Integrating Development Education into Adult Education Using Active Citizenship as a Focus

Overview & Synopsis

This research was commissioned by AONTAS-the National Adult Learning Organisation, in partnership with Irish Aid, the Irish Government's programme of assistance to developing countries. To date, a strategic focus on the integration of development education into adult learning has been missing at both State level and across the development education sector as a whole. Stakeholders in Irish Aid's most recent development education strategy identified this gap. The aim of the research was: To examine the extent to which development education is understood in the adult and community education sector and to explore how adult educators might be supported in integrating development education into its work and processes using active citizenship as the main focus. A quantitative survey, semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders in adult and community and development education, case studies of adult and community education provision and focus groups were used to elicit data that could meet the research objectives. It was also necessary to unpack the contested theoretical terrain concerning the three main practices that were connected in the research, active citizenship, adult and community education and development education. This exploration was done in a context review and informed analysis of the data and the research recommendations. A summary of the findings, conclusions are presented here in sections titled according to the stated objectives of the research. Finally, recommendations are proposed that emerged from the findings and conclusions. Appended are: (1) Policies Relevant to Development Education; (2) Relevant FETAC Modules; (3) List of Interviewees; (4) Interview Schedule; (5) Survey Questionnaire; (6) Focus Group Processes; (7) Case Study Criteria and Questions; (8) Detailed Profile of Web-based Survey Respondents; and (9) Qualifications/Certification for Adult and Community Education in Ireland. A glossary is included. (Contains 5 figures, 11 tables and 109 footnotes.)