Academic Calendar

Adult Education


English language proficiency requirements

Students registering in post-secondary level courses (numbered 100 to 499) will be required to meet the English language entrance proficiency requirements. Students in ELS or the University Foundations programs can register in those courses identified in the University Foundations program with lower levels of language proficiency.


Please note that not all courses are offered every semester.

ADED 210

3 credits

Principles and Practice of Adult Education

Prerequisite(s): One of CMNS 125, CMNS 175, EDUC 100, ENGL 105, ENGL 108, ENGL 170.

Corequisite(s): None.

Pre- or corequisite(s): None.

Introduces learners to the principles and practices of adult education. Provides a common foundation of knowledge for adult education.

ADED 215

3 credits

Foundations of e-Learning

Prerequisite(s): None.

Corequisite(s): None.

Pre- or corequisite(s): None.

This course explores how the Internet and new technologies are revolutionizing lifelong learning. It offers participants a hands-on opportunity to investigate and critique a range of e-learning tools and methods from both a learner and instructional design perspective.

ADED 305

3 credits

Portfolio Development for Prior Learning Assessment Recognition

Prerequisite(s): One of the following: (30-university-level credits) or (enrolment in an Adult Education program) or (permission of the Adult Education department). Note: Students who do not have 30 university-level credits will need to contact the Adult Education program advisor for permission to register.

Corequisite(s): None.

Pre- or corequisite(s): None.

The purpose of this course is to reflect critically on individual conceptions of teaching and learning with respect to professional development. Students will be introduced to the process of portfolio development and will create their own portfolios. This is a required course for students applying for PLAR credit in the BA Adult Education program.

Note: Students with credit for ADED 330O cannot take this course for further credit.

ADED 310

3 credits

Fundamentals of Adult Education

Prerequisite(s): One of the following: (30 university-level credits) or (enrolment in an Adult Education program) or (permission of the Adult Education department). Note: Students who do not have 30 university-level credits will need to contact the Adult Education program advisor for permission to register.

Corequisite(s): None.

Pre- or corequisite(s): None.

This course surveys the fundamental philosophical and historical roots of adult education, its methods and approaches, its organizations, and issues confronting contemporary adult education practice.

ADED 320

3 credits

Adult Learning

Prerequisite(s): One of the following: (30-university-level credits) or (enrolment in an Adult Education program) or (permission of the Adult Education department). Note: Students who do not have 30 university-level credits will need to contact the Adult Education program advisor for permission to register.

Corequisite(s): None.

Pre- or corequisite(s): None.

Course focus is on examining adult learning through exploration of research-based theories of how people learn (science of learning) and evidence-based principles for helping people learn grounded in cognitive theories (science of instruction). Emphasis is on analysis in context of practice.

ADED 325

3 credits

Teaching Adults

Prerequisite(s): One of the following: (30-university-level credits) or (enrolment in an Adult Education program) or (permission of the Adult Education department). Note: Students who do not have 30 university-level credits will need to contact the Adult Education program advisor for permission to register.

Corequisite(s): None.

Pre- or corequisite(s): None.

Developing theoretical understanding and practical skills to teach adults, focusing on course design, lesson planning, flipped classrooms, teaching face-to-face, blended, and online, developing teaching personas and teaching philosophies, and creating professional development plans. Emphasis is on collaborative learning and reflective practice.

Note: Students with credit for ADED 330R cannot take this course for further credit.

ADED 330

3 credits

Special Topics in Adult Education

Prerequisite(s): One of the following: (30 university-level credits) or (enrolment in an Adult Education program) or (permission of the Adult Education department). Note: Students who do not have 30 university-level credits will need to contac the Adult Education program advisor for permission to register.

Corequisite(s): None.

Pre- or corequisite(s): None.

Course offerings under this heading will supplement regular program offerings by examining selected emergent topics. Courses will be offered intermittently, based on availability of faculty, resources, and learner interest. Contact program or refer to published timetables for current offerings.

ADED 340

3 credits

Program Planning and Evaluation

Prerequisite(s): One of the following: (30-university-level credits) or (enrolment in an Adult Education program) or (permission of the Adult Education department). Note: Students who do not have 30 university-level credits will need to contact the Adult Education program advisor for permission to register.

Corequisite(s): None.

Pre- or corequisite(s): None.

