After completing this course, you should be able to
critically discuss the foundations of adult education.
describe the dominant theoretical perspectives in adult education and relate them to practice.
identify and discuss the key social, economic, political, and technological issues that currently affect adult education.
analyze an adult education issue using an integrated approach.
discuss how adult education theory relates to distance education.
express an informed, critical perspective on the purpose of Canadian adult education in a global context
Outline
To help you attain these goals, the course has been designed around seven units:
Unit 1: Exploring the Foundations of Adult Education
Unit 2: Understanding the Social Aspect of Adult Education
Unit 3: Education for Economy
Unit 4: Education for Transformation
Unit 5: Education for Diversity
Unit 6: Education at a Distance: Online and Open
Unit 7: Canadian Adult Education in a Global Context
Evaluation
To receive credit for EDUC 309, you must complete all of the assignments, and achieve at least D (50 percent) on each. The weighting of the course assignments is as follows:
Activity
Weight
Assignment 1: Chapter Review
25%
Assignment 2: Two Short Essays
20%
Assignment 3: Education Program Critique
20%
Assignment 4: Essay
30%
Course Participation: Tutor Contact*
5%
Total
100%
To learn more about assignments and examinations, please refer to Athabasca University’s online Calendar.
*Note: Five per cent of the final grade is based on your participation in the course. You can earn this five per cent by emailing your tutor at the completion of your last assignment and sending a 2–3 paragraph email on how adult ed might address future issues of engagement in society. Mark this email as PARTICIPATION Grade.
Materials
Spencer, B., & Lange, E. (2014). The purposes of adult education: An introduction (3rd ed.). Toronto, ON: Thompson Educational Publishing. (Digital version with code) (Online)
Nesbit, T., Brigham, S. M., Taber, N., & Gibb, T. (Eds.). (2013). Building on critical traditions: Adult education and learning in Canada. Toronto, ON: Thompson Educational Publishing. (Digital version with code) (Online)
Lotz, J., & Welton, M. R. (1997). Father Jimmy: The life and times of Jimmy Tompkins. Wreck Cove, Cape Breton Island, NS: Breton Books. (Print)
Other Materials
All other course materials can be accessed online via the course website
Athabasca University reserves the right to amend course outlines occasionally and without notice. Courses offered by other delivery methods may vary from their individualized study counterparts.