Since the concept of lifelong learning came to prominence much excellent work has been undertaken but, as Professor Longworth's new book shows, major change in some areas is still needed if the concept of learning from cradle to grave is to become a true reality. Using his unique vantage point from consulting with schools, universities, local, governmental and global authorities, Professor Longworth brings the development of lifelong learning bang up-to-date with a complete survey of the principles of lifelong learning including examples from around the world and crucial information on the impact of lifelong learning on 21st century schools.

Lifelong Learning is now central to the Hong Kong education reform agenda. As a recent Education Commission Report put it, 'lifelong learning is the key to Hong Kong's success'. This book focuses on the post-secondary, continuing and professional education (CPE) sector. It includes contributions from Hong Kong practitioners in the field as well as from eminent international scholars who are well acquainted with CPE in Hong Kong. The book is in three parts. The first part traces recent developments in CPE in Hong Kong and offers an up-to-date account of policy, programmes and provision. A profile of lifelong learners, drawing on recent research findings, is also provided. In the second part, practitioners from a diverse range of subject disciplines offer their perspectives on the issues. This part of the book contains a wealth of ideas and examples illustrating the practice of lifelong learning in Hong Kong. The third part examines the forces shaping post-secondary education in Hong Kong and explores emergent issues. Topics discussed include: the convergence of higher and continuing education, work-based learning, cross-border collaborations with mainland China, Hong Kong vocational education and training policy, and the legal challenges posed by on-line learning. Written primarily for academic managers and teachers in the adult and continuing education sector, this book will also be of interest to (postgraduate) students of lifelong learning, comparative education researchers, CPE policy-makers, employers and human resources managers. It is a timely contribution to the current debate on the future shape of education in Hong Kong. The two Editors' combined experience in tertiary sector teaching and administration totals 57 years. They are now both working in the School of Professional and Continuing Education, The University of Hong Kong (HKU SPACE). John Cribbin is the School Secretary and Registrar; a graduate of University College London and Leicester University, he has previously worked at King's College London and the UK Open University. Peter Kennedy is a Senior Programme Director responsible for programmes in the fields of human resource management and training, as well as in English and theatre studies.

This book explains and demonstrates how indigenous communities – built on traditional knowledge, culture and language – can be extended and strengthened by (1) the new, integrated methodology of Lifelong Action Learning (LAL), and (2) new approaches to learning and development as exemplified by the system of GULL (Global University for Lifelong Learning). The GULL system harnesses the potential of people to bring about positive change together, characterized by self-reliance, financial independence, and cascading learning and benefits to others. It is a self-directed and self-sustainable process of learning and growth. The case studies in this book provide evidence that over time economically very poor communities can achieve transformations that bring with them many benefits personally, professionally and for the community. This book manages to accomplish an almost impossible goal—to be both deeply inspirational and highly practical all at the same time. Professor Mary Brydon-Miller, USA I was sold on this book from the foreword – the need to rethink how we think about and ‘do’ education is emerging as a ‘hot topic’ among academics. Professor Lesley Wood, South Africa All development practitioners and students should study this book carefully, as should aid bureaucrats and aid donors. Dr Chad Perry, Australia In this book Ortrun Zuber-Skerritt and Richard Teare invite us to re-think, re-evaluate and re-create our views of learning. Associate Professor Doris Santos, Colombia In this new book, the authors present challenging and original models for encouraging community and social development work. Drawing on a Lifelong Action Learning (LAL) approach, they challenge Western-dominated approaches to learning, encouraging the development of local solutions for local needs. Dr Pip Bruce Ferguson, New Zealand By bringing education to the people, rather than people to education, they create the possibility for real personal, organizational and community learning on-the-ground in developing countries. Dr Ron Passfield, Australia The genius of this book is its simplicity. It provides a sound approach to addressing the holes in our mainstream approaches to education, training, development and in living together in communities, through providing a new understanding of ‘lifelong action learning’ and how to achieve it through proactively cultivating and passing on local knowledge. Dr Frank Thompson, Africa. I believe this book has the potential to transform the century old teaching and learning paradigm that is failing many countries to one that is futures oriented and transformational in nature. This is a book that all educators need to read and to consider within their own learning context. Dr Margaret Fletcher, Australia This book will be useful to international community developers, educators and researchers - especially if they are looking for alternative ways of successfully improving living conditions for disadvantaged and subsistence communities. Associate Professor Wendy Rowe, Canada

This text outlines the future roles of schools, business and industry, higher and adult education. Using examples of learning communities that are adapting for the future, the author describes the conditions which lifelong learning can accelerate as an agent for change.

In covering the essentials of action learning, this title returns to the basics and most powerful aspects of the subject. It is not a book of theory, but rather of practice. Application of action learning in a variety of settings is explored, with guides to programme design and how-to information.

Lifelong learning has developed enormously as a distinct area of study within education in recent years not least because numerous governments and educational strategists have become very vocal supporters of new ways of learning throughout all stages of life. This guide to the topic brings together new writing from some of the leading thinkers in the field to offer a broad ranging and detailed snapshot of the position to date. The book provides a critical summary of current developments in understanding adult learning and the social context in which they are located. This provides a background for the framing of issues and the problems that emerge in institutional and non-formal contexts of lifelong learning. Students undertaking courses of study in this area as well as a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate students in a variety of professional areas will find the material essential reading.