Adult Education in Changing Times
Learning at the Nexus of Life Course, Work, and Transitions
1st Edition
Will be published approx. on 17. February 2026
Book
Hardback
328 pages
978-1-032-95335-9 (ISBN)
Description
This insightful book explores adult learning at the intersection of a rapidly changing world of work and society, and the personal, lived experiences of individuals navigating these shifts. It illuminates the social dimensions of adults learning in the contemporary era, highlighting the challenges and opportunities of being able to thrive in times of change.
Each carefully curated chapter presents theoretical insights, empirical findings, and diverse perspectives on adult development across the life course, drawing from historical, cultural, and social contexts to enrich the discourse. Throughout, the authors explore the concept of "liquid modernity" as a lens to understand the complexities of learning and work, presenting innovative frameworks to rethink and redefine these interconnected dynamics. They challenge traditional assumptions about lifelong education and invite readers to see learning differently than it was understood in more predictable times. By focusing on the dynamic interplay between social contexts, life events, and lived experiences, the book provides a nuanced understanding of adult learning as a process shaped by the evolving demands of work and society.
This book is an essential resource for researchers, educators, and policymakers, as well as anyone who supports adult learners. Offering profound insights into the ways adults navigate learning, work, and life transitions, it outlines a way to allow adults to flourish in an ever-changing world.
Each carefully curated chapter presents theoretical insights, empirical findings, and diverse perspectives on adult development across the life course, drawing from historical, cultural, and social contexts to enrich the discourse. Throughout, the authors explore the concept of "liquid modernity" as a lens to understand the complexities of learning and work, presenting innovative frameworks to rethink and redefine these interconnected dynamics. They challenge traditional assumptions about lifelong education and invite readers to see learning differently than it was understood in more predictable times. By focusing on the dynamic interplay between social contexts, life events, and lived experiences, the book provides a nuanced understanding of adult learning as a process shaped by the evolving demands of work and society.
This book is an essential resource for researchers, educators, and policymakers, as well as anyone who supports adult learners. Offering profound insights into the ways adults navigate learning, work, and life transitions, it outlines a way to allow adults to flourish in an ever-changing world.
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Taylor & Francis Ltd
Target group
College/higher education
Professional and scholarly
Academic, Postgraduate, and Professional Practice & Development
Illustrations
6 s/w Tabellen, 5 s/w Abbildungen, 5 s/w Zeichnungen
6 Tables, black and white; 5 Line drawings, black and white; 5 Illustrations, black and white
Dimensions
Height: 240 mm
Width: 161 mm
Thickness: 21 mm
Weight
628 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-032-95335-9 (9781032953359)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
Michael Bernhard | Stephen Billett | Christiane Hof
Adult Education in Changing Times
Learning at the Nexus of Life Course, Work, and Transitions
E-Book
02/2026
1st Edition
Routledge
€0.00
Available for download
Michael Bernhard | Stephen Billett | Christiane Hof
Adult Education in Changing Times
Learning at the Nexus of Life Course, Work, and Transitions
E-Book
02/2026
1st Edition
Routledge
€0.00
Available for download
Michael Bernhard | Stephen Billett | Christiane Hof
Adult Education in Changing Times
Learning at the Nexus of Life Course, Work, and Transitions
Book
approx. 02/2026
1st Edition
Routledge
€69.30
Not yet published
Persons
Michael Bernhard is a Researcher and Lecturer in the department of Adult Education and Lifelong Learning at the Goethe University, Germany.
Stephen Billett is Professor of Adult and Vocational Education, Griffith University, Australia.
Christiane Hof is Professor for Adult Education and Lifelong Learning at the Goethe University, Germany.
Katrin Kraus is Professor of Vocational and Adult Education at the University of Zurich, Switzerland.
Victoria J Marsick is Professor of Adult Learning and Leadership, Department of Organization & Leadership, Columbia University, Teachers College, USA.
Peter H. Sawchuk is Professor of Adult Education and Workplace Learning at the University of Toronto, Canada.
Stephen Billett is Professor of Adult and Vocational Education, Griffith University, Australia.
Christiane Hof is Professor for Adult Education and Lifelong Learning at the Goethe University, Germany.
Katrin Kraus is Professor of Vocational and Adult Education at the University of Zurich, Switzerland.
Victoria J Marsick is Professor of Adult Learning and Leadership, Department of Organization & Leadership, Columbia University, Teachers College, USA.
Peter H. Sawchuk is Professor of Adult Education and Workplace Learning at the University of Toronto, Canada.
Content
Part I: Adult Learning at the Nexus of Life Course, Work and Transitions, 1. Seeing Learning Differently: An Introduction, 2. From the Political Idea of Lifelong Education to Learning in the Life Course as Part of Social Practice, 3. Learning at the Nexus of Life Course, Work and Transitions: Relational Processes Between the Personal and the Social, Part II: Societal Challenges, 4. Adult Learning in Everyday Life: A Conversation About Social Relations and Situated Practices
5. Education Challenges Arising from the Digitalisation of Work, 6. Navigating Complexity and Thriving in Liminal Spaces Through Learning-Based Work, 7. Learning by Translations. Situated Learning in a World of Diverging Knowledges, Part III: Conceptual and Methodological Approaches to Learning, 8. A Psycho-Societal Approach to Adult Learning at the Nexus between Life Course, Work, and Transition, 9. Shaping Opportunity Spaces for Learning: Regimes of Labour Markets and Migration, 10. The Social Situatedness of the Relationship Between Life Course and Work as Space-times of Adult Education, 11. Learning in the Reciprocal Relationships among Work, Society, and the Individual as seen through Three Different Traditions: Berufsbildung, Perezhivanie and Phronesis, 12. Life Transitions, Daily Living, and Transformative Learning: Insights from a Migration Journey, 13. Work-related Learning as an Iterative Process of Relating Work and Learning, Part IV: Empirical Insights, 14. Learning from Rhythms: Navigating Personal Life Transitions at the Intersection of Work and Sustainability, 15. The Role of Work: Understanding Learning Experiences in Higher Education Beyond the Institution, 16. Employees' Individual Learning Paths During Organisational Change: A Comparison of Professional Development Strategies, 17. Collaboratively Researching Adult Learning: An Epilogue
5. Education Challenges Arising from the Digitalisation of Work, 6. Navigating Complexity and Thriving in Liminal Spaces Through Learning-Based Work, 7. Learning by Translations. Situated Learning in a World of Diverging Knowledges, Part III: Conceptual and Methodological Approaches to Learning, 8. A Psycho-Societal Approach to Adult Learning at the Nexus between Life Course, Work, and Transition, 9. Shaping Opportunity Spaces for Learning: Regimes of Labour Markets and Migration, 10. The Social Situatedness of the Relationship Between Life Course and Work as Space-times of Adult Education, 11. Learning in the Reciprocal Relationships among Work, Society, and the Individual as seen through Three Different Traditions: Berufsbildung, Perezhivanie and Phronesis, 12. Life Transitions, Daily Living, and Transformative Learning: Insights from a Migration Journey, 13. Work-related Learning as an Iterative Process of Relating Work and Learning, Part IV: Empirical Insights, 14. Learning from Rhythms: Navigating Personal Life Transitions at the Intersection of Work and Sustainability, 15. The Role of Work: Understanding Learning Experiences in Higher Education Beyond the Institution, 16. Employees' Individual Learning Paths During Organisational Change: A Comparison of Professional Development Strategies, 17. Collaboratively Researching Adult Learning: An Epilogue