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For about 30 years, the European Union has been politically active in the field of Education and Training with a broad set of aims, measures and tools. All member states were involved in these politics, creating a kind of European profile. Adult education was an important pillar. A number of adult educators involved in various organisations at both the European and national levels carried out the activities. Many of them were recognised for their contributions and were inducted into the International Adult and Continuing Education Hall of Fame. In this qualitative review, the reflections of 16 of these experts on a number of key issues, including achievements, challenges and obstacles in this period are presented. They evaluate European policy‐making in adult education and training, including the systems, the funding, the participation and the professional developments, in a structured way. A common understanding of adult education and its prerequisites can be noticed, as well as critical reflections on achievements, and further needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Digital storytelling is a teaching tool that can help nursing students master the curriculum and improve their skills. This study investigated the effect of digital storytelling on nursing students' knowledge levels and compliance with isolation precautions. Methodology: A pretest‐posttest open‐label randomized controlled trial. This study was conducted in the nursing department of the faculty of health sciences of a university in Türkiye. The sample consisted of 109 fourth‐year nursing students divided into experimental (n = 66) and control (n = 43) groups. Data were collected using a Demographic Characteristics Questionnaire (DCQ), the Isolation Knowledge Test (IKT), the Questionnaire of Students' Opinions on Digital Storytelling (QSODS) and the Scale of Compliance with Isolation Precautions (SCIP). The experimental group participated a digital storytelling activity, whilst the control group received an education based on the curriculum. The data were analysed using the Mann–Whitney U test, the Wilcoxon test, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and the Spearman correlation test. Results and Conclusions: The experimental group had significantly higher posttest IKT and SCIP scores than the control group (p < 0.05). Both groups had lower IKT and SCIP scores 2 months after the experiment. However, the change was much smaller in the experimental group. Digital storytelling helped the experimental group participants learn about isolation precautions and how to comply with them. Digital storytelling also promotes learning retention. In conclusion, digital tools are effective in distance learning. Practitioner Notes: What is already known about this topic: Storytelling, known as an extracurricular learning method, has begun to be used in nursing education.There are digital methods that improve not only the knowledge level of students but also their skills.In skill‐focused departments, digital learning tools that enable students to learn without entering the laboratory are effective. What this paper adds: Digital storytelling integrated into face‐to‐face learning provide learning retention.Digital storytelling allows students to have fun and learn wherever and whenever they want.It ensures the permanence of knowledge and skills. Implications for practice and/or policy: It is recommended to be frequently used in nursing skills training.It is important to integrate it into the curriculum in skill‐based education departments.Using methods that will ensure active participation of students will provide privileges in education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research on learning strategies and learning motivation in different educational contexts has provided valuable insights, but in this field, low-educated adults remain an understudied population. This study addresses this gap by means of a person-oriented approach and seeks to investigate whether quantitatively and qualitatively different learner profiles can be distinguished among low-educated adults in second-chance education (SCE) by relating three key components of learning: learning motivation, regulation and processing strategies. Five hundred twelve adult learners of six SCE-institutions filled in a Learning and Motivation questionnaire. Latent profile analysis showed the presence of motivational profiles differing both in quantity and quality (i.e. good- versus poor-quality and high- versus low-quantity motivational profiles) and regulatory profiles being distinct in the use of regulation strategies (i.e. self-regulated versus unregulated profiles). Mainly quantitatively different processing profiles were found among low-educated adults (i.e. active, moderate, inactive processing profiles). When integrating all three components of learning, analyses identified two more optimal motivational-learning profiles, combining good-quality motivation with a moderately active use of self-regulation and processing strategies (i.e. good-quality motivation – self-regulated – active processing profile and good-quality motivation – moderate profile) and two more suboptimal profiles in which poor-quality or low-quantity motivation was combined with the inactive use of self-regulation and processing strategies (i.e. poor-quality motivation – unregulated – inactive processing profile, low-quantity motivation – unregulated – inactive processing profile). A fifth motivational-learning profile exhibited a pattern of poor-quality motivation combined with a moderately-active use of self- regulation and processing strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flipped classes have been gaining in popularity in recent years, and yet only a handful of marketing education papers have examined flipped class methods. In a time when creative methods for engaging students online and in-person are critical, this study analyzes open-ended, qualitative student comments from a flipped class course to explore the benefits and drawbacks of this method. This paper will also examine the qualitative student feedback through the lens of adult learning theory (ALT) to see the ways in which student comments overlap with best practices in the adult learning field. Three sections of a business communication course were converted into a flipped class, and qualitative responses from 84 students were analyzed. This research will help fill a much-needed gap in the marketing education literature by providing key insights into flipped class approaches while also connecting them with ALTs, which have heretofore remained under-explored in marketing education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non-technical skills (NTS) challenges experienced by surgeons may degrade performance, ultimately impacting the safety and quality of care delivered to patients. The objectives of this work were to develop a framework for NTS coaching for surgeons and implement a coaching program utilizing the developed NTS coaching framework. Leveraging adult learning and self-determination theories, a specialty-agnostic NTS coaching framework was developed for individual coaching sessions with robotic surgeons. The framework was used to deliver NTS coaching sessions to robotic surgeons. Surgeon's robotic procedures were recorded, and expert raters assessed their NTS using the Non-Technical Skills for Surgeons tool. Measures of surgeon satisfaction, learning outcomes, and performance improvement were determined. Cohen's d statistic was used to estimate the effect size of the coaching intervention. To pilot the program, ten robotic-assisted surgeries (five pre-coaching and five post-coaching) were observed from five practicing robotic surgeons