“Griff Foley has done those of us who are interested in adult learning a favour… Dimensions of Adult Learning provides an up-to-date, internationally relevant and comprehensive overview of an increasingly diverse field of study… an ideal introduction to the field for teachers, researchers and policy-makers." Journal of Education and Work “[The book] lives up to its ambitious name and has something to offer policy-makers and practitioners who want to take a fresh look at the expanding world of adult learning.” Talisman “This timely and valuable book makes an important contribution to our understanding of key recent developments in adult education and their significance. Reflecting the increasingly global nature of scholarship in the field, well-respected international contributors analyse issues facing practitioners today and consider how these can be most positively embraced to further the international cause of adult learning and social justice.” – Janet Hannah, University of Nottingham. This broad introduction to adult and post-compulsory education offers an overview of the field for students, adult educators and workplace trainers. The book establishes an analytical framework to emphasise the nature of learning and agency of learners; examines the core knowledge and skills that adult educators need; discusses policy, research and history of adult education, and surveys innovations and issues in adult education and learning. It also examines adult learning in different contexts: on-line learning, problem-based learning, organisational and vocational learning. Edited by internationally known academic Griff Foley, the book features chapters from leading contributors in the UK, North America, Australia and worldwide. Contributors: Damon Anderson, Francesca Beddie; Carmel Borg; Bob Boughton; Mike Brown; Shauna Butterwick; Tara Fenwick; Laurie Field; Keith Forrester; Vernon Galloway;Andrew Gonczi; Nancy Grudens-Schuck; Joce Jesson; Linda Leach; Peter Mayo; John McIntyre; Paul McTigue; Mike Newman; Tom Nesbit; Kjell Rubenson; Peter Rushbrook; Tom Sork; Barbara Sparks; Bruce Spencer; Peter Stephenson; Nelly Stromquist; Lucy Taksa; Mark Tennant; Shirley Walters; Michael Welton

Group learning plays a central role in contemporary education and training. Studying collaboratively has been shown to directly enhance student learning, as well as being valued as a 'key skill'. This handbook covers the essential elements of groupwork in adult and post-compulsory education, in an accessible and practical format. It discusses the principles underpinning groupwork, looking at origins and developments in the field, and delves into the technical aspects of group development and the dynamics involved in working groups, drawing on key theoretical perspectives and embedding them in adult education. The chapters promote participative learning through dialogue, discussion and creative activities. With over twenty years real experience of groupwork, the author provides: A set of flexible resources that you can adapt and develop for your own learning environments A series of activities and exercises which can be linked into the stages of group development Ideas for innovative learning programme design Methods that integrate group dynamics with the learning needs of the group A comprehensive definition of key terms Adult Learning in Groups is a vital handbook for anyone working in adult, higher and post-compulsory education.

This book is the first that provides a comprehensive overview of the way countries, education systems and institutions have responded to the call for an integration of learning for work, citizenship and sustainability at the Second International Conference on Technical and Vocational Education which was held in Seoul in 1999. Discussions on the central theme of the Seoul Conference - lifelong learning and training for all, a bridge to the future – led to the conclusion that a new paradigm of both development and Technical and Vocational Education (TVET) was needed. This book showcases the wide range of international initiatives that have sought to put such exhortations into practice. It includes: case studies of national TVET policy reforms, reoriented curricula, sustainable campus management programs, and examples of innovative approaches to integrating learning in TVET with on-the-job training and in community service. It also focuses on the issues and challenges being faced and ways of moving forward. Case studies feature initiatives in a wide range of world regions and countries, and include authors from: UK, Germany, Finland, Canada, USA, Australia, South Africa, China, Republic of Korea, India, Pakistan and the Philippines.