Course focus is on examining responsible, reflective program planning practice through exploration of key concepts, principles, and issues in planning processes, and the diverse settings in which planning occurs. Emphasis is on critical thinking and analysis in context of practice.

ADED 350

3 credits

Storytelling and the Reflective Practitioner

Prerequisite(s): 30 university-level credits.

Corequisite(s): None.

Pre- or corequisite(s): None.

Focuses on exploring theories and practices related to using stories to make meaning, particularly as a method for reflecting on adult education practice. Participants will reflect on and learn from their experiences through stories of teaching and learning.

ADED 360

3 credits

Adult Education in Canada: Histories and Trends

Prerequisite(s): One of the following: (30-university-level credits) or (enrolment in an Adult Education program) or (permission of the Adult Education department). Note: Students who do not have 30 university-level credits will need to contact the Adult Education program advisor for permission to register.

Corequisite(s): None.

Pre- or corequisite(s): None.

This course focuses on the development of adult education as a practice and vocation in Canada with critical consideration of the historical, social, political, and economic influences that have shaped the field, both historically and today. Emphasis is on examining how adult education practices shape and are shaped by competing interests and theories of society, human development, and need.

ADED 365

3 credits

Adult Education in Canada: Indigenous Peoples

Prerequisite(s): 30 university-level credits.

Corequisite(s): None.

Pre- or corequisite(s): One of ADED 210, ADED 310, ADED 360, or ADED 390.

Explores the history of and movements associated with adult education as they impact Indigenous peoples in Canada. Examines how Indigenous adult learners challenge the assumptions, principles, and practices of mainstream Canadian adult education, and the responsibilities adult educators have in addressing these issues.

ADED 370

3 credits

Directed Studies

Prerequisite(s): ADED 390, ADED 408, and ADED 425.

Corequisite(s): None.

Pre- or corequisite(s): None.

Course focus is on supervised research and/or field-based activity for students to diversify their experience base or refine and deepen their understanding of selected areas in adult education. Emphasis is on an opportunity to integrate and apply theories and practices.

Note: This course requires a learning contract.

ADED 380

3 credits

Educational Technologies

Prerequisite(s): One of the following: (30-university-level credits) or (enrolment in an Adult Education program) or (permission of the Adult Education department). Note: Students who do not have 30 university-level credits will need to contact the Adult Education program advisor for permission to register.

Corequisite(s): None.

Pre- or corequisite(s): None.

Course focus is on selecting, implementing, and evaluating appropriate current learning technologies for use with adult learners in face-to-face, blended, and online learning environments. Emphasis is on application of learning theories and principles to educational technologies in global contexts.

ADED 390

3 credits

Research in Adult Education

Prerequisite(s): 30-university-level credits.

Corequisite(s): None.

Pre- or corequisite(s): None.

Examines how research informs the practice of adult education, including epistemology, research sources, methods of inquiry, and critical application. Focuses on key skills related to generating a research focus, critiquing research through various lenses, writing of research-related genres, and preparing to conduct practitioner research.

ADED 405

3 credits

Diversity in Adult Education

Prerequisite(s): 30 university-level credits.

Corequisite(s): None.

Pre- or corequisite(s): One of ADED 210, ADED 310, ADED 360, or ADED 390.

Recognizing that Canada is a diverse and multicultural country with Indigenous distinctiveness, discussions will revolve around the diversity (e.g., race, cultures, genders, abilities, class, languages) that makes up the very fabric of Canadian society and its relationship to adult education. Students will explore diverse learning models and Indigenous teaching philosophies for working with adult learners. The course provides pedagogical approaches and methods for decolonization and creating more equitable and inclusive learning experiences for the diverse social identities that make up adult learning communities.

ADED 407

3 credits

Organizational and Workplace Learning

Prerequisite(s): One of the following: (30-university-level credits) or (enrolment in an Adult Education program) or (permission of the Adult Education department). Note: Students who do not have 30 university-level credits will need to contact the Adult Education program advisor for permission to register.

Corequisite(s): None.

Pre- or corequisite(s): None.

Examination of concepts of workplace learning and the learning organization, their meaning, and validity within students' professional and organizational contexts. Emphasis is on collaborative investigation of how concepts are applied within real workplaces, drawing upon students' experiences and case studies.

Note: Students with credit for ADED 330F cannot take this course for further credit.

