Addressing the Spiritual Dimensions of Adult Learning: What Educators Can Do Vol. 85 : New Directions for Adult and Continuing Education

by Leona M. English; Marie A. Gillen

• ISBN13: 9780787953645
• ISBN10: 0787953644
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2000-04-01
• Publisher: Jossey-Bass

Summary

In this issue, the authors argue that adult educators must find ways to add a spiritual dimension to their practice if they are to take a truly comprehensive approach to adult education, one that meets all of adult learners needs. They show how an integral part of adult education is helping learners discover a sense of meaning and purpose in their lives, a feeling of connection with something larger than themselves. The contributors discuss how mentoring, self-directed learning, and dialogue can be used to promote spiritual development, and advocate the learning covenant as a way of formalizing the sanctity of the bond between learners and educators. They draw on examples from settings as varied as continuing professional education, community development, and health education to show how a spiritual dimension has been successfully integrated into adult education programs. This is the 85th issue of the quarterly journal New Directions for Adult and Continuing Education.

Author Biography

LEONA M. ENGLISH is assistant professor of adult education at Saint Francis Xavier University, Antigonish, Nova Scotia. MARIE A. GILLEN is professor of adult education at Saint Francis Xavier University, Antigonish, Nova Scotia.

Table of Contents

Editors' Notes	1	(6)
Leona M. English
Marie A. Gillen
A Spirited Epistemology: Honoring the Adult Learner as Subject	7	(10)
Jane Vella
Reckoning with the Spiritual Lives of Adult Educators	17	(12)
Linda J. Vogel
Spiritual Dimensions of Informal Learning	29	(10)
Leona M. English
The Learning Covenant	39	(10)
R.E.Y. Wickett
Continuing Professional Education: A Spiritually Based Program	49	(10)
Lynda W. Miller
Learning from Native Adult Education	59	(8)
Jeffrey A. Orr
Community Development and Adult Education: Locating Practice in Its Roots	67	(10)
Wilf E. Bean
The Spiritual Dimensions of Lay Ministry Programs	77	(8)
Catherine P. Zeph
Controversy, Questions, and Suggestions for Further Reading	85	(8)
Marie A. Gillen
Leona M. English
Index	93