who were recruited from a large academic healthcare system. Expert raters' assessment of surgeons' NTS revealed several exemplar and non-exemplar behaviors. Surgeons were satisfied with the coaching, rating its quality very highly on all NTS dimensions. On a Likert scale of 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree), surgeons had a stronger agreement that the coaching could improve their situation awareness (4.0±.5) and leadership (4.8±.2) skills compared to their decision making and communication (3.8±.7). From the post-coaching observations, coaching had medium-to-large effect on situation awareness (d =.65) and leadership (d =.41), small effect on communication and teamwork (d =.14), and no effect on decision-making. Overall, the coaching intervention had a medium effect on total NTS (d =.33). We presented a quality improvement initiative to enhance the NTS of surgeons by implementing a coaching program that leverages our developed NTS framework. Recognizing the importance of NTS in surgeries, our initiative shows a commitment to continuous improvement of patient safety and quality of care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The editorial in the International Journal of Lifelong Education discusses the importance of social justice in lifelong education, highlighting the challenges faced by disadvantaged populations. It explores the concept of self-directed learning and its potential impact on personal advancement versus collective well-being. The editorial calls for a reshaping of educational processes to promote social justice and emphasizes the need for a balance between directing learning outcomes towards oneself and others. The authors acknowledge their privileged position and encourage diverse perspectives in the field of lifelong education and learning. [Extracted from the article]

During the COVID-19 pandemic period of almost two years, online teaching was adopted by Higher Educational Institutes (HEIs) mostly as an emergency measure to maintain endurance in teaching-learning activities in academics. Although a lot of research works have focussed on the teaching-learning strategies deployed during the pandemic period, the post-pandemic era remains rather unexplored with formal attempts. The objective of this study is to perform a post-pandemic analysis of online teaching on the students' learning and their academic performance. For the first time for the post-pandemic analysis, a novel and formal theoretical model is proposed, designed, developed, and tested by using the survey method comprising six constructs, Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) and path analysis with Structural Equation Modelling (SEM). This quantitative research was conducted for the students of (HEIs) who have experienced e-teaching using digital technologies. The main contributions of the paper include the findings for (a) improving the scenario of online teaching-learning from the students' learning perspective (b) enlightening teachers on understanding the students' behaviour better and accordingly aligning their teaching approaches, and (c) planning of evaluations for enhancing the academic performance of the students. This research will provide the future directions to the technology-mediated teaching-learning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the effects of reflective practices (RP) on self-directed learning competencies (SDLC) as well as the relationship between technology-mediated collaborative learning (TMCL) as a reflective practice and SDLC in a preservice teachers' class. Regression analyses were conducted to examine the effects of RP on SDLC. In addition, a pre- and post-test survey comparison was used to compare SDLC differences before and after the class using TMCL. To investigate more details regarding the relationships between TMCL and SDLC based on participants' experiences and perceptions, qualitative data were analysed using thematic analysis. The results indicated that RP significantly affected SDLC. Importantly, TMCL played a crucial role in improving SDLC of preservice teachers. This study implied that the ultimate goal of collaborative learning using technology was to promote preservice teachers' SDLC so that they could become self-directed learners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This essay explores Self-Directed Learning in voice training for the performing arts. It begins with a philosophical discussion of adult learning theory, Self-Directed Learning, and the essay ends with tangible and practical steps for including Self-Directed Learning in the higher education classroom. Ultimately, the author encourages instructors to explore Self-Directed Learning teaching practices and for the field of voice studies to examine Self-Directed Learning further. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Self-directed learning (SDL) is necessary for successful learning in MOOCs. Motivation is one of the critical elements of SDL. This mixed-method study examined the design and delivery of MOOCs to motivate learners for SDL. The data collection methods included semi-structured interviews with 22 MOOC instructors, a document review of 22 MOOCs, and an online survey with 198 participants. The researchers found that MOOC instructors valued motivating learners for SDL. The strategies to motivate learners included entering motivations (i.e. decisions to participate in a course) and task motivations (i.e. learners' persistence in learning activities). For entering motivation, MOOC instructors used strategies, such as identifying the value and needs of learning, increasing self-efficacy, and using incentives. For task motivation, MOOC instructors adopted engaging instructional strategies, well-designed learning materials, immediate and constructive feedback, and social interaction. Besides, technology played an essential role in motivating learners. Implications for instructors and instructional designers were discussed at the end of the paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study utilised scale development analysis to evaluate the effectiveness of gamification based on Knowles' andragogical principle in facilitating online learning for adult students. An exploratory sequential mixed-method research design was employed, incorporating interviews and field notes to gather qualitative data for scale construction. The Gamification for Adult Questionnaires (GAQ) scale was developed via questionnaires and analysed quantitatively. The thematic analysis of qualitative interviews revealed 23 sub-themes based on the five main andragogical principles used as a foundation for the quantitative analysis scales. Initially, 47 items were constructed, but five items with low communalities were excluded and an EFA with varimax rotation was performed on the remaining 42 items. The KMO and Bartlett test yielded a satisfactory value of 0.90 Williams et al. (2010). The Chi-square test (Bartlett's method) resulted in a significant sphericity level of p <.01. The EFA results enabled the categorisation of the 42 items into four factors: independent learning (9 items), learning engagement (15 items), knowledge-experience sharing (7 items), and application to real-life situations (11 items). The high alpha coefficient of 0.97 suggests the scale is reliable, and the 42 items account for 81% of the variance. The results indicate that the GAQ scale is a valid and reliable tool for evaluating gamification based on andragogical principles in adult learning settings. This study provides a foundation for future researchers interested in exploring gamification with contemporary teaching methods and technology for adult learners using Knowles' andragogical principles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Team-Based Learning (TBL) is a highly structured active learning methodology shown to have positive learning outcomes in undergraduate medical education (UME). While many medical schools have increasingly adopted TBL, there is considerable variation reported in the literature in the implementation of the standard sequence and key components of TBL. The extent to which this variation affects the benefits of TBL is not well understood. This study aims to assess the impact of implementing the standardized framework of the TBL process on student perception of the benefits of TBL. Methods: Faculty at our institute were surveyed to determine the frequency of implementation of TBL standards, as described in the literature. Second-year osteopathic medical students (OMS II) were surveyed for their perception of the experience of TBL at the beginning of the academic year. Curricular interventions targeting the enforcement of the standard steps and key components of TBL were implemented in a particular 6-week system course. The students were re-surveyed at the end of the course. Descriptive and thematic analyses were performed on quantitative and qualitative data. Results: Twenty four of 31 (77.4%) faculty participated in the faculty survey, 53 of 105 OMS II students (50.4%) participated in the pre-intervention survey, and 72 of 104 OMS II students (69.2%) participated in the post-intervention survey. Faculty survey results indicated inconsistent implementation of key steps and components of the TBL process. Comparisons of student pre- and post-survey means of the perceived value of various aspects of TBL showed significant improvement in multiple aspects of the TBL process, including readiness assurance tests, immediate feedback, and application activities. Both before and after the intervention, students highly rated the value of teamwork and opportunities for practical application of concepts within TBL. Conclusion: While medical students value teamwork in UME and professional development, their perception of TBL can be less than positive if not conducted deliberatively. Assessment of the implementation of the standard TBL steps and components and development of corresponding targeted interventions may improve the TBL experience of medical students. Our process could be generalized to help educators interested in improving TBL in their home institutes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present an argument for a higher priority for art in the educational system and "make a case" for the arts—to provide a rationale for its priority in adult education. This is the plan: to provide this rationale; to present practical guidelines for the processes of engaging in art that may be transformative and critical for individuals and for society; and to illustrate the powerful potential of art as a way of teaching for democratic citizenship. We move toward a Pedagogy of Social Imagination in Art and Adult Education by recounting a real-life empirical study of creating opportunities for transformative learning through engagements with art. John Dewey and Maxine Greene assist in outlining a rationale for exploring arts in adult education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Student teachers commonly struggle to apply theoretical knowledge to their teaching. This theory-practice gap is a serious problem in teacher education. Over the past decade, simulations and serious games have been shown as an effective way to practice the transfer of theoretical knowledge in authentic settings of skill-use. Approximating theory-based teaching practice via repeated use of simulation games, thus, may be able to close the theory-practice gap in teacher education. Aim: We aimed to assess whether repeatedly engaging with simulated teaching and theory-based feedback would improve student teachers' teaching self-efficacy, transfer of theories into teaching situations and their perceived usefulness of theories. Method: N = 86 student teachers learned twice with either a digital simulation game depicting decision-making in the classroom (simulation condition) or with screenshots of the game (control condition). After each phase, student teachers received theory-based feedback about (their) teaching. Results: Against our hypothesis, there were no changes in both conditions regarding student teachers' teaching self-efficacy, perceived usefulness of theories for practice, or integration of theory-based arguments into practical reasoning. Nonetheless, we found positive effects for learning time and motivation favoring the simulation condition. Conclusion: Our results point towards the motivating potential of simulation games that was, however, not sufficient to close the theory-practice gap. It seems that the theory-practice integration within the simulation game needs to be even stronger to reveal the desired effects, which needs to be subject to further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Using the framework of Adult Learning Theory, this study worked to uncover the composition of rural landowners' information sources and learner characteristics that impact information-seeking behavior among maple syrup producers in Wisconsin. Design: Regression models were used to analyze data from a survey targeted at Wisconsin maple syrup producers (N = 677). Findings: Maple syrup producers mostly learn through interactions with peers and underutilize expert resources, but opinion leaders and early adopters of new technologies are more likely to seek information through both formal and informal knowledge networks than maple producers who are not influencers in their community. Extrinsic motivation was associated with maple producers' tendency to engage in optimal knowledge acquisition, whereas intrinsic motivation was not. Practical implications: Professionals can optimize resources to design outreach programs and develop marketing strategies by targeting landowners based on their learner characteristics. Theoretical implications: Our research contributes to the adult learning literature and advances the theoretical understanding of micro-Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation Systems by investigating the influence of different types of learning motivations on optimal knowledge acquisition. Originality/Value: This study identified landowner characteristics related to optimal knowledge acquisition and is the first to highlight the roles of family legacy and social norms as motivators that drive maple producers to acquire new skills and knowledge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores how podcasts' accessibility fosters learning, examining listener engagement, content preferences, and the unique educational opportunities they offer. With the rise of digital audio platforms, podcasts have emerged as a significant medium for acquiring knowledge outside formal educational settings. Using an online survey, data were collected from 605 respondents, who were predominantly young and well educated, to understand their podcast listening habits and the extent of informal learning. The study categorizes informal learning into self-directed, incidental, and tacit learning. Results show that more than half of respondents engage in self-directed learning, while a third participate in incidental learning, indicating that podcasts serve as effective tools for intentional and unintentional knowledge acquisition. ANOVA analysis reveals that self-directed learners exhibit higher information retention and critical evaluation skills compared to tacit learners. Additionally, trust in podcast content is significantly higher among educated listeners. The study concludes that while podcasts are valuable for learning and professional development, there is a need for enhanced digital literacy to improve critical appraisal