This online forum, moderated by Dr. Leslie Cordie, shares interviews with experts on best practices across the transition to adulthood and reflections on lifelong learning.
Yan Dai is the co-author of Chapter 6. She is currently a Ph.D. candidate in the Educational Psychology program at Auburn University. Her research interests include motivation, particularly self-efficacy and self-regulation. She has over 15 years of experience as an ESL instructor in China, and was recognized as the FLTR (Foreign Language Teaching and Research) Outstanding Mentor for guiding a student to victory in the National English Contest in China.
Dr. Michael Wooten is the author of Chapters 4 (on the brain) and 13 (this podcast). He is Emeritus Professor of Genetics with the Department of Biological Sciences at Auburn University. Wooten reflects on his 36-year career as a faculty member within a land-grant institution of higher learning. He shares how the common practice of faculty members in the sciences begin teaching without any formal training in education theory and how he navigated the learning journey.
Dr Stephen O’Brien the author of Chapter 11 and is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Education, University College Cork, Ireland. He is Programme Director for the Postgraduate Diploma in Further, Adult and Community Education (PDFACE). O’Brien sets the scene for critically examining Further Education and Training learners’ transition to university, discussing how ‘voice’ is central to the university’s mission and can deepen inclusion in the Higher Education community.
Transitions Stephen O’Brien Interview Transcript
Dr. Luan is a researcher and educator originally from China and is one of 3 authors who collaborated on the Chinese chapter. She also shares the unique differences in Chinese higher education and culture that impact the adult learner and their growth as learners. Lingfei has a background in educational psychology and, in this episode, she helps us understand the perceptions of adult learners to better understand knowledge acquisition and memory in the learning process.
Colin McGregor is the former Director of Adult and Community Education (ACE) Aotearoa. ACE Aotearoa, a non-governmental organisation, is the lead body for Adult and Community Education in New Zealand. Our role is to support ACE providers through training, resources, conferences and sharing best practice. Colin says “I am committed to promoting the value of lifelong learning and ensuring access to learning opportunities.”
Mr. Colin McGregor has had a long career in Adult Education. He recently retired as the Director of the peak body for Adult Education in New Zealand (NZ) - Adult and Community Education (ACE) Aotearoa. In this podcast episode, Colin shares his thoughts about NZ’s bi-cultural society and how we might learn from collaborations and partnerships across the world. In addition, he discusses the importance of policy and funding for ACE.
Transitions Colin McGregor Interview
