Meet the three outstanding learners who are this year’s ALW Scholarship winners. Teegan O’Farrell, Northern Territory When Teegan commenced studying at STEPS Palmerston, she lacked confidence and was very quiet and shy. Over time, however, she started to builFard confidence and to participate in classroom activities and form friendships. Teegan’s story is one of […]
Every year, hundreds of events are held across Australia to celebrate Adult Learners Week. These are held in adult and community education centres, libraries, neighbourhood houses and community centres, TAFEs and community colleges and local councils. The three awards for Best Adult Learners Week events this year were given to the Shire of Harvey in […]
Every Adult Learners Week, a small group of inspiring learners are chosen as Adult Learners Week Ambassadors. The stories of these learners – nominated by their learning providers – illustrate the many benefits of taking an adult education journey. This year’s Tasmanian ambassadors – Andrew Bartlett, Jenna Eastwood, Faye Hodgetts and Rohan Muthamala – spoke […]
“Wherever I go I am reminded of the lifelong possibility of opening our minds to new knowledge and different perspectives. To remain curious, open and capable of learning. And it’s never too late – we are never too old to continue learning”. Attendees of the launch of Adult Learners Week 2025 on Monday 1 September […]
The Learning Changes Lives Foundation – ALA’s charitable organisation – supports people who need it most to gain access to the life-changing capacity of education. In 2025, six recipients received prizes funded by the Foundation during Adult Learners Week. Tegan Case – Northern Territory Tegan has dyslexia and struggled with reading and writing in school. […]
Meet the three outstanding adult learners who are this year’s Adult Learners Week Scholarship recipients. Teegan O’Farrell, Northern Territory When Teegan commenced studying at STEPS Palmerston, she lacked confidence and was very quiet and shy. Over time, however, she started to build confidence and to participate in classroom activities and form friendships. Teegan’s story […]
Dr Cheryl Ryan Dr Cheryl Ryan is an academic lecturing in adult, professional and applied education at Deakin University and course director of the Graduate Certificate of Higher Education (Learning and Teaching). Cheryl’s teaching, scholarship and leadership in higher education are informed by her critical reflections on experiences from six significant careers spanning 47 years. […]
Dr Robyn Ober, Research Practice Lead, Batchelor Institute (Northern Territory) Robyn has been re-elected after joining the ALA Board two years ago. As the only member from the Northern Territory, Robyn says she is glad to be able to represent the Territory’s diverse educational contexts in adult teaching and learning sectors. Robyn is an Indigenous […]
In this special 30th year of Adult Learners Week, we are honouring and celebrating the many ways we learn together – in the classroom, in the community, in the paddock, in the kitchen and around the table. From growing food to growing knowledge, we celebrate the learning that nourishes our communities and connects us all. […]
Circular Head, in Tasmania’s top northwest corner, has been talking the talk about literacy and numeracy for at least 25 years. And now visitors can actually walk the walk! The Walking Words Literacy Trail is the latest initiative to be developed by a community committed to “creating a space where everyone who wants to learn, […]
Not only are we celebrating our own 65th anniversary – it is also the 65th anniversary of flagship research publication, the Australian Journal of Adult Learning (AJAL), and the 30th anniversary of Adult Learners Week! We look forward to letting you know more about how we are celebrating these milestones. The theme for ALA’s anniversary […]
After seven years, Associate Professor Trace Ollis is stepping down as Editor of the Australian Journal of Adult Learning (AJAL), ALA’s flagship research publication. Trace looks back over her time as Editor and her career in adult and community education. Since moving from TAFE teaching to academia, Trace Ollis has always ensured that adult learners’ […]
Amanda Wilson became a volunteer adult literacy tutor in 2011 when Libraries Tasmania put out a call for tutors in northern Tasmania. Volunteering in her local library, Amanda came to see how helping adults improve their reading and writing skills can change lives, particularly when they can then access new opportunities for better employment, health, […]
A much-loved and well-utilised adult education provider in Melbourne is facing an uncertain future because it is located on the ground floor of one of the first public housing towers scheduled to be demolished. Youmei Xi originally came to North Melbourne Language and Learning (NMLL) to learn English after migrating from China. She loved the […]
Every Adult Learners Week, a small group of inspiring learners are chosen as Adult Learners Week Ambassadors. The stories of these learners – nominated by their learning providers – illustrate the many benefits of taking an adult education journey. Prior to Adult Learners Week, these learners are supported to feel confident in speaking on radio […]
