Bibliography 2: #BIB27451

Key	BIB27451
Reference type	Thesis
Title	Adult Learning and Community Development : A Case Study of the FUNDAEC's University Center for Rural Well-being in Risaralda, Colombia
Author	Roosta, Manigeh
Year	1999
Place published	Dekald, IL
ISBN	0599274425
Abstract	This case study examines a rural university program in Risaralda, Colombia. Based on principles of naturalistic inquiry and critical ethnography, the students' narratives are a major source of information. The philosophy and early history of FUNDAEC (Fundación para la Aplicación y Enseñanza de las Ciencias) provide a backdrop for understanding this program. The general objectives of this study were: (1) to describe meaningful ways a university can get involved in community development, (2) to explain the learning activities through which people's participation in knowledge generation and application can be fostered, (3) to examine critically the crucial importance of integrating social purpose in the curriculum and its effect on adult learning and community development. This university program provides a unique combination of higher education curriculum, community development project, and adult education principles. FUNDAEC views access to knowledge generation as a fundamental requirement of rural development. The process of knowledge generation is not a pure academic endeavor. The Rural University is perceived as a social space in which the two knowledge systems—traditional and modern—can interact to generate a development process from within rural communities themselves. The major findings are: (1) in order to enhance the horizon of empowerment beyond the notions of pure economic perspectives of raising efficiency/cost reduction or mere social mobilization, it needs to be grounded in an integrative learning process; (2) the social purpose of the program—well-being of the community—and the constant reference to the real problems of rural areas were the axes of curriculum integration; (3) a coherent concept of human being, where the intellectual, social, and spiritual potentialities are equally addressed, provides solid basis for a transformative learning experience. Implications for adult education are: (1) the consideration of a non-linear approach to rural adult learning, where the curriculum beyond the university program encompasses a “de-schooling” secondary education and community development, and (2) individual and social transformation are simultaneous processes and adult learning cannot sacrifice one for the sake of another.
Notes	FUNDAEC is a Bahá'í-inspired development organization.
Language	English
Keywords	FUNDAEC; DEVELOPMENT; LEARNING; ADULTS; RISARALDA; COLOMBIA; RURAL AREAS
Number of pages	x, 289
Thesis type	Doctorate
University	Northern Illinois University
Degree	Ed.D.

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