skills among listeners. These findings provide insights into the cognitive processes involved in podcast-based learning and suggest practical strategies for educators and content creators to enhance the educational impact of podcasts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The 108 Curriculum Guidelines (108CG) were implemented in high schools in Taiwan in 2019 and have increased the flexibility of curriculum offerings. Schools must now offer diverse curricula, flexible options and self‐directed learning courses based on students' needs and teachers' expertise. This study explores how rural high schools in Taiwan promote curriculum leadership following the implementation of the 108CG. Using a case school in southern Taiwan as the study site, it examines the current implementation of the 108CG in rural high schools, the processes and strategies that school members employ in applying curriculum leadership and the challenges they encounter. Six participants from the case school were interviewed, from August 2021 to May 2022. We also conducted observations and document analyses. The results show that the principal and mid‐level leaders' collaborative efforts are integral to advancing the 108CG. However, the school faces challenges in implementing the 108CG due to its environmental context. The principal's major challenge stems from the differing curriculum interpretations by tribal chiefs and families in the community. Mid‐level leaders also grapple with students' passive learning attitudes and the need for preparedness among teachers for curriculum reform. Although the 108CG have been in operation for more than 4 years, rural high schools continue to face challenges in implementing them. Introducing collaborative lesson planning and using checklists during curriculum review meetings could help track curriculum progress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Learning in adulthood offers prospects for (re)defining and strengthening our selfworth for sustainable personal survival, growth, and development. The rate at which adults enroll in university studies upholds the longstanding belief that education is an enabler for social participation, progress, and transformation. An adult, who chooses to stop learning chooses to stagnate in adulthood. However, sometimes, their decision to return to class is submerged in circles of uncertainties that impede their social integration and participation in a system that was not originally designed for them. This article uses the principle of inclusion of the social justice perspective to explore the nature of adult returnees' participation uncertainties and their implications on the teaching and learning processes. We draw our findings from narratives of adult returnees and academic staff at a public university in Uganda. This study acknowledges that adult returnees experience multiple issues that humiliate, obstruct, and hinder their participation and learning aspirations. However, this should not be grounds for underrating what they can do and achieve during a learning encounter. We suggest learner support systems and instruction practices that restore these learners' confidence and stimulate and guide their participation in the teaching and learning process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As global populations age, there is an urgent need to address the unique learning requirements of older adults in the context of e-learning. This study builds upon prior work to investigate the connections between older adults' cognitive profiles, learning preferences, and attitudes toward technology in the United States. Through a survey of 203 U.S. adults aged 55 and above, data were collected on participant demographics, learning preferences, and attitudes towards technology. The results reveal a tech-savvy sample that is most comfortable with everyday applications and favors practical, visual learning approaches. Key findings include high levels of internet and smartphone adoption, varying confidence levels across different mobile applications, and strong preferences for step-by-step instructions, examples, and graphics in e-learning modules. This mixed-method study serves as a foundation for future research aimed at increasing the adoption and effectiveness of e-learning among older adults in the U.S. and globally, ultimately contributing to the overall quality of life and support for active-aging initiatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This paper uses Normalization Process Theory (NPT) to examine staff impressions of Montessori-based program training and implementation at Veterans Affairs Community Living Centers (VA CLCs; nursing homes). Methods: We conducted a mixed-methods evaluation of Montessori Approaches to Person-Centered Care (MAP-VA) at eight VA CLCs. Trainings were conducted as either a live virtual course or a pre-recorded asynchronous class. Two NPT constructs, coherence building and cognitive participation, informed qualitative interview questions, surveys, and analyses focused on staff movement from knowledge to action during initial implementation. Data collection included staff-completed standardized post-training exams (N = 906), post-training evaluations (N = 761), and optional validated surveys on perceptions of Montessori training (N = 307). Champions (peer-leaders) from each CLC completed semi-structured qualitative interviews post-training (N = 22). Findings: The majority of staff (83%–90%) passed all courses. Staff evaluated the training highly (80%+ agreement) on learning relevant new knowledge and confidence applying new skills. On average, staff felt MAP-VA would become a normal part of their work (7.68/10 scale), and reported increased familiarity with Montessori approaches after training (p =.002). Qualitative interview data from staff trained in Montessori supported three themes concordant with the NPT dimensions of coherence building and cognitive participation. (1) Coherence regarding Montessori: staff demonstrated an understanding of the program and mentioned the benefits of Montessori compared to their previous usual routines. Cognitive participation or engagement with Montessori: (2) staff had positive feelings about Montessori principles/applications and demonstrated a willingness to try the Montessori approach, and (3) staff made sense of the new intervention through early rehearsal of Montessori principles/practices and recognized opportunities for using Montessori in future interactions. Conclusions: Montessori virtual training resulted in high levels of coherence and cognitive participation among multidisciplinary staff, evidenced by high knowledge, self-efficacy, and readiness to act. The asynchronous and synchronous trainings were accessible, relevant, and supported diverse learners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The creative and dynamic practices that multilinguals perform with linguistic and non-linguistic features such as the body, movement, senses, and space have been documented as integral to their repertoire. Drawing on interdisciplinary literature, this article advances the concept of the repertoire through translanguaging drama as a pedagogical practice and examines the resources that can be volitionally mobilised through language learners' perezhivanie, or the emotional, felt and lived through experience. Translanguaging drama was implemented in two English language programmes with adult learners in Canada. While these courses focused on improving English language skills, translanguaging drama was implemented to activate learners' perezhivanie while using their repertoire, which not only facilitated communication in the English language but pushed for agency in using non-linguistic resources. I examine learners' perezhivanie with a subset of