Your search found 1974 results.

Descriptors:
Academic Achievement; Achievement Gap; Oral History; Males; Informal Education; Nonformal Education; Church Role; Churches; Clubs; Family Influence; Blacks; Adults; African Americans; African Culture; Community Programs

Abstract:
This study examines how and why peoples of African descent access and utilize community-based pedagogical spaces that exist outside schools. Employing a theoretical framework that fuses historical methodology and border-crossing theory, the researchers review existing scholarship and primary documents to present an historical examination of how peoples of African descent have fought for and redefined education in nonschool educative venues. These findings inform the authors' analysis of results from an oral history project they conducted into how Black Bermudian men utilized learning spaces outside schools, such as the family, Black church, and athletics clubs, to augment their personal and scholastic development. Based on their historical and empirical research findings, the authors argue that educational actors (including teachers, administrators, policy makers, and researchers) focused on school-based issues like the academic achievement gap would do well to recognize the impact learning spaces outside of schools may have on student scholastic success, particularly for minority men. (Contains 2 notes.) Note:The following two links are not-applicable for text-based browsers or screen-reading software. Show Hide Full Abstract

Related Items: Show Related Items

Full-Text Availability Options:

More Info:
Help | Tutorial Help Finding Full Text |  More Info:
Help Find in a Library |  Publisher's website

Descriptors:
Nonformal Education; After School Education; Educational Research; Informal Education; Youth Programs; Photography; Radio; Computer Uses in Education; Art Activities; Music Activities; Film Production; Creative Activities; Leisure Time; Learning Theories; Advocacy; Foreign Countries

Abstract:
Schools do not define education, and they are not the only institutions in which learning takes place. After-school programs, music lessons, Scouts, summer camps, on-the-job training, and home activities all offer out-of-school educational experiences. In "Learning at Not-School," Julian Sefton-Green explores studies and scholarly research on out-of-school learning, investigating just what it is that is distinctive about the quality of learning in these "not-school" settings. Sefton-Green focuses on those organizations and institutions that have developed parallel to public schooling and have emerged as complements, supplements, or attempts to remediate the alleged failures of schools. He reviews salient principles, landmark studies, and theoretical approaches to learning in not-school environments, reporting on the latest scholarship in the field. He examines studies of creative media production and considers ideas of "learning-to learn"--that relate to analyses of language and technology. And he considers other forms of in-formal learning--in the home and in leisure activities--in terms of not-school experiences. Where possible, he compares the findings of US-based studies with those of non-US-based studies, highlighting core conceptual issues and identifying what we often take for granted. Many not-school organizations and institutions set out to be different from schools, embodying different conceptions of community and educational values. Sefton-Green's careful consideration of these learning environments in pedagogical terms offers a crucial way to understand how they work. (Contains 17 notes.) Note:The following two links are not-applicable for text-based browsers or screen-reading software. Show Hide Full Abstract

Related Items: Show Related Items

Full-Text Availability Options:

More Info:
Help | Tutorial Help Finding Full Text |  More Info:
Help Find in a Library |  Publisher's website

Descriptors:
Children; Adolescents; Teaching Methods; Cognitive Processes; Simulation; Student Attitudes; Statistical Analysis; Immersion Programs; Second Language Learning; Summer Programs; Resident Camp Programs; Cultural Activities; Aesthetics; Nonschool Educational Programs; Nonformal Education; Interviews; Qualitative Research

Abstract:
How do young people experience camp, and how might that experience help us expand our understanding of what is possible in non-formal learning environments? In-depth interviews consisting of forced-choice and open-ended questions were conducted with 59 Concordia Language Villages residential camp participants who partake in a linguistically and culturally enriched grand simulation. This study focused on (1) quantitative assessments of their sense of safety and belonging, and (2) open-ended questions about the nature of the camp environment in general and as a learning place. From the qualitative data, we distilled participants' sense of camp as a learning place by analysing their responses in terms of theoretically-driven categories of "thinking space" qualities and data-driven categories of "experience space" qualities. As a thinking space, participants described the camp environment as a safe space characterized by support for thinking and development, room for identity-supportive interactions, room to experiment, and a place with mentoring adults and a second-home feeling. As an experience space, they emphasized the centrality of the program's daily activities (particularly simulations), the qualities of the people around them (diverse and community-focused), the physical setting of the program (particularly its aesthetics) and the instructional methods used (particularly language and cultural immersion). The relationship of these findings to our understanding of the nature of the thinking and experience spaces as program-specific and program-general phenomena is discussed. Note:The following two links are not-applicable for text-based browsers or screen-reading software. Show Hide Full Abstract

