WHAT CAN I DO? Reimagining how Adult Education In-Service Teachers can be Supported to Develop their Praxis in Education/ Learning for Sustainability through Voices from the Global and Local Frontline

Lenehan, Melanie (2026) WHAT CAN I DO? Reimagining how Adult Education In-Service Teachers can be Supported to Develop their Praxis in Education/ Learning for Sustainability through Voices from the Global and Local Frontline. Doctoral thesis, Birmingham City University.

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Abstract

The escalating climate and environmental crises require all parts of the education system to contribute to a just transition. If adult education in England is to purposefully engage with education and learning for sustainability, the question arises, ‘How can in-service adult educators be supported to develop their praxis in education/learning for sustainability?’

Using an extended transformative learning theory lens, this thesis considers the reflections of adult educators whose insights were gathered at two education/learning for sustainability development projects—one global, one local.

Key findings reveal a range of challenges and dilemmas, learning, and changes to praxis, as well as the future hopes of these adult educators when considering ‘What can I do’ [in education/learning for sustainability]? Drawing on the data and considering a future refocusing and purposing of adult education in England, the thesis re-imagines a future-oriented, transformative and regenerative model for adult educator praxis development in education/learning for sustainability, through proposing the Teacher Development Goals model. A new framing of the role(s) of adult educator supports the Teacher Development Goals alongside the identification of ten tasks for adult educators in education/learning for sustainability. The thesis also presents a new green research framework for future research projects in education.

Item Type:	Thesis (Doctoral)
Dates:	Date Event 19 August 2026 Accepted
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Adult Education, adult educator praxis development, education/learning for Sustainability
Subjects:	CAH22 - education and teaching > CAH22-01 - education and teaching > CAH22-01-01 - education CAH22 - education and teaching > CAH22-01 - education and teaching > CAH22-01-02 - teacher training
Divisions:	Doctoral Research College > Doctoral Theses Collection Law and Social Sciences > Education
Depositing User:	Louise Muldowney
Date Deposited:	25 Aug 2026 09:30
Last Modified:	25 Aug 2026 09:30
URI:	https://www.open-access.bcu.ac.uk/id/eprint/17