How often do we hear, "Sometimes it is the little things in life that matter."? Trite sayings, annoy me, but that is what I am finding myself thinking as I open this column. Let me explain.
About 2 years ago I read a submission for a journal I edit that made me pick up the envelope and think carefully about the author. This was a young professor who was looking deeply at his world and his work. I provided some feedback, and then there were other papers. This month we are publishing a book together that brings a real synergy to the educational field- to the way that people look at their worlds and ways of thinking.
Dr. Wang and I began working together on bridging the connections on Western and Eastern thought. I had studied eastern religions in depth in some of my prior studies, quite a few years ago. Now, we have had the opportunity to bring together the work of people from around the world, but primarily to break down some theoretical walls.
Through its pages we encourage people to hear these stories and to realize that our world views are necessarily restricted, or bounded, by our perspectives and philosophies. So in one chapter you will find the article by Victor and myself on transformative learning and Confucianism. It is a synergistic collaboration in itself as it is the work of a Chinese-American adult education scholar (Wang) and an American adult education scholar, and techie, who studied theology at one time.
Readers will find an accessible, but compelling presentation of Confucius thought compared with the Western theory. For westerners who have limited knowledge of eastern philosophy or religion, this is a rich chapter. For educators and students from other parts of the world, this chapter provides an example of how diverse philosophies and perspectives can benefit from one another for practical purposes.
Most of all, this chapter is one example of our vision for this book. It is a vision to appreciate the rich history, accomplishments, challenges, difficulties and tragedies of different people and groups. Why? The purpose is to, each in our own time and way, understand from the past, reflect, consider and create a new synergy. We have within our minds, hands and future the inspiration for the future.
Let me know what you think about these ideas of sharing different perspectives and take a listen to Adventures in Transformative Learning (www.podcastforteachers.org/atl) also broadcast on CoolCast Radio (www.CoolCastRadio.com) and iLearn Radio (www.iLearnRadio.org). The book will also be available through our website here at www.BXRadio.net
King, K. & Wang, V. (Eds.). (2006) Comparative Adult Education Around the Globe
Hangzhou, PR China: Zhejiang University Press, BX Media - Worldwide Distributors.
King, K. & Wang, V. (Eds.). (In press)
Comparative Adult Education Around the Globe
New York: Springer and
Hangzhou, PR China: Zhejiang University Press.
About the Author
(C) Copyright 2006, Dr.
Kathleen P. King
Dr. Kathleen P. King is a professor and director of the RETC for Professional Development at Fordham University in New York City. She is also the co-host of Podcast for Teachers a podcast featuring lively conversations about technology and education with leaders in the field, and "Adventures in Transformative Learning", a podcast about lifelong learning. She has also been an educational and technical consultant since 1990. The emphasis of her work is Changing Lives and Learning through Outreach.
Fordham University, RETC - http://www.retc.fordham.edu
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