data, which included observation notes and learner diary entries. In this article, I emphasize four main interrelated areas: (1) volition and empowerment, (2) meaning-making across languages, (3) embodiment of language – through voice modulation, facial expression, and body language–, and (4) language choice triggered by perezhivanie. Implications of the study for furthering the theorisation of language, language learning and the repertoire are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our current cultural climate is marked by a convergence of pressing issues, including the rise of the post-truth situation, which has recently been described as an epistemic crisis (Hoggan-Kloubert & Hoggan, 2023). This conceptual paper outlines why adult education institutions must reclaim the pursuit of truth as undergirded by rationality, autonomy, and pluralism as a core educational aim and presents a particular pedagogical conceptualisation for doing so. It is proposed that transformative approaches are uniquely positioned to address some of the issues associated with the post-truth situation; however, to be both applicable and accountable within participatory democracies, such efforts also need to be philosophically coherent, practically ethical, and incorporate opportunities for students to critically evaluate ideas, and related values and beliefs against the test of truth. To this end, a reconceptualisation of the axiological, ontological, and epistemological foundations for transformative learning is presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this collaborative autoethnography, we, two early career academics used arts-based methods to explore and transform our understanding of scholarly impact. We began by narrating the disorienting dilemma we experienced while preparing our review, tenure, and promotion portfolios. After a brief review of Mezirow's transformative learning theory, we described our failed attempt to engage in collaborative autoethnography and our turn to transformative learning scholarship that prioritizes artistic ways of knowing. We resituated our collaborative autoethnography as an arts-based inquiry and described our collaborative process facilitated by poetic inquiry and narrative métissage. We then discussed how this arts-based collaborative autoethnography project afforded opportunities for us to engage in perspective transformation. Finally, we concluded with the theoretical, methodological, and pedagogical contributions this project makes to transformative learning scholarship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, we explore the process of creating spaces for the practice and inquiry of transformative listening through the development of the Transformative Listening Protocol (TLP). Our premise is that embodied listening opens doors to transformations via a process to improve listening and safe spaces where people may engage with each other in storytelling and story listening. The organization of our paper flows from research design to relevance for transformative learning theory. We begin with a description of the practice led research design for the project (Candy, 2006), we follow that with the historical development of the TLP including sections on both the theoretical and methodological background. After this section we describe the practice-ing of transformative listening with three applications of listening in practice we documented. In the final paragraphs we explore the limitations and conclusions of the research design and of TLP. We conclude the paper with the relevance of practicing transformative listening for the evolution of transformative learning theory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: This study explores the motivators to use learning management systems (LMS) adopted and used in eLearning by Hong Kong universities among Mainland Chinese postgraduate students amid COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: An adapted and extended UTUAT2 model was first proposed and tested using the structural equation modeling approach. Through self-report online questionnaire, data were collected in 2022 from 352 Mainland Chinese postgraduate students of nine universities in Hong Kong. The reliability and validity of the data were tested using the confirmatory factor analysis, followed by path analysis to test the hypotheses in the proposed model. Results: The study revealed nine motivators which explained 50% of the variance in LMS use intention. Trust (0.204), instructor characteristics (0.202), performance expectancy (0.181), and facilitating conditions (0.181) were identified as strong motivators of behavioral intention. Other factors such as effort expectancy (0.148), learning value (0.118) and social influence (0.115) also had significant positive effects on LMS use intention. Habit (0.014) and hedonic motivation (-0.016) had no significant direct effect on it. Discussion: These findings provide inspirations for educational stakeholders to promote the acceptance of LMS platforms among distance and online learners who adopt the cyberspace as the only means of learning. They also offer insights about instructor recruitment and evaluation methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Concerns over the quality of teaching in massive open online courses devoted to language learning (LMOOCs) have prompted extensive research on learning behavior in such courses. The purpose of this study is to gain a better understanding of autonomous learning check-ins – that is, individuals sharing their own learning records and/or other information about their learning-related experience – a novel behavior that has not been studied in previous LMOOC research. Using learning analytics, we found that just 6.2% (n = 699) of a sample of 11,293 learners autonomously engaged in check-in behavior, and that the content of these learners' check-ins varied considerably according to their contexts and the language skills they were seeking to acquire. We further found (1) a positive association between check-in behavior and LMOOC completion; (2) that students who chose to check in earned relatively low grades on unit quizzes, especially in their early stage of learning, but outperformed the non-check-in group significantly in final exam scores; and (3) that those who checked in engaged with a significantly wider array of in-LMOOC learning components than those who did not, and thus accessed a wider system of language-learning experiences. Taken together, these results confirm that check-in behavior can aid the process of learning in an LMOOC and further highlight this behavior's wider potential to aid self-directed autonomous online learning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The world of pathology encompasses a broad spectrum of diseases beyond the boundaries of specialties, with each disease having specific and interesting gross and microscopic features. Some of these features are pattern-based, while others are eponyms that compare them to objects, food, animals, etc., due to their striking resemblance and quick recall. Medical nomenclature is of vital importance, and it has significantly evolved historically, with etymological roots from Latin, Greek, and Roman languages of ancient times to the current internationally uniform codes of English and other modern languages. Eponyms are valuable medical literary epithets that have been used across specialties and include animal names, food names, discoverer names, geographic references, and more. The subject of pathology, in particular, has immense use of eponyms as they are valuable tools for assisting in adult learning, or andragogy. The specialty of pathology is unique in its complex patterns and diagnostic algorithm, always in need of alternate systems to arrive