“This is a timely and important book which seeks to reclaim universities as places of learning. It is jargon free and forcefully argued. It should be on every principal and vice-chancellor's list of essential reading.” Jon Nixon, Professor of Educational Studies, University of Sheffield The ability to have or to find space in academic life seems to be increasingly difficult since we seem to be consumed by teaching and bidding, overwhelmed by emails and underwhelmed by long arduous meetings. This book explores the concept of learning spaces, the idea that there are diverse forms of spaces within the life and life world of the academic where opportunities to reflect and critique their own unique learning position occur. Learning Spaces sets out to challenge the notion that academic thinking can take place in cramped, busy working spaces, and argues instead for a need to recognise and promote new opportunities for learning spaces to emerge in academic life. The book examines the ideas that: Learning spaces are increasingly absent in academic life The creation and re-creation of learning spaces is vital for the survival of the academic community The absence of learning spaces is resulting in increasing dissolution and fragmentation of academic identities Learning spaces need to be valued and possibly redefined in order to regain and maintain the intellectual health of academe In offering possibilities for creative learning spaces, this innovative book provides key reading for those interested in the future of universities including educational developers, researchers, managers and policy makers.

"a rich inter-weaving of carefully articulated critical stances... It is impossible, in a short review, to do justice to the quality and variety of all these perspectives... The result is strong coverage of the territory set out in the title, in ways that many working in the field will find valuable." (Phil Hodkinson, Journal of Education for Teaching) Universities are undergoing a series of profound changes. One of the more pronounced of these involves the partnerships that are now being formed between business enterprises and higher education. The emergence of these partnerships has much to do with the changing economy, which is increasingly based around knowledge and information - the traditional stock-in-trade of the university. Knowledge capitalism has given a renewed impetus to higher education. One expression of this is work-based learning, which challenges the scope and site of the university curriculum. This book analyses this development from a number of perspectives: critical, historical, philosophical, sociological and pedagogical. Its various contributors argue that work-based approaches contain much that is challenging to the university, and also much that could help to create new frameworks of learning and new roles for academics. Working Knowledge offers a comprehensive examination of the new vocationalism in higher education.