Related Items: Show Related Items

Full-Text Availability Options:

More Info:
Help | Tutorial Help Finding Full Text |  More Info:
Help Find in a Library |  Publisher's website

Descriptors:
Adolescents; Foreign Countries; Volunteers; Nongovernmental Organizations; Learning; Interviews; Altruism; Nonformal Education; Models; Semi Structured Interviews; Motivation; Educational Mobility

Abstract:
This paper revisits the more conventional approaches of volunteering, by looking into the experiences of young people involved in long-term cross-border volunteering in Romania. Drawing on qualitative interviews with European Voluntary Service volunteers, the paper examines how this experience is intersecting their learning trajectories. The research argues that volunteering is more complex than previously assumed and calls for a way to overcome the inertia that positions it as inherently altruistic. It argues that hosting organisations and young people may hold different expectations and notions of volunteering. Whilst organisations seem to understand volunteering as a "gift of time", for young people volunteering is rationally driven and instrumental for learning. The paper argues that cross-border volunteering has a silent educational potential that remains underutilised and grounded in an established rhetoric of learning as inherent when volunteering. Ultimately, the article calls for organisations to be proactive in enhancing their educational potential and to embrace deliberate strategies that support volunteers learning. (Contains 5 notes.) Note:The following two links are not-applicable for text-based browsers or screen-reading software. Show Hide Full Abstract

Related Items: Show Related Items

Full-Text Availability Options:

More Info:
Help | Tutorial Help Finding Full Text |  More Info:
Help Find in a Library |  Publisher's website

Descriptors:
Higher Education; Educational Environment; School Holding Power; Interpersonal Relationship; Foreign Countries; Electronic Learning; Distance Education; Online Courses; Web Sites; Electronic Publishing; Social Networks; Internet; Web 2.0 Technologies; Student Motivation; Teacher Student Relationship; Story Telling; Educational Technology; Vocational Education; Communities of Practice; Nonformal Education; Marketing; Public Relations; Computer Mediated Communication; Media Literacy; Architecture; Computer Oriented Programs

Abstract:
As web applications play a vital role in our society, social media has emerged as an important tool in the creation and exchange of user-generated content and social interaction. The benefits of these services have entered in the educational areas to become new means by which scholars communicate, collaborate and teach. Social Media and the New Academic Environment: Pedagogical Challenges provides relevant theoretical frameworks and the latest research on social media the challenges in the educational context. This book is essential for professionals aiming to improve their understanding of social media at different levels of education as well as researchers in the fields of e-learning, educational science and information and communication sciences and much more. Contents include: (1) Future Learning Spaces: The Potential and Practice of Learning 2.0 in Higher Education (Charlotte Holland and Miriam Judge); (2) How Social Design Influences Student Retention and Self-Motivation in Online Learning Environments (Derek E. Baird and Mercedes Fisher); (3) Student-Faculty Communication on Facebook: Prospective Learning Enhancement and Boundaries (Laurentiu Soitu and Laura Paulet-Crainiceanu); (4) Integrating Mobile Learning, Digital Storytelling and Social Media in Vocational Learning (Miikka Eriksson, Pauliina Tuomi, and Hanna Vuojarvi); (5) Enhancing Social Presence and Communities of Practice in Distance Education Courses through Social Media (Lori B. Holcomb and Matthew Kruger-Ross); (6) Framing Non-Formal Education through CSR 2.0 (Bogdan Patrut, Monica Patrut, and Camelia Cmeciu); (7) Social Media Audit and Analytics: Exercises for Marketing and Public Relations Courses (Ana Adi); (8) Functions of Social Media in Higher Education: A Case Study (Violeta Maria Serbu); (9) A User's Perspective on Academic Blogging: Case Study on a Romanian Group of Students (Mihai Deac and Ioan Hosu); (10) Uses and Implementation of Social Media at University: The Case of Schools of Communication in Spain (Maria-Jesus Diaz-Gonzalez, Natalia Quintas Froufe, Almudena Gonzalez del Valle Brena, and Francesc Pumarola); (11) Web Use in Public Relations Education: A Portuguese Example (Sonia Pedro Sebastiao); (12) Social Media Usage among University Students in Malaysia (Norsiah Abdul Hamid, Mohd Sobhi Ishak, Syamsul Anuar Ismail, and Siti Syamsul Nurin Mohmad Yazam); (13) Social Media and other Web 2.0 Technologies as Communication Channels in a Cross-Cultural, Web-Based Professional Communication Project (Pavel Zemliansky and Olena Goroshko); (14) E-Learning Records: Are There Any to Manage? If so, How? (Luciana Duranti and Elizabeth Shaffer); (15) The Influence of Twitter on the Academic Environment (Martin Ebner); (16) Academic Perspectives on Microblogging (Gabriela Grosseck, Carmen Holotescu and Bogdan Patrut); (17) The Impact of Social Media on Scholarly Practices in Higher Education: Online Engagement and ICTs Appropriation in Senior, Young, and Doctoral Researchers (Antonella Esposito); (18) Digital Literacy for Effective Communication in the New Academic Environment: The Educational Blogs (Ruxandra Vasilescu, Manuela Epure and Nadia Florea); (19) Implementation of Augmented Reality in "3.0 Learning" Methodology: Case Studies with Students of Architecture Degree (Ernest Redondo, Isidro Navarro, Albert Sanchez and David Fonseca); and (20) Digital Social Media Detox (DSMD): Responding to a Culture of Interconnectivity (Theresa Renee White). Note:The following two links are not-applicable for text-based browsers or screen-reading software. Show Hide Full Abstract

