Volunteer programs, especially those for docents, may often be overlooked as learning opportunities rather than as a strategy for program delivery. Thinking about docents first as learners themselves, and then as partners in creating learning experiences for visitors, can create a meaningful shift in the relationship. By integrating concepts from…

Learner engagement is essential for deep and sustained learning, yet it is seldom included in empirical frameworks for effective continuing professional development (CPD), which tend to privilege broad design features over learner-centred strategies. In this critical case study, I consider this gap by applying the lens of self-determination theory…

This dissertation explores the experiences of adult English as a Second Language (ESL) learners in an Adult Basic Education (ABE) program. ABE/ESL learners are a unique but integral population within the language learning community and are largely excluded from the scholarly discourse. Research in the context of language learning and instruction…

This phenomenological study explored the concept of profound moments. We previously defined a profound moment as an experience that intentionally or unintentionally continues to surface in our consciousness, has transformed our fundamental perspectives, and has been integrated into how we live. Selected participants had experienced highly…

While program- and institution-level learning assessment in higher education has received substantial attention, much less emphasis has been placed on the assessment of learning in noncredit continuing education in higher education institutions. Learning assessment is sparse in this area because these learning experiences may be shorter in…

This qualitative study examines student learning experiences toward a student-developed case study activity for online discussion guided by a three-tier case method model. Forty-five students were recruited from four online adult education courses. Analysis of students' feedback shows that this activity leads to students' positive learning…

The purpose of this study was to use a Constructivist Grounded Theory methodology to understand the learning experiences of trainers who completed a professional development trainer certification. Specifically, this study explored how trainers described their learning experiences, the catalysts trainers identified as instrumental to their…

This study investigates the neurocognitive underpinnings of early language learning in adults and examines the modulating effects of individual differences in prior bilingual experience and cognitive capabilities. This study used a pre/post short-term longitudinal design with a 10-day Dutch language training via Rosetta Stone. Event-Related…

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is a research-based educational framework developed almost 40 years ago by the Center for Applied Special Technology (CAST). While the framework has been utilized by adult educators to design inclusive learning experiences that support "all" learners (CAST, n.d.), the framework has yet to be explored…

This article focuses on narrative interviews with mature students at one partner university that was part of the UK higher education (HE) Changing Mindsets project and research (2017-19). Changing Mindsets comprised workshops and training aimed at supporting students and staff in five participating universities to develop a growth mindset and…

This resource provides recommendations for methods, tools, suggested (not endorsed) sample solutions, and tasks trainers can use to increase participant engagement in professional learning experiences. It also outlines connections between adult learning principles and steps in the "Adult Learning Framework." This resource includes: (1)…

Teachers seek and require meaningful professional development opportunities to truly grow in the profession. Teacher inquiry, or teacher research, is one way to accomplish professional development goals. Teacher inquiry is thought of as individualized, personalized, and meaningful professional development (Cochran-Smith & Lytle, 1999). In this…

When you think back to your own experiences as a student, what was meaningful? Memorable? Had a lasting effect? Who are the teachers that stand out? And why? Throughout our lives, we have instructors both in and beyond the classroom, and upon intentional reflection, we can pick up on some qualities that make certain teachers more effective than…

As a concept for preparing and promoting adult student success in an undergraduate, Interdisciplinary Studies degree program with an online senior capstone, this article analyzes how the senior capstone serves as the penultimate component in the students' degree completion. To capitalize on student success, academic advisors and faculty members…

Further Education and Training (FET) in Ireland is an evolving educational sector, available in every community, that offers education, skills, and qualifications to a broad spectrum of the population (SOLAS, 2020). FET coordinators are an important occupational group within the FET sector, occupying a middle management/leadership position with…