International learning communities for global and localcitizenship

• Main Author: Hana Cervinkova
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Linköping University Electronic Press 2011-10-01
• Series: European Journal for Research on the Education and Learning of Adults
• Subjects: International learning communities; globalization; citizenship; participatoryaction research (PAR)
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.3384/rela.2000-7426.rela0047

In this paper, I describe our ongoing international project in engaged educationalethnography and participatory action research with young adults and consider itsrelevance for a discussion on the community-building role of adult education in aglobalized context. I use the example of our case study to suggest that adult educatorscan generate viable communities by creating learning spaces that nurture criticalconsciousness, a sense of agency, participation and social solidarity amonginternationally and culturally diverse young adult learners. Furthermore, I argue thatparticipation in international learning communities formed through this educationalprocess can potentially help young adults become locally and globally engaged citizens.International learning communities for global citizenship thus present a proposition forconceptualizing the vital role of adult community education in supporting democraticglobal and local citizenship in a world defined in terms of cross-cultural and longdistanceencounters in the formation of culture.