In this course, candidates will learn the historical, legal, social, political and economic perspectives of Adult Education. They will understand how Adult Education can serve their region to enrich the local common workers, parents, and community members. They will be able to describe adult education funding sources, as well as the local, state and federal structure of Adult Education and how those structures impact the adult education program. They will understand the California Adult Education Program (CAEP) and the requirements for accurate, timely reporting. They will identify sources for current research as well as understand the principles of teaching adult learners, and the theories of adult development stages, brain-based learning, and self-directed learning. Candidates will also demonstrate strategies to foster self-esteem and respect, and how to communicate effectively with their students, along with conflict resolution. Candidates will also prepare a personal teaching philosophy based on theories of adult learning.

1. Analyze the historical, legal, social, political, and economic perspectives of Adult Education and their impact on learning theories and local communities.
2. Apply culturally and linguistically responsive teaching strategies in Adult Education settings, considering diverse learner needs and community enrichment.
3. Develop a personal teaching philosophy incorporating adult learning theories, effective communication, and conflict resolution strategies in adult education.

1. Compare historical and current adult education programs in California.
2. Identify local adult education populations and apply the Immigrant Integration Framework.
3. Examine adult education structures and funding at local, state, and federal levels.
4. Explore and apply various adult learning theories and practices, including heutagogy and brain-based learning.
5. Implement current research strategies in adult learning theory.
6. Develop a personal teaching philosophy based on adult learning theories.
7. Apply strategies to foster positive learning environments and engage students effectively.
8. Develop skills in group facilitation and conflict resolution within educational settings.
9. Incorporate culturally and linguistically responsive teaching practices.

Content will cover Adult Education Teaching Credential Candidate Competency Standards as listed below:

1. Historical, Legal, Social, Political, and Economic Perspectives (Meets Standard 5A)

• History of Adult Education in California: Compare early 1900s programs with current offerings.
• Adult Education Reform in the 21st Century:
  • Motivation for restructuring in 2013-2014.
  • Pre-2008-2009 funding and impacts of the Great Recession.
• Marginalized Learners During COVID-19: Challenges faced and future impacts.

2. Serving Various Roles (Meets Standard 5B)

• Populations served through Adult Education: Identify your local population.
• Immigrant Integration Framework: Genesis, goals, and metrics.

3. Structures and Funding of Adult Education (Meets Standards 5C & 5D)

• Local, State, and Federal Structures: Find and review school board policies.
• CAEP Program Management and Funding: Identify managing agencies, program areas, consortium details, and reporting requirements.
• WIOA Programs: Reporting requirements and program offerings.

4. Adult Learning Theories and Practices (Standards 6A, 6B, 6E, & 10L)

• Theories of Adult Learning: Compare and apply learning theories.
• Heutagogy and other theories: Fit and use in classroom settings.
• Principles of Brain-Based Learning: Apply the "four pillars of learning."
• Scaffolding: Application in teaching.

5. Current Research on Adult Learning Theories (Standard 6C)

• Review and implement strategies from current research articles on adult learning theory.

6. Personal Teaching Philosophy (Standard 6D)

• Develop a personal teaching philosophy based on adult learning theories.

7. Fostering Positive Learning Environments (Standards 7A, 7B, & 10M)

• Strategies to Build Confidence and Positive Attitudes: Review teaching approaches and communication strategies.
• Engaging Students: Review videos and checklist for effective strategies.

8. Group Facilitation and Conflict Resolution (Standards 7C)

• Conflict Management: Describe personal experiences and strategies used.
• Group Facilitation: Develop and/or review community agreements for a safe learning environment.

9. Analyzing Student Backgrounds (Standard 7D)

• Incorporate culturally and linguistically responsive teaching practices into professional practice.

1. Discussion
2. Final Exam/Project
3. Projects
4. Quizzes
5. Skills Demonstration

1. Rocco, Tonette S., Smith, Cecil, M., Mizzi, Robert C., Merriweather, Lisa R.,and Hawley, Joshua D. 2023. The Handbook of Adult and Continuing Education. Routledge
2. Dirkx, John M., Gilley, Jerry W., & Bierema, Laura L. 2020. Foundations of Adult and Continuing Education. Wiley
3. Merriam, Sharan B. & Bierema, Laura L. 2014. Adult Learning: Linking Theory and Practice. Jossey-Bass
4. California Commission on Teaching Credentials. 2023. Adult Education Handbook on Teacher Credentialing. California Commission on Teaching