Conversations in Adult and Further Education
By Karen Bunyan
Please note that any issues discussed on the podcast are the opinions of individuals and do not necessarily represent the opinions of the organisations they represent.
Contact me at feteducationpodcast@gmail.com
Cover art photo provided by Paul Bulai on Unsplash: unsplash.com/@pcbulai
Conversations in Adult and Further EducationJan 13, 2023
Episode 10: A brief history of adult literacy in Ireland
In this episode, I chat with Geraldine Mernagh about her experience of working in adult literacy and how it has changed since the 1980s. Geraldine gives us some great advice about reflecting on what drew us to our work in the first place so that we can decide what we want to carry with us as our profession changes.
Episode 9: Meritocracy
In this episode, I am chatting with Geraldine Mernagh about Meritocracy. We discuss what meritocracy is, where the idea comes from and the problem it poses in adult education. We also discuss transformative education and helping learners to see their potential.
Episode 8: Talking with the tutor: Anna Galligan on teaching drama
In this episode, I have a conversation with Anna Galligan, the outreach officer with Barnstorm Theatre Company in Kilkenny. Anna talks to me about her long career as a drama tutor. This is a fascinating look at Anna's approach to working with her students. Anna has really helped me to think outside the box with my teaching practice. Whether or not you are interested in drama, this episode will get you to think about your teaching in a completely new way.
Episode 7: Tutor identity in FET
In this episode, I chat with Sarah Bates about her research into FET tutor's identities. Sarah is a tutor with Waterford and Wexford ETB and is also a researcher and lecturer at Waterford Institute of Technology. Sarah talks about the diverse nature of the FET sector, how tutors see themselves within their profession and what motivates them in their work. I hope that tutors listening to this can identify with the tutors in Sarah's research.
Episode 6: Reflection and being a reflective practitioner
In this episode, I am chatting with Catriona Warren from the Literacy Development Centre in Waterford Institute of Technology. Catriona has some useful advice if you are interested in keeping a reflective journal or are interested in understanding what reflective practice is.
Episode 5: Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
In this episode, I chat with Dr Maeve O' Grady about Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). We discuss what it is, how educational providers recognise RPL and why it is a worthwhile exercise for all of us to name and record all of our learning experiences, professional and personal.
Apologies, we are recording from home so we have some sound issues.
Episode Length: 22m54s
Episode 4: Paulo Freire
In this episode, I chat with Maeve O' Grady about the work of Paulo Freire and the significance of his ideas in contemporary Adult and Further Education.
Episode Length: 31 minutes
Episode 3: Talking with the Tutor: Mary Curtis
This is the first in a series called talking with the Tutor, where I interview Tutors working in Adult and Further Education about their work.
In this episode I am chatting with Mary Curtis, a tutor in Waterford and Wexford ETB. Mary talks about how she became a tutor and the creative ways that she engages her learners. I think there is a lot of good advice here for both new and experienced tutors. Enjoy!
Total Length: 24m 51s
Episode 2: Do you have lunch or dinner in the middle of the day? A sociological look at food
We have a story about an avocado and we also talk about cake!
Length: 34 mins.