This article, a conceptual and theoretical piece, opens a window on "playful learning" as a philosophy of education and a suite of diverse pedagogical approaches, methods, and techniques. The paper criticizes the serious ambience of adult education with its high levels of instrumentalism and performativity. It argues for playful learning…

This article introduces the Critical Literacies Advancement Model (CLAM) as a practical and theoretical framework designed to disrupt bias through adult learning. Grounded in critical literacy and critical thinking traditions, CLAM integrates diverse literacies (e.g., racial, human rights, media literacy, etc.) into a unified model that empowers…

The German tradition of critical theory (often called the Frankfurt School), represented by such authors as Theodor Adorno, Max Horkheimer, and Oskar Negt, have given crucial contributions to social and cultural theory in investigating and conceptualizing contradictory conditions of modern Western societies. This paper will discuss the ways in…

In this article, the authors share three moments of glow when restlessness, curiosity, and wonder punctuated their teaching with culturally and linguistically diverse migrant learners. The authors use these moments to sit with uncertainty and discomfort, feelings they consider crucial to adult learning and critical praxis. Each author's moment of…

This paper investigates the methodological discrepancies underlying the measurement of adult learning and education (ALE) participation in the UK by focusing on four major surveys -- APiL, PIAAC, AES, and LFS. Grounded in the Total Survey Error (TSE) framework, we systematically examined the surveys' documentation and compared their definitions,…

Priority one of the Marrakech Framework for Action (MFA) involves promoting adult learning and education (ALE) within a lifelong learning perspective. This article intends to describe how the MFA places lifelong learning into a new era of ascension that will be transformational towards ALE, sustainable development goals, the world promise of…

Positive priming encourages adult immigrant students to become more involved in their learning activities and increases their chances of success in their host society. The use of priming effects in teaching adult immigrants, however, is not sufficiently explored in the educational literature. This article therefore fills this gap by presenting a…

Many have defined the artist-teacher, most notable Alan Thornton (2013), who outlines the artist-teacher as an individual who practices making art and teaching art and is dedicated to both activities as a practitioner. However, this definition does not specifically define the artist-teacher in adult community learning (ACL). This article considers…

This article explores the evolution and expansion of experiential learning theory (ELT) within the context of contemporary adult education, emphasizing the integration of technology, interdisciplinarity, and cultural responsiveness. Although Kolb's foundational model has been instrumental in linking theoretical knowledge with practical…

Trauma-informed practices have emerged as a promising approach to fostering equitable and inclusive learning environments. Initially applied in human services and K-12 education, these practices are expanding into adult and continuing education due to the pervasive nature of trauma. As the adoption of a trauma-informed approach grows, so does the…

Purpose: This study aims to reflect on "good practices" in doctoral research supervision and transfer the author's experience to other academics. The author explains the sources of his approach to doctoral research supervision drawing on traditional practice in adult learning and some reference to phenomenology as a "meeting of…

Combating social justice continues to be at the forefront for those concerned about the equal rights, access, and participation of all citizens. Historically, faith-based organizations, particularly religious institutions (i.e., church, synagogue, parish), have been central to providing adult education programming to address social injustices such…

A mid-career transition from public children's librarian to academic librarian revealed new pedagogical challenges that emerged when engaging adult learners. Initially feeling unprepared to teach credit-bearing courses, the author enrolled in a graduate program in Adult Education to gain the theoretical and practical tools needed for effective…

The 6th Global Report on Adult Learning and Education (GRALE 6), to be published in 2026, aims to explore how adult learning and education can respond to and shape the rapid transformations occurring globally. By focusing on the key drivers of change -- such as digitalization, economic crises, environmental sustainability, conflict, and health…

This article proposes a framework for capability development of adult educators (AEs) in Singapore. Globalisation, demographic changes and digital innovation, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, have accentuated the importance of adult education and changing role of AEs. The immediate implications of these effects on the professionalism of AEs…