The Provision of Adult and Community Education in the Northside of Dublin City (original) (raw)

The social value of community based adult education

2011

This article documents the findings of a qualitative study into the social value of community-based adult education in Limerick City. The article demonstrates that participants experience significant improvements in numerous facets of their lives and we argue that it is crucial that we recognise the multiple and inter-connected social impacts that community-based adult education offers to its participants, as well as to the community in which this service is provided.

Targeting social need in a divided society: an evaluation of a community-based adult education initiative

Research in Post-compulsory Education, 1998

This article examines the impact of a community-based adult education initiative designed to target social need in Northern Ireland. Set against a backdrop of extreme civil unrest and disadvantageous socio-economic conditions a cohort of adults was identified to participate in a personal and social development programme. The initiative was funded from Peace and Reconciliation resources made available to Northern Ireland by the European Union. High levels of unemployment and negativity about previous learning experiences were characteristic features among participants. An evaluation of the effectiveness of the programme was carried out and a follow-up qualitative survey ensued 6 months after the completion of the training. Results indicate that the learner-centred methodology was effective in providing a gateway to further education and training and enhancing participants’ self-esteem, confidence, motivation, tolerance, social skills, community involvement and employability.

Tracing Our Roots: Imagining Our Future': Lessons to Learn from the Life Histories of Adult Educators in the Republic of Ireland (1970-2010)

2018

This article seeks to provide a contextual backdrop to this edition’s focus on analysing the changes from the perspective of policy and practice since 2010, through presenting the findings of an in-depth analysis of the life histories of six adult educators, working in the field of adult education in the Republic of Ireland in the decades leading to 2010. Through the reflections of these six adult educators, this article offers the opportunity to trace the roots and legacies of the field and imagine the future, as they had envisioned it, at that given juncture in time.