Publisher's Synopsis
Who is the 'other' in adult education? The term is used here to refer to all those traditionally excluded from the full range of educational opportunities: women; adults with learning difficulties; members of ethnic minorities; older adults; people without conventional educational qualifications. Engaging with Difference is a fresh and stimulating attempt to overcome the worn-out polarities of recent educational thinking, and urges instead a much closer engagement with learners in all their diversity. Among the topics explored are accreditation; open and distance learning; computer assisted learning; learning contracts; community care provision; refugee education; and education for an ageing population. A central theme of the book is autonomy and power in the learning process, and this is reflected in the range of student and tutor voices which are not often heard in educational debate. Engaging with Difference will be of interest to all involved in delivering and planning adult education in further and community education and in university continuing education. It will also appeal to those working in community and social care.