Community-Based Organizations and the Delivery of Lifelong Learning Opportunities.

Abstract

A framework for conceptualizing community-based education and lifelong learning is presented and examined. The connection between community-based education and lifelong learning is made, as well as recommendations for research that require attention f this connection is to become a reality. The paper begins by defining community, community-based education, and lifelong learning and education. Lifelong learning is examined in terms of dimensions and psychological aspects. The connection between community-based educational and lifelong learning is then made, differentiating among formal, nonformal, and informal community-based education. A research question which needs to be asked concerns whether or not the opportunity of lifelong learning through community-based education is recognized by community-based providers and the community residents themselves. It is asserted that it is essential to investigate the realities of communities--what is actually going on or not going on to enhance lifelong learning. Fourteen specific research questions concerned with determining the community's status in lifelong learning are presented. Additional recommended research themes are the use of technology in community-based education and lifelong learning and education through mentoring. Finally, the role of the research agency is described. One figure illustrates the relationship between community-based education and lifelong learning. (Contains 31 references.) (MAS) ***,:******************************************************************* Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made * from the original document. *********************************************************************** U.S DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION °Mc. M Educat.oetai Research and Improvement EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES (ERIC) INFORMATION C CENTER This document net been reproduced as received Iron the person or orlenization originating .t O Minor chinges have Peen made to improve reproduction quality Points of view o, °female elated clOcument do not nocantsartly represent ofttoei OERI position or policy COMMUNITY-BASED ORGANIZATIONS AND THE DELIVERY OF LIFELONG LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES Dr. Michael W. Galbraith Professor of Adult Education Florida Atlantic University Department of Educational Leadership 777 Glades Road Boca Raton, FL 33431 A commissioned paper presented to the National Institute on Postsecondary Education, Libraries, and Lifelong Learning, Office of Educational Research and Improvement, U. S. Department of Education, Washington, D.C., April 1995 BEST COPY AVAILABLE 2