ADED 408

3 credits

Assessing Adult Learning

Prerequisite(s): One of the following: (30-university-level credits) or (enrolment in an Adult Education program) or (permission of the Adult Education department). Note: Students who do not have 30 university-level credits will need to contact the Adult Education program advisor for permission to register.

Corequisite(s): None.

Pre- or corequisite(s): None.

Course focus is on evaluating the adult teaching and learning process to inform teacher and learners about the quality of the adult learning experiences and possible corrective actions to enhance learning. Emphasis is on students designing relevant and appropriate assessments for their own practices.

Note: Students with credit for ADED 330N cannot take this course for further credit.

ADED 410

3 credits

Adult Education and Social Change

Prerequisite(s): One of the following: (30-university-level credits) or (enrolment in an Adult Education program) or (permission of the Adult Education department). Note: Students who do not have 30 university-level credits will need to contact the Adult Education program advisor for permission to register.

Corequisite(s): None.

Pre- or corequisite(s): None.

This course focuses on social change, the creation of new areas of practice and new groups of learners, and the effects on adult education with an emphasis on understanding a range of perspectives concerning the role of adult education in social change and how those perspectives impact practice.

ADED 415

3 credits

Facilitating e-Learning

Prerequisite(s): None.

Corequisite(s): None.

Pre- or corequisite(s): ADED 325.

This course explores challenges, opportunities, issues, and practices associated with the use of the Internet in adult learning and education. As an advanced course in facilitation and instructional design, it supports learners to critically engage new instructional and learning technologies while learning to apply effective methods and to acquire practical skills to facilitate online learning and teaching.

ADED 420

3 credits

Adult Education in the Global Context

Prerequisite(s): One of the following: (30-university-level credits) or (enrolment in an Adult Education program) or (permission of the Adult Education department). Note: Students who do not have 30 university-level credits will need to contact the Adult Education program advisor for permission to register.

Corequisite(s): None.

Pre- or corequisite(s): None.

Course focus is on exploration of delivery and structure of adult education globally, including influences of international organizations and other interests. Emphasis is on comparative and international perspectives on history and philosophical, socio-economic, and political foundations of adult education.

ADED 421

3 credits

Advanced Studies of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy

Prerequisite(s): One of the following: (30-university-level credits) or (enrolment in an Adult Education program) or (permission of the Adult Education department). Note: Students who do not have 30 university-level credits will need to contact the Adult Education program advisor for permission to register.

Corequisite(s): None.

Pre- or corequisite(s): None.

Skills-based approach to cultivating self-awareness that combines meditation with Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. Evidence-based means of alleviating stress, anxiety, and depression to promote well-being used in educational and clinical contexts. Introduction to practical mindfulness methods and strategies for mental health promotion.

Note: Students with credit for ADED 330S cannot take this course for further credit.

ADED 422

3 credits

Wellbeing and Lifelong Learning

Prerequisite(s): One of the following: (30-university-level credits) or (enrolment in an Adult Education program) or (permission of the Adult Education department). Note: Students who do not have 30 university-level credits will need to contact the Adult Education program advisor for permission to register.

Corequisite(s): None.

Pre- or corequisite(s): None.

Combining theoretical and personal inquiry, students investigate wellbeing and its role in lifelong learning. Wellbeing promises to correct the tendency to reduce adult education to a narrow focus on information or workplace learning and skills development.

Note: Students with credit for ADED 480 taken in Winter 2016 cannot take this course for further credit.

ADED 423

3 credits

Advanced Studies of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction

Prerequisite(s): One of the following: (30-university-level credits) or (enrolment in an Adult Education program) or (permission of the Adult Education department). Note: Students who do not have 30 university-level credits will need to contact the Adult Education program advisor for permission to register.

Corequisite(s): None.

Pre- or corequisite(s): None.

Using combined scientific and meditative forms of inquiry, this practice-oriented approach to stress-management systematically trains and refines attention and awareness to enhance mindfulness. Participants investigate stress, stress reactivity, and healthier responses to stress in their own experience and more generally.

ADED 425

3 credits

Curriculum Design for Adult Learning

Prerequisite(s): One of the following: (30-university-level credits) or (enrolment in an Adult Education program) or (permission of the Adult Education department). Note: Students who do not have 30 university-level credits will need to contact the Adult Education program advisor for permission to register.

Corequisite(s): None.

Pre- or corequisite(s): None.

Course focus is on the exploration of the art, skills, and processes of designing effective curricula for adults including applying design strategies to differentiate and support diverse learners. Emphasis is on working in teams designing learning for particular learners and contexts relevant to students’ experiences.