Related Items: Show Related Items

Full-Text Availability Options:

More Info:
Help | Tutorial Help Finding Full Text |  More Info:
Help Find in a Library |  Publisher's website

Descriptors:
Functional Literacy; Adult Learning; Adult Students; Statistical Analysis; Nonformal Education; Literacy Education; Adult Literacy; Urban Areas; Females; Surveys; Individual Characteristics; Cultural Influences; Sociocultural Patterns; Participation; Program Design; Church Programs

Abstract:
The promotion of adult functional literacy programs per se, neither creates the necessary motivation for learning, nor enhances the participation of adult learners in work-oriented or socio-cultural functional literacy programs. The task in learning-teaching transaction is to create the enabling environment for harnessing and enhancing learner-related factors that influence the learners' successful and significant participation. The research sets out to investigate, analyze, and establish the factors, which influences urbanite woman learners-participation in adult functional literacy programs of selected churches in Accra. Study used survey method to collect data from study area in Nima and Maamobi, East Ayawaso sub-district of Accra, and chi-square test for statistical analysis. Three classes of factors were identified: (1) Internal factor (or the bio-psychosocial characteristics of learner, such as adult's experience and perception) which most influenced the urbanite learner-participation; (2) External factor related to the cultural setting and organization; and (3) Integrated factor which constitutes the interplay of both internal and external factors. Integrated factor contributed the least level of influence. Findings established a crucial foundation that adult functional literacy programs designed, deployed, and developed with learner-friendly models utilizing internal factors, will most enhance learner-participation in both work-oriented and socio-cultural functional literacy programs in continuing education. (Contains 1 figure and 7 tables.) Note:The following two links are not-applicable for text-based browsers or screen-reading software. Show Hide Full Abstract

Related Items: Show Related Items

Full-Text Availability Options:

 ERIC Full Text (123K) |  More Info:
Help Find in a Library

Descriptors:
Qualitative Research; Grounded Theory; Data Analysis; Questionnaires; Computer System Design; Information Technology; Semi Structured Interviews; Professional Personnel; Nonformal Education; Undergraduate Study; Workplace Learning; College Curriculum; Relevance (Education); Guidelines; Group Activities; Lifelong Learning; Experience; Computer Science Education; College Instruction