This book is an easy to read, practical guide that will show you what reflection is and how you can do it successfully. Assuming no prior knowledge, it introduces you to ten essential ingredients to becoming an effective reflective practitioner. Chapters will equip you with evidence-based understanding and ideas for application to your own situation, and support you to become an emotionally resilient, self-aware individual who can reflect and improve on your practice. In clear and supportive language, Nicola Clarke will guide you on your journey to developing the crucial reflection skills you need for your career as a nurse. The book includes: • A step by step exploration of what reflection involves • Ways to develop the skills you will need to do your own reflection • A ‘how-to’ approach to using reflective models • Practical and jargon-free guidance on how to reflect • A chapter on reflective writing • Chapters about qualities you will need in your reflection, such as being person-centred and empathetic The Student Nurse’s Guide to Successful Reflection is a must-have text for all nursing students as well as useful reading for those involved in supporting them. With a Foreword by Theo Stickley, Associate Professor, University of Nottingham, UK. “Reflection is a ‘way of being’ encompassing many ingredients. Clarke, with great thoroughness and care, introduces these, constructively supporting students towards developing self-insight and understanding of others. Her advice, explanations, illustrations and exercises are lucid and paced, helping nurses towards sufficient strength to undertake the developmental change which effective reflective practice brings. And to become practitioners who are far more than competent: nurses who are calmly self-aware, receptive and perceptive.” Gillie Bolton, PhD, former Senior Research Fellow, Medicine and the Arts, King’s College London, UK "Reflection is a much discussed topic in nursing, but some students find it difficult to reflect on their own practice. Nicola Clarke’s ten essential ingredients provide a clear and explicit guide to effective reflective practice and as such this should be a key text for all student nurses. The chapters of this new text offer clear learning outcomes, practical advice and models to follow in order to develop a genuine, honest and balanced reflective writing style. It is an engaging and informative read which promotes understanding of this important process." Anita Savage Grainge, RMN, RGN, RNT, Senior Lecturer, University of York, UK “An engaging book, which deals with the complexity of reflection in a clear, logical and in-depth manner. Developed around her extended definition of reflective practice, Clarke clearly and logically enables the reader to build their understanding of reflective practice by focusing on her ten ingredients. The structure of the book, focusing on two ingredients in each chapter, allows Clarke to provide clarity whilst at the same time showing the reader how the ingredients fit together to build a whole that is greater than the sum of its parts. The focus on critical and analytic skills as well as person-centredness based on Rogers’ core conditions provides a strong theoretical basis for students to understand reflective practice. The use of questions and examples throughout are engaging and will be useful for students and tutors alike. I think this book will be excellent for all healthcare workers – students and qualified alike. Whilst it is aimed at nurses, the principles apply across healthcare. I think it is a real gem and certainly the best book I have read about reflective practice.” Dr Rosie Stenhouse, Nursing Studies, University of Edinburgh, UK “Readers, I anticipate, will find this book informative, challenging and rewarding. It will, however, require focus and concentration to absorb and digest the considerable information the author has gleaned over many years. The book draws on extensive reading, research, teaching and observation of how individuals grow and develop as a result of adopting reflection into their daily lives. Warming to the style and content of the book, I was relieved to find that, unlike some others that approach the same topic, it does not purport to convey the essence and benefits of reflection by utilising inaccessible language, relying on unintelligible descriptions and conflating disparate models to a point where students are left bewildered and at a loss to know how to start their reflective practice. Much of the appeal of this book is that it is clearly written, logically presented and readily accessible, avoiding the jargon that sometimes characterises narratives about reflection. The reader will be impressed by the thoughtful layout which is designed to show that the acquisition of knowledge is not reducible to a set of simple tasks. It is the result of being able to manage the process of deepening one’s understanding of reflection, internalising its values and cognitive practices and applying its behavioural components to the various forms of engagement that nurses enter into in the course of their work. Acquiring self-knowledge is not a one-off activity, but a life-long incremental process. Three voices permeate the text – that of students, theorists and the author - each providing different perspectives which are skilfully integrated. The text could be used by students working alone or in groups, or it could provide thematic material running across several modules. While informative, it is not prescriptive. Students are encouraged to undertake exercises which are designed to deepen their understanding of and internalise what they have learned whilst constantly analysing what reflection means to them and how they elect to put it into practice. I was especially pleased to see the importance of emotions in the learning process recognised and how Socratic learning methods can become part of the behavioural repertoire of the student. A subtext in the book relates to inclining students to assume responsibility for their own learning which requires them to realise what it is that has to be achieved and recognise when it has been attained. I was impressed by this book and the conversational tone of the narrative. It recognises that the learning mind is vulnerable and that inducting students into exploring what it is to be human is one of the highest forms of care. I imagine that important reasons for writing this book at this time are the ever-expanding content of curricula, the excessive demands on lecturing staff, and the relentless pressure in clinical settings which mean that many staff do not have the time to stand back, take stock and review where they have got to. I believe Nicola Clarke has made a significant contribution to nursing literature in highlighting an aspect of learning that can only become more important as further changes take place in health care provision. This text would be high on my reading list were I to start my nurse training over again.” Peter Nolan, Professor of Mental Health Nursing (Emeritus) “Reflection is often a misunderstood concept for nursing staff. This book demystifies what is essentially a complex subject and makes it accessible in an easy to read format. Nicola Clarke’s passion for reflection shines throughout this book. As you progress there are a number of exercises and action points which allow you to experience the reflection process in your own learning. This is supplemented with case studies which bring the learning to life. Each chapter also benefits from a succinct end of chapter summary to reinforce your understanding. I would like to commend the author as this is a well-timed addition to the body of knowledge for mental health nursing students and is relevant now as it will be in the future. I would recommend this book to all nurses and I will be referring my students to this book as an essential text on their journey to discover their reflective voice.” Manyara N Mushore, Course Director, BSc Mental Health Nursing, London South Bank University, UK

This book begins from the perspective that organizational effectiveness will be improved if the individuals within the organization are engaged in developing professionally. It takes the individual as the key resource of any institution and the notion of professional development as the key to the learning of educational managers. This book offers both theoretical and practical perspectives on the key components of professional development linking reflection and knowledge with skills and capabilities. It then takes educational managers on to consider the systems and tasks which they have to undertake in managing the professional development of others - from selecting the right person for the job to setting up appropriate appraisal systems. This book provides educational managers and those interested in the field with an introduction to the processes and skills which they will need in managing educational establishments both now and in the future. This volume forms part of the Leadership and Management in Education series. This four book series provides a carefully chosen selection of high quality readings on key contemporary themes in educational management: professional development, reflection on practice, leadership, team working, effectiveness and improvement, quality, strategy and resources. The series will be an important resource for classroom teachers and lecturers as well as those holding designated management posts in schools and colleges and will provide a valuable basis for professional development programmes.