970s, and initiated many changes that have been widely adopted ever since. Fielding's founders, a colorful group of publicly engaged scholar-practitioners, were visionaries intent on creating a new kind of educational experience for adults. They were utopians who set out to realize a mission of social change and comprehensive institutional innovation. Now that the learning model of this pioneering program has moved into the mainstream of higher education, Fielding's story is particularly pertinent today. Increasingly, questions are being raised about how doctoral education should be delivered, and whether traditional programs are equipping their graduates with the knowledge and competencies they need to succeed. Fielding's experience, which is vividly captured in this highly readable account, offers a lens and a mirror for many people in higher learning who are engaged in institutional innovation and in redesigning doctoral education for the 21st century.

The Adult Learner: Some Things We Know addresses the "warrior" who rises to the challenge of teaching the adult learner. The discussion is designed as a catalyst for dialogue about the adult learner and to uncover the complexities of teaching this rare and riveting species. This book is organized around three interlocking themes: some things we know about the adult learner; some things we know about change; and some things we know about professional development. In the process of reading the book, the reader gets a glimpse into the research that supports the theory of the adult learner, into the principles that guide the learning practices of the adult learner, and into the strategies that "work in the work setting" for the adult learner.

NIACE is an energetic and bustling organisation. It has over 120 staff undertaking over 70 research and development projects each year. This book is a series of reflections from contributors who have shared in the life of the organisation, whether by being involved directly as staff or as volunteers from the adult education profession.

Professional learning initiatives in schools come and go, and the constant cycling through programs can resemble fad diets--hype and hope followed by crash and burnout. In this timely book, professional learning providers Kasia M. Derbiszewska and T. Nicole Tucker-Smith share concrete strategies that will help you design professional development sessions that are compelling, convincing, and sustainable using the framework of Universal Design for Learning. Learn to recognize and reduce common barriers to effective PD. In each chapter, the authors clearly address the Purpose, Preparation, Implementation, and Benefits to Learning for each aspect of professional learning, as well as UDL Tidbits that help ensure the health and longevity of the initiative. If you are ready to take the leap toward creating healthy and sustainable professional learning, jump into the chapter that is most relevant to your needs. Get ready to consider the whole adult learner and apply practical strategies for cultivating and maintaining healthy, vibrant professional development that has a track record of success.

This white paper outlines the Government's proposals to foster and encourage informal adult learning. Informal adult learning is part-time, non-vocational learning where the primary purpose is not to gain a qualification but learning for its intrinsic value. People participate for enjoyment and are driven by their desire for personal fulfillment or intellectual, creative and physical stimulation. Activities cover a huge range, from dance classes and book clubs, visits to museums, galleries and historic properties, online research, volunteer projects. Such activity contributes to the health and well-being of communities by building the confidence and resilience of the individuals involved, developing social relationships, and acting as a stepping stone to further learning and skill development. The Government will establish a clear identity for informal learning and promote four initiatives: a Learning Pledge; a Festival of Learning; an Open Space Movement and a Transformation Fund of £20 million. Partner organisations from the private and public sector will be invited to contribute to the strategy. Increased access to informal adult learning will be addressed through: widening learning opportunities for older people; reaching out to the disadvantaged; developing a package of support for community learning champions; increasing availability of informal working in the workplace. Technology and broadcasting are seen as crucial in transforming the way people learn: 65 per cent of all households now have an internet connection and 90 percent of the population has at least one digital television. Government will act as a catalyst, investing additional funding in building the capacity and linkages that enable innovative learning opportunities to flourish.

Support the growth and development of all adults—teachers, principals, and superintendents—in your school community! Educators need different kinds of supports and challenges over the different stages of their lives. Drago-Severson’s developmental model of learning-oriented school leadership draws from multiple knowledge domains to help school and district leaders understand how to support professional growth. This volume: Details four Pillar Practices for growth—teaming, providing leadership roles, collegial inquiry, and mentoring Presents research from practicing leaders across the nation Includes resources to assist you in applying this learning-oriented model to your school and school system