at quick and accurate diagnosis. Also known as intuitive thinking or reflex thinking, pattern viewing and eponyms trigger a reflex recognition system, reducing recall time and aiding in precise diagnosis. The present article aimed to review the terminological phenomenon of animal eponym usage in the context of pathological diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Little research has examined how prior learning experiences influence adult learning attitudes and lifelong learning engagement. We adopted a person‐centric approach to examine past work‐related learning experiences and assessed the effects of recalled challenges on current learning attitudes, intentions, and behavior in the same domain. Surveying alumni from an online master's degree program, we found that recollected challenges from past learning entail multifaceted challenge foci (e.g., curriculum‐related vs. social obstacles). Learners reporting more challenges in curriculum and social dimensions reported less positive attitudes toward lifelong learning, supporting the notion that negative learning experiences may hinder the development of self‐identity as a lifelong learner. Limited support was obtained for predictions about relationships between past challenges and post‐graduation learning intentions and behavior. The person‐centric approach also permits the analysis of past learning experiences that are not well captured by standard assessments of "successful" adult learning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adult learning theory, or andragogy, is one way to promote a culture of lifelong learning and enhance excellence within nursing. Applying the principles of andragogy to continuing education can enhance nurse educators' ability to meet the needs of new graduate and experienced nurses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a dearth of evidence to indicate the effectiveness of counter-terrorism (CT) training for workers in crowded places to achieve their objectives of preventing attacks, helping staff to cope in a critical incident and then return to some form of normality afterwards. This study conducted semi-structured interviews (N = 23) of key stakeholders involved in devising, commissioning, and delivering CT programmes. It was found that lack of regard for adult learning theory, the skills and experience that particularly security officers bring to sessions and a complete absence of structured evaluation mean that the desire to increase the quantity of sessions delivered was to the detriment of quality. A series of recommendations are made to improve the future development and delivery of CT programmes to improve resilience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Virtual reality (VR) based simulation is emerging as an innovative tool for the training and education of healthcare professionals. However, pedagogical frameworks specific to this type of simulation are yet missing. This paper explores participants' experiences with VR-based simulation training in non-technical skills (VR-SIMI) and integrates them with established pedagogical theory. Non-technical skills refer to cognitive, social, and personal resource skills such as effective communication, relational competence, and stress management. An observational study was conducted involving 11 healthcare professionals in children and adolescents' mental healthwho attended four VR-SIMI sessions over one year. Data were collected through field notes during participant observation and informal conversations with the participants. Directed content analysis was conducted, informed by the established practice of VR-SIMI (including INACL standards of best practice simulation), Jeffries simulation theory, Kolb's experiential learning theory, and adult learning theory. The findings indicate that the participants positively evaluated the use of VR-SIMI. However, they also reported that the implementation and learning outcomes should be further refined. Based on these findings, an evidence-based and theory-driven pedagogical framework is proposed to guide and enhance the quality of VR-based simulations of non-technical skills for various of healthcare professionals, as well as inform future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To explore how health professionals provide information to informal carers during inpatient stroke rehabilitation and whether these practices align with adult learning principles. Methods: Informal carers and survivors of stroke who had completed inpatient rehabilitation, and health professionals working in inpatient stroke rehabilitation were interviewed. Directed qualitative content analysis was conducted using an adult learning model, to determine how closely reported practices aligned to adult learning principles. Results: 14 carers, 6 survivors of stroke and 17 health professionals participated. Carers (79% female, 57% spouse/partner) reported having incomplete knowledge during rehabilitation, lacking information about mechanisms of stroke recovery, rehabilitation processes, long-term effects of stroke, and navigating post-discharge services. Health professionals supported carers to address their learning needs related to safety of caring for stroke survivors. Carers indicated they were responsible for their own non-safety related learning. Health professionals tended not to check carers' understanding of information provided nor offer learning opportunities beyond written or verbal information. Conclusions: Health professionals consistently provide certain information to carers during inpatient rehabilitation, but adult learning principles are not routinely applied when information is provided. Fostering adult learning among informal carers may improve preparedness of carers to support stroke survivors after discharge from inpatient rehabilitation. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION: Carers reported often being in a state of shock in the early post-stroke period, and may need extra support to remember, understand, and apply information. Carers are often highly motivated to acquire immediate and relevant information tailored to their situation. Interactions between health professionals and carers are learning opportunities that can assist the carer to commence their unexpected and significant learning journey. Health professionals should apply adult learning principles when communicating with carers on all topics, not just topics important to the healthcare team such as patient safety and requirements for discharge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents an enhanced evaluation framework for teacher professional development programmes, which is based on one originally proposed by Huber in 2011. This paper draws on a study on the Professional Up-skilling of English Language Teachers (ProELT) programme in Sabah (Borneo), Malaysia. The study adopted a mixed methods exploratory sequential design using a questionnaire survey, individual interviews and a focus group discussion. Based on the findings from the study, four new components have been added to Huber's original framework, namely (1) selection of participants, (2) incorporation of the Adult Learning principles, (3) follow-up support, and (4) assessment of programme impact. This enhanced framework has significant contributions to make to programme designers and programme providers, in providing them with additional guidelines to consider when designing the pre-, ongoing and post-phases of a teacher professional development programme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the advancement of educational technologies, computer-assisted language learning (CALL) tools, like online dictionaries, are essential for acquiring a second language, especially new vocabulary. There has been no empirical