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Dirkx, J. (2007). Overview of historical contexts of adult learning. Lecture presented at Michigan State University, EAD 861. Sass, E. (2011). American Educational History: A Hypertext Timeline. Retrieved February 11, 2011 from http://www.cloudnet.com/~edrbsass/educationhistorytimeline.html. The Learning Revolution White Paper. Retrieved February 11, 2011 from http://www.e-c-a.ac.uk/the-learning-revolution/.
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How do we build and sustain democracy?
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These dates are relative! This span is in the early days of the US becoming a nation until just before the Civil War.
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Controversy over whether women should participate in education.
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Valued "Liberal Education" in learning
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Although several colleges began in the late 17th and 18th centuries, (Harvard, College of William & Mary, Princeton, Dartmouth, among others) there was a "boom" in starting colleges in the early 1800s. More than 200 opened doors between 1800 - 1850, but many could not sustain the costs.
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Debate over purpose of education - theory v. practice (what do I know v. what can I do)
Development of literary societies, urban gentlemen's clubs, self-education
Some vocational emphasis -
Primary focus on economic development and building a democracy
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Wider availability of books (printing press), literary societies and lyceums, and mutual improvement societies
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In the early 1800s, a larger number of women participated
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The African Institute opens - oldest higher education institution for African Americans (now called Cheyney University)
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Rise of vocational education for occupational specialization, and criticism of traditional liberal arts education
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a.k.a. "Land Grant Act" -donates public lands to states, the sale of which will be used for the "endowment, support, and maintenance of at least one college"
(Our Land Grant university - Michigan State) -
Again, these are not specific dates, but general timeframes.
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Change about what is "useful knowledge" - industrial base
Decline of literary societies
Increased participation of women
Education for more people rather than only "elite"
Rise in vocational ed - work training and curriculum -
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Due to university extension, evening clsses, women's clubs, and chautauquas.
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The GI Bill had a large effect on the growth of adult participation in higher education.
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Junior and Community college growth, with average age in late 20s or older.
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Although not new to this era, the rise of progressive education took hold around this time period, primarily attributed to John Dewey. Picking up on this was Malcolm Knowles, who then popularized andragogy.
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Where we are now and what we've learned
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The focus of education is still largely on occupational or vocational training.
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LIfelong Learning starts to move from being a slogan to an accepted and valued concept
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Incidentally and intentionally. Adults learn in formal, nonformal, and informal settings. UK recognizes the value of informal and nonformal learning through The Learning Revolution". This is a national endeavor to create support for informal learning and build a culture of learning. (You can see the executive summary in our course site.)
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Influence of race, class, gender, politics plays a huge part in access to and purpose for education. Social and cultural context is critical in shaping the meaning.
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Dirkx, J. (2007). Overview of historical contexts of adult learning. Lecture presented at Michigan State University, EAD 861. Sass, E. (2011). American Educational History: A Hypertext Timeline. Retrieved February 11, 2011 from http://www.cloudnet.com/~edrbsass/educationhistorytimeline.html. The Learning Revolution White Paper. Retrieved February 11, 2011 from http://www.e-c-a.ac.uk/the-learning-revolution/.