Abstract:
This exploratory qualitative study examines computing professional's memories of their own formal and non-formal educational experiences, their reflections on how these have prepared them for their professional roles, and their recommendations for an "ideal" undergraduate degree program. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews of experienced computing professionals. Ongoing on-the-job learning is a natural part of professionals' work lives. Participants indicate that important elements in an undergraduate degree program include foundational computing topics, development of critical thinking and communications skills, and a strong emphasis on experiences similar to those encountered in a professional position, such as complex, realistic group projects. Specific programming languages and technologies should be used only as practice in solving problems and learning on one's own. (Contains 2 tables.) Note:The following two links are not-applicable for text-based browsers or screen-reading software. Show Hide Full Abstract

Related Items: Show Related Items

Full-Text Availability Options:

More Info:
Help | Tutorial Help Finding Full Text |  More Info:
Help Find in a Library |  Publisher's website

Descriptors:
Foreign Countries; Learning; Access to Education; Readiness; Student Centered Curriculum; Recognition (Achievement); Prior Learning; Informal Education; Nonformal Education; Lifelong Learning; Models; Qualifications

Abstract:
This article considers the value of flexibility and free choice in learning, and examines the increasing recognition of the evolving and wide range of appropriate environments for learning, such as the workplace, the home, the community, and the virtual world. This "Lifeplace Learning" is compared to the requirements and visions of the European Qualifications Framework and it is shown how this concept is ideally placed to satisfy, not only the European vision of freeing and equalising learning and qualification recognition, but also the goals of including more people in education, allowing for flexible and apposite learning, and the development of graduates who are "fit for purpose". A model of Lifeplace Learning is described that is based on the utilisation of any chosen life place environment for learning, combined with learner negotiated objectives, enabling formal, informal and non-formal learning to be recognised through assessment, and by the awarding of credit where this is appropriate. The model has, at its core, the development of competence in independent judgement, critical thinking, personal autonomy and reflective practice. It is concluded that, as traditional learning models deprive learners of a personal, autonomous and negotiated approach to learning (without which learners fail to develop critical competence in exercising independent judgment and critical thought considered essential and core to personal and professional development) and as Europe is striving to increase the recognition of many types of learning and ease transitions across national boundaries, this model could be an effective way forward to resolve the former and achieve the latter. (Contains 2 tables.) Note:The following two links are not-applicable for text-based browsers or screen-reading software. Show Hide Full Abstract

Related Items: Show Related Items

Full-Text Availability Options:

More Info:
Help | Tutorial Help Finding Full Text |  More Info:
Help Find in a Library |  Publisher's website

Descriptors:
Nonformal Education; Evaluation Utilization; Program Evaluation; Accountability; Extension Education; Land Grant Universities; Program Improvement; Capacity Building

Abstract:
Increasing demands for accountability in educational programming have resulted in increasing calls for program evaluation in educational organizations. Many organizations include conducting program evaluations as part of the job responsibilities of program staff. Cooperative Extension is a complex organization offering non-formal educational programs through land grant universities. Many Extension services require non-formal educational program evaluations be conducted by field-based Extension educators. Evaluation research has focused primarily on the efforts of professional, external evaluators. The work of program staff with many responsibilities including program evaluation has received little attention. This study examined how field based Extension educators (i.e. program staff) in four Extension services use the results of evaluations of programs that they have conducted themselves. Four types of evaluation use are measured and explored; instrumental use, conceptual use, persuasive use and process use. Results indicate that there are few programmatic changes as a result of evaluation findings among the non-formal educators surveyed in this study. Extension educators tend to use evaluation results to persuade others about the value of their programs and learn from the evaluation process. Evaluation use is driven by accountability measures with very little program improvement use as measured in this study. Practical implications include delineating accountability and program improvement tasks within complex organizations in order to align evaluation efforts and to improve the results of both. There is some evidence that evaluation capacity building efforts may be increasing instrumental use by educators evaluating their own programs. Note:The following two links are not-applicable for text-based browsers or screen-reading software. Show Hide Full Abstract

Related Items: Show Related Items

Full-Text Availability Options:

More Info:
Help | Tutorial Help Finding Full Text |  More Info:
Help Find in a Library |  Publisher's website