focus on the usage of Ġabra online dictionary in learning Maltese, with a specific focus on international adults learning Maltese as a second language (ML2) and a lack of research in the pedagogy of e-dictionaries. This study aims to contribute to this research gap by exploring teachers' perspectives and pedagogy of Ġabra for adults learning ML2, which could refer to any other second language. Unstructured interviews were conducted to obtain qualitative data from eleven teachers of ML2 adult learners including refugee learners. According to the study's findings, Ġabra helps students learn new words, it is simple to use, it is a great resource and reference for ML2 learning, and it is convenient. The research also offers various pedagogical activities that illustrate how Ġabra is implemented in class. Another significant characteristic of Ġabra identified in this study is that students do not need to know the basic verb/noun/adjective to seek for a word, as they would in a traditional dictionary. Ġabra's shortcomings were its incompleteness, no pronunciation feature, lack of sentence examples and its dependency on internet access. Although Ġabra's benefits exceeded its disadvantages, it was recommended that Ġabra should continue to be corrected and to use artificial intelligence applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Innovative, pedagogically informed instructional design is instrumental in increasing student engagement and improving learning outcomes in online learning environments. Interactive learning resources provide students with the opportunity to engage with content in a more personalised manner. H5P (HTML 5 Package) is a collaborative platform that allows developers to create interactive content and has been regularly used in education settings. Some evidence suggests using interactive H5P resources in online education courses could lead to greater student engagement. However, to date, there has been little investigation into whether H5P resources can improve student learning outcomes. The current study aimed to assess whether using interactive H5P resources improved assessed learning outcomes in an online undergraduate psychology course. A randomized cross-over design was utilized to test whether students exposed to H5P interactive videos had improved assessment results when compared to a control group. This study found no meaningful differences in assessment scores between students exposed to H5P versus those that were not. There was low overall engagement with the interactive content. However, students who did engage with the resources reported a positive experience and indicated a preference for more interactive elements in future courses. Future research should extend on the instructional design obstacles identified in this study, for example, by examining whether improved accessibility and education on the benefits of interactive resources would increase engagement and grades. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Participation in non-formal adult education (NFE) is considered an essential part of lifelong learning, aiming to foster the development of individuals and societies. This significance is particularly evident today, given the era of extensive digitalization and disruptive technological advances. Nevertheless, not all adults participate in organized learning and have equal chances. Therefore, this study addresses the absence of up-to-date comparative findings on participation in NFE in the post-COVID-19 world. To this end, we examine current trends in NFE participation in four European countries: Sweden, Germany, the United Kingdom, and the Czech Republic (RQ1), where we explore the impact of key micro (social and behavioral), meso (job-related), and macro-level (country-specific) factors on this participation (RQ2). Our findings indicate that NFE participation remained relatively stable in 2022 compared to 2016, except for Sweden and Germany, which achieved higher participation rates. However, differences in participation between countries are diminishing. Simultaneously, NFE participation is becoming increasingly job-oriented and receives more support from employers. However, it is important to note that inequality in access to NFE persists, as the main predictors of NFE participation, such as learning intentions, educational attainment, economic and occupational status, remain consistent, regardless of the participants' economic activity and country of birth. This underscores the enduring significance of a key concept behind this study: the willingness to engage in organized NFE exhibits a complex structure with multiple layers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The emergency industry has always been an important and challenging profession. Paramedics and firefighters are exposed on a daily basis to potentially traumatic situations with some of what they experience leading to transformations, changing them deeply and fundamentally. These transformative experiences (Paul [2016]. Transformative Experience. Oxford: Oxford University Press) where they are required to navigate life and death as part of their profession provide a clear need for transformative learning (Mezirow [1991]. Transformative Dimensions of Adult Learning. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass; Mezirow [2012]. "Learning to Think Like an Adult: Core Concepts of Transformation Theory." In The Handbook of Transformative Learning: Theory, Research, and Practice, edited by Edward W. Taylor, and Patricia Cranton, 73–95. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass) in order to improve their professional and private lives. The study uses a qualitative approach where 57 paramedics and firefighters reflected on their experiences working in the field and on the impact these experiences had on them and their private lives. In empirically charting, the transformative experiences and learning processes, the data support the theories of Paul (2016) and Mezirow (1991; 2012) and show there is a need to provide support for existing workers and better preparation before they enter a career. It raises the question whether saving lives is currently a sustainable profession and how it can become a more sustainable profession. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given public perceptions about those who have sexually offended, there tends to be a focus on offence-specific intervention programs in a bid to address re-offending risk. With a significant portion of the literature on sexual offending focused on the development and evaluation of interventions targeting this behavior, there is little that considers community maintenance programs (CMPs) or those programs in the community where those who are released from prison are attempting to reintegrate. Further, there is no known research considering the theoretical underpinnings of or a framework for delivering CMPs. This paper offers Transformative Learning Theory as a potential framework for the delivery of CMPs and offers that adult learning theory needs to be considered in the delivery of offending interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This single-case study focused on the impact of design elements in online professional development for Instructional Technology Coaches to develop their TPACK. In this study, 30 participants enrolled in an online professional development series of synchronous and asynchronous sessions called Pathways. Ten design elements were implemented including content-focused, active learning, collaboration, modeling, coaching support, feedback, sustained duration and time, reflection, resources, and utilization of technology. Qualitative data were collected from 28 participants' feedback forms, interviews, and asynchronous assignments. The results