Trends in Adult Higher Education: Carol Kasworm Preparing the information workforce
Jan 21, 2016
Trends in Adult Higher Education:
Carol Kasworm
Preparing the information workforce
OBSOLETE Knowledge– ?Past ways of understanding knowledge is
problematic Distributors of Knowledge as STATIC
UNITS – Information delivery is insufficient response
Human Learning in ACTION – Knowledge creation and use Reframing life and work challenges Skills to consider past assumptions and
understandings.
Creative Contextual Authentic Learning
Digital age support Cyclical access and Universal participation Critically Reflective Engagement- Learning for continuous change
---Knowledge creation---Changing mind frames – paradigms
Trend in dramatic increase and blurring of credit and noncredit offerings - in basic and advanced knowledge focused on authentic, contextual learning
Community and higher education environments, as well as professional groups and associations
Significant Growth of providers and adult participants Projected that 70-80% professionals in learning
Work environments Four OECD countries – 35% of adults participated in non
formal work-related learning US – 52% of adults participated in formal training/
learning – prodominantly focused upon work topics. Individual self-directed learning
environments
Learning in Action. Experiential engagement.
Authentic tasks in creative problem-solving Understanding through application and
adaptation through embodied learning ( noncognitive)
Solving “non-routine problems” Innovative instructional designs – active
learning, problem-based learning. Social networked learning
Digital providers: Access and Participation
Programs and providers – interwoven with digital content, delivery, communications
Underskilled adult learners – Continuous adult learners –
Consumer, “just-in-time” learners Issue of identifying “QUALITY” adult
learning -
New Knowledge Workers – Needed competencies:
Integrating contextual knowledge with influential “tacit”understandings
Critically reflective learningUsing social tools – e-tools in creative Participate in socially heterogenous,
multi- cultural gorupings
Our work – “Learner as Innovative Expert”
Develop and research critically reflective skills -
Enhance within adult learners: Capacity for self- invention Creative problem-solving & reflective stance Non-routine framing of life tasks
Creative class – individuals involved in creation of new economic possibilities – 30% of new economic development
Past era - providing stable, proven knowledge and skills
New era - creating learners who are in a self-directed learning journey – towards developing new understandings, actions, and applications.
Creative class – individuals creation of 30% new economic possibilities
Creative community of practice– work units and organizations
For Dialogue and Exchange:[email protected]
Rockefeller Institute Report A New Paradigm for Economic Development: How Higher Education Institutions Are Working to Revitalize Their Regional and State Economies www.rockinst.org March 10, 2010
Key drivers of economic development and community revitalization.
Applying research for new ideas that will strengthen the country’s competitive edge in the new economy
Knowledge-focused services to businesses and other employers, including customized job-training programs, hands-on counseling, technical help, and management assistance.
Leadership in the cultural, social, and educational revitalization of
their home communities. Educating people to succeed in the innovation age.