Descriptors:
Adult Education; Foreign Countries; Lifelong Learning; Religion; Ceremonies; Confucianism; Scholarship; Graduate Students; Professional Identity; Professional Development; Performance Contracts; Universities; Masters Degrees; Courses; Measures (Individuals); Readiness; Undergraduate Students; College Faculty; Administrators; Test Validity; Test Reliability; Study Abroad; Foreign Workers; Andragogy; Educational History; Educational Philosophy; Cognitive Style; Cultural Differences; Cross Cultural Studies; Adult Students; Older Adults; Coping; Theories; Aging (Individuals); Adult Programs; Program Effectiveness; Job Skills; Personnel Selection; Surveys; Research; English Only Movement; Bilingual Education; Labor Force; Productivity; Academic Libraries; Special Libraries; Adult Educators; College Programs; Nonformal Education; Womens Education; Rural Education; Geographic Regions; Differences; Regional Characteristics; Attitudes; Competence; Comparative Analysis; Focus Groups; Interpersonal Competence; Cultural Pluralism; Armed Forces; Measurement

Abstract:
The Commission on International Adult Education (CIAE) of the American Association for Adult and Continuing Education (AAACE) provides a forum for the discussion of international issues related to adult education in general, as well as adult education in various countries around the globe. The following purposes summarize the work of the Commission: (1) To develop linkages with adult education associations in other countries; (2) To encourage exchanges between AAACE and associations from other countries; (3) To invite conference participation and presentations by interested adult educators around the world; and (4) To discuss how adult educators from AAACE and other nations may cooperate on projects of mutual interest and benefit to those served. The Commission holds its annual meeting in conjunction with the AAACE conference. The following papers are presented at the 2012 CIAE Pre-Conference: (1) Religious Rites and Celebrations As Frameworks for Lifelong Learning in Traditional Africa (Mejai B.M. Avoseh); (2) A Confucian Model for Scholarly Development (Elizabeth Anne Erichsen and Qi Sun); (3) The Use of Learning the Contract Within a University Setting in an Italian University (Monica Fedeli, Ettore Felisatti, and Mario Giampaolo); (4) The Cross-Culture Readiness Exposure Scale (CRES) (Emmanuel Jean Francois); (5) International History and Philosophy of Andragogy: Abbreviated for 2012 with Newer Perspective and Insights (John A. Henschke); (6) Exploring Cross-Cultural Learning Styles Differences of African and American Adult Learners (Alex Kumi-Yeboah and Waynne James); (7) An Educational Preparatory Program for Active Aging: Preliminary Results Based on Proactive Coping Theory (Ya-Hui Lee, Hui-Chuan Wei, Yu Fen Hsiao, Liang-Yi Chang, and Chen-Yi Yu); (8) Global Work Competencies and the Identification and Selection of Candidates for Expatriate Assignments (Arthur Ray McCrory); (9) Adult Education/Learning in South Africa: Promises and Challenges (Matata Johannes Mokoele); (10) Cross-Cultural Use of Surveys and Instruments in International Research: Lessons Learned From A Study in Turkey and the United States (Claudette M. Peterson, Anita Welch, Mustafa Cakir, and Chris M. Ray); (11) English Only? English-Only Policies, Multilingual Education and its Ramifications on Global Workforce Productivity (Orlando A. Pizana and Alex Kumi-Yeboah); (12) Reflections On A Research Experience at an International Treasure: The Alexander N. Charters Library of Resources for Educators of Adults (Lori Risley); (13) Bridging Adult Education Between East and West: Critical Reflection and Examination of Western Perspectives on Eastern Reality (Qi Sun and Elizabeth Anne Erichsen); (14) The Challenges and Prospects of Adult Education Programmes in Nigerian Universities (Nneka A. Umezulike); (15) The Perceived Impact of Women for Women International (WFWI) Non-formal Learning Programmes for Rural Women in Nigeria (Loretta C. Ukwuaba and Nneka A. Umezulike); (16) Perceptions of Needed Attitudinal Competencies Compared by Geographical Region (Helena Wallenberg-Lerner and Waynne B. James); (17) Identifying Intercultural Sensitivity Competencies Through Focus Group Research (Melanie L. Wicinski and Arthur Ray McCrory); and (18) Measuring Intercultural Sensitivity at the Army Medical Department Center and School: The IRB Process--Challenges and Lessons Learned (Roberta E. Worsham and Melanie L. Wicinski). Individual papers contain figures, tables, references and footnotes. Note:The following two links are not-applicable for text-based browsers or screen-reading software. Show Hide Full Abstract

Related Items: Show Related Items

Full-Text Availability Options:

 ERIC Full Text (1332K)