University Community Engagement and Lifelong Learning
The Porous University
Nonfiction, Reference & Language, Education & Teaching, Educational Theory, Adult & Continuing Education, Higher Education
| Author: | Julia Preece | ISBN: | 9783319561639 |
| Publisher: | Springer International Publishing | Publication: | July 13, 2017 |
| Imprint: | Palgrave Macmillan | Language: | English |
| Author: | Julia Preece |
| ISBN: | 9783319561639 |
| Publisher: | Springer International Publishing |
| Publication: | July 13, 2017 |
| Imprint: | Palgrave Macmillan |
| Language: | English |
This book offers a conceptual re-think of how university community engagement functions as a lifelong learning resource for communities. While having a specific focus on the South African context, it has important implications for other universities which are concerned with their communities, and makes a compelling argument for the university as a public good, in spite of current trends towards marketization and commodification of higher education. The book draws on a theoretical framework of capabilities, asset-based community development, and the adult learning concept of dialogue, to propose a model whereby the boundary walls of the university become metaphorically ‘porous’, so that community members feel free to interact with the university as equal members of society. A historical outline of African universities is provided, as well as an exploration of the evolution of terms for community engagement, service learning and learning cities; and an examination of the policy and practice implications for the ideological model of a porous university.
This book offers a conceptual re-think of how university community engagement functions as a lifelong learning resource for communities. While having a specific focus on the South African context, it has important implications for other universities which are concerned with their communities, and makes a compelling argument for the university as a public good, in spite of current trends towards marketization and commodification of higher education. The book draws on a theoretical framework of capabilities, asset-based community development, and the adult learning concept of dialogue, to propose a model whereby the boundary walls of the university become metaphorically ‘porous’, so that community members feel free to interact with the university as equal members of society. A historical outline of African universities is provided, as well as an exploration of the evolution of terms for community engagement, service learning and learning cities; and an examination of the policy and practice implications for the ideological model of a porous university.