showed that all ten design elements were perceived to be beneficial to Instructional Technology Coaches' learning. However, at the same time, some participants found a few hindrances to their learning from certain aspects of the six design elements. Hindrances in Pathways' design elements include ineffective modeling, collaboration challenges, off-topic discussions, unfamiliarity with Teams, technical difficulties, insufficient time, and home distractions. These findings emphasize the need for effective collaboration, time allocation, and technical proficiency. The coaches developed their TPACK through Pathways as discovered by the rubric results of the asynchronous assignments. Directions for future research and recommendations for professional development are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Asian scripts that are significantly different from Roman-derived alphabets usually impose difficulties in learning. Translanguaging has therefore been explored as a pedagogical tool for the language classroom, including Chinese. While learning Chinese characters is thought to be one of the main challenges for students learning Chinese as a foreign language (CFL), there seems to be a paucity of up-to-date research into the strategies that adult students use to learn this logographic script. Situated in the translanguaging framework, this study employs the think-aloud method to investigate strategies utilised by a group of CFL beginner adult learners when learning characters. Drawing on the results of five think-aloud exercises with CFL learners over five weeks, as well as follow-up tests of their long-term memory of Chinese characters, this study shows that a variety of translanguaging strategies were utilised during the process of learning Chinese characters, and that overall three types of translanguaging strategies were observed: a) embodiment, b) translanguaging resemblance, and c) hybrid. The proposed typology of translanguaging strategies contributes to the further application of translanguaging as a methodology. It also sheds light on future learning strategy research across different linguistic systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Healthcare in the 21st century is experiencing tumultuous times of turbulent and tortuous change, characterised by an aging population, an increasing chronic disease burden, and inadequate workforce capacity to meet this burgeoning demand. The development of digital capabilities for health service managers of today and tomorrow requires an approach that transcends traditional adult learning education and training trajectories. A five-step process for developing an andragogical approach to health service management competency development in the digital context is proposed. This process includes qualifying the capabilities required of health service managers in the digital age and expediating digital transformation within the Australian healthcare environment, informed by empirical research; linking teaching approaches for digital health using the five tenets of adult learning; and coalescing the competencies needed to contextualise knowledge and skills development requirements for the 5th Industrial Revolution. Importantly, formal and informal education and training for health service managers should focus on competency transferability, which requires trainers and educators to understand the transforming context and challenges facing health service managers in the healthcare industry. It is incumbent on the digital health community to build capacity and enable workforce development to inculcate sustainable influence for lasting change in the healthcare system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There has been a debate over many decades concerning the benefits of lifelong learning that have been expressed both in economic and non-economic terms, the latter often expressed in terms of contributions to health and well-being, and to civic solidarity. The extent to which these benefits can be evidenced however remains somewhat elusive and at best mixed. In this paper, I trace the ways in which lifelong learning has emerged in policy discourse in the UK since the 1980s, the arguments and evidence for its benefits and the means by which it has been supported and implemented. In particular, the paper is concerned with the role of the higher education sector in the UK with a particular focus on Scotland. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bricolage's approach describes how post-colonial, post-positivist, post-modernist, or post-structuralist paradigms have driven intellectuals to develop mixed multi-theoretical and multi-methodological methods. Bricoleurs must contextualise the approaches using the metaphor and articulate its meaning and inferences for advisory services in attempting to do so, as agricultural advisors as bricoleurs and emerging farmers view themselves as co-advisors, guided by bricolage principles. The bricoleurs, equipped with adult education approaches and emerging farmers, will engage in a skills transfer exercise in an agricultural environment. In contrast, a bricoleur plays the role of a facilitator, not a teacher or an expert. Emerging farmers are knowledgeable, and many have years of experience working in the farming environment and have massive knowledge and experience that they can circulate amongst themselves. Bricolage highlights the relationship between agricultural advisors' ways of seeing and the social location of their personal history. The agricultural advisor-asbricoleur abandons the quest for the naive concept of realism. It focuses instead on clarification of their position in the web of reality, the social locations of other co-advisors and the ways they shape the production and interpretation of knowledge. Bricolage tracks significant ruptures in epistemological, ontological, ethical, and political underpinnings that influence agricultural advisors. The record shows that, while traditional agricultural extension services were based on positivist rationalities, successive generations must adopt more interpretive, post-positivist, post-colonial, post-modern, constructivist, and poststructuralist approaches. As a guiding theory for agricultural extension advisors, Bricolage can improve skills transfer amongst emerging farmers by using limited resources to complete specific tasks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This reflection includes my transformative educational journey as a graduate student. The journey includes early professional experience at a startup then shifts to the pivotal role of teachers in the learning process. These early experiences led to my decisions to pursue graduate studies in adult learning and human resource development. Reflecting on transformative learning experiences, I explore the often-overlooked realm of teacher support and development, delving into an integrative literature review on sociocultural factors contributing to teacher burnout and strategies for mitigation. The reflection highlights the findings from the integrative literature review including the interconnectedness of internal and external factors impacting teacher wellness, emphasizing self-efficacy and external support structures as crucial elements which were also personal and evident in my own life. I presented at the AAACE conference where these findings were also evident in the lives of attendees. I now lead a diverse team of teachers where I apply these lessons learned daily, advocating for structural supports to safeguard teacher commitment and combat burnout. The reflection underscores the intrinsic value of teachers as the "secret ingredient" in education and the ongoing quest to sustain their passion and well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]