Note: Students with credit for ADED 330P cannot take this course for further credit.

ADED 430

3 credits

Leadership in Adult Education

Prerequisite(s): One of the following: (30 university-level credits) or (enrolment in an Adult Education program) or (permission of the Adult Education department). Note: Students who do not have 30 university-level credits will need to contact the Adult Education program advisor for permission to register.

Corequisite(s): None.

Pre- or corequisite(s): None.

Leadership in adult education: working with colleagues to influence positive change in institutions, community and not-for-profit agencies, workplaces, and private consulting, using appreciative inquiry to focus on critical thinking and analysis in the context of practice.

ADED 435

3 credits

Facilitating Adult Learning

Prerequisite(s): ADED 325 (formerly ADED 330R)

Corequisite(s): None.

Pre- or corequisite(s): None.

Course focus is on learner-centred or facilitative teaching, including changes in instructor roles and responsibilities, and facilitative approaches creating supportive, challenging, and effective adult learning environments, whether face-to-face, blended, or online. Emphasis is on critical thinking and analysis in the context of practice.

Note: Students with credit for ADED330Q cannot take this course for further credit.

ADED 446

3 credits

Community-based Adult Education Methods

Prerequisite(s): One of the following: (30-university-level credits) or (enrolment in an Adult Education program) or (permission of the Adult Education department). Note: Students who do not have 30 university-level credits will need to contact the Adult Education program advisor for permission to register.

Corequisite(s): None.

Pre- or corequisite(s): None.

Use an adult learning approach to explore creative, multi-media, and digital methods to work with community groups, non-profits, community education, etc. Emphasis is on practical application and exploration of non-traditional adult education methods as a means of community development.

ADED 470

3 credits

Synthesis Project I

Prerequisite(s): ADED 390, ADED 408, and ADED 425.

Corequisite(s): None.

Pre- or corequisite(s): None.

Course focus is on an opportunity for learners near completion to integrate concepts, philosophies, and knowledge of adult education through preparation of a major paper or other approved project.

Note: This course requires an approved individual learning contract prior to registration.

ADED 471

3 credits

Synthesis Project in Adult Education II

Prerequisite(s): One of the following: (30-university-level credits) or (enrolment in an Adult Education program) or (permission of the Adult Education department). Note: Students who do not have 30 university-level credits will need to contact the Adult Education program advisor for permission to register.

Corequisite(s): None.

Pre- or corequisite(s): ADED 470

This course represents a concurrent or consecutive expansion/enhancement of work undertaken in ADED 470. This course would be undertaken subject to faculty availability.

ADED 472

3 credits

Reflective Practice

Prerequisite(s): One of the following: (30-university-level credits) or (enrolment in an Adult Education program) or (permission of the Adult Education department). Note: Students who do not have 30 university-level credits will need to contact the Adult Education program advisor for permission to register.

Corequisite(s): None.

Pre- or corequisite(s): None.

Use UFV's ILOs and specified program outcomes to design an integrative summative self-assessment for professional identity formation and for professional recognition. Emphasis is on recognizing, applying, and reflecting on prior and concurrent learning represented in appropriate formats.

Note: Students with credit for ADED 330M cannot take this course for further credit.

ADED 473

3 credits

Adult Education Practicum

Prerequisite(s): ADED 325 (formerly ADED 330R), ADED 408, ADED 425 (formerly ADED 330P), and ADED 435 (formerly ADED 330Q)

Corequisite(s): None.

Pre- or corequisite(s): None.

This course provides a supervised adult education practicum experience. The practicum is self-designed, with students arranging both the site and on-site supervisor. Evaluation criteria focus on reflective practice: the ability to critically reflect on the practice of adult education within a supervised instructional experience.

ADED 480

3 credits

Seminar in Adult Education Issues

Prerequisite(s): One of the following: (30-university-level credits) or (enrolment in an Adult Education program) or (permission of the Adult Education department). Note: Students who do not have 30 university-level credits will need to contact the Adult Education program advisor for permission to register.

Corequisite(s): None.

Pre- or corequisite(s): None.

Opportunities to address emerging issues or areas of controversy in adult education practice and/or study in a seminar format. Offerings will depend on faculty availability, trends in the field, and learner interest. Contact program or published timetables for current availability.

Last updated: November 3, 2023

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