This book examines the experiences of adult learners in times of austerity. The power of adult education to transform lives is well known, and it is especially powerful for those who missed out on educational opportunities earlier in life. Those who have been successful learners in the past are more likely to continue their education and training, making extra support and funding ever-more important: however, in the current economic and political climate, support for adult learning is significantly decreasing. This book sheds light on the experiences of adult learners, despite the difficulties facing the sector: interweaving empirical discussions with theoretical debates, the editors and contributors demonstrate the challenges and struggles of adult learners in higher, further and community education. This enlightening edited collection will be of interest to all those involved in adult education as well as policy makers and funders.
"The book provides valuable insights into inequalities of access and outcomes in ALE, as well as options for challenging these. ... Boeren and James outline a series of recommendations for researchers, policymakers and practitioners, looking forward to a rather different future." (John Field, International Review of Education, Vol. 65, 2019)
"This book constitutes a good contribution to the literature on adult learning in times of austerity. Both editors and contributors succeeded in presenting the theme of this book with a comprehensive view of the field. Being an adult learner in austere times should be of interest to policy makers, adult educators, practitioners and students in the field of adult and further education." (Khalaf Mohamed Abdellatif, Malta Review of Educational Research (MRER), Vol. 13 (1), 2019)
"This book makes a valuable contribution to the body of literature on adult learning, the historical and political context of adult education provision, and the potential for transformation in the face of adversity and austerity. Policy makers, academics and community practitioners alike would benefit from reading this interesting and thought-provoking collection." (Louise Sheridan, International Journal of Lifelong Education, May 23, 2019)
"This book constitutes a good contribution to the literature on adult learning in times of austerity. Both editors and contributors succeeded in presenting the theme of this book with a comprehensive view of the field. Being an adult learner in austere times should be of interest to policy makers, adult educators, practitioners and students in the field of adult and further education." (Khalaf Mohamed Abdellatif, Malta Review of Educational Research (MRER), Vol. 13 (1), 2019)
"This book makes a valuable contribution to the body of literature on adult learning, the historical and political context of adult education provision, and the potential for transformation in the face of adversity and austerity. Policy makers, academics and community practitioners alike would benefit from reading this interesting and thought-provoking collection." (Louise Sheridan, International Journal of Lifelong Education, May 23, 2019)