University Community Engagement and Lifelong Learning: The Porous University

By Julia Preece

Book Overview

This book offers a conceptual re-think of how university community engagement functions as a lifelong learning resource for communities. While having a specific focus on the South African context, it has important implications for other universities which are concerned with their communities, and makes a compelling argument for the university as a public good, in spite of current trends towards marketization and commodification of higher education. The book draws on a theoretical framework of capabilities, asset-based community development, and the adult learning concept of dialogue, to propose a model whereby the boundary walls of the university become metaphorically 'porous', so that community members feel free to interact with the university as equal members of society. A historical outline of African universities is provided, as well as an exploration of the evolution of terms for community engagement, service learning and learning cities; and an examination of the policy and practice implications for the ideological model of a porous university.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 3319858408
• ISBN13: 9783319858401
• Release Date: August 2018
• Publisher: Palgrave MacMillan
• Length: 214 Pages
• Weight: 0.63 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 5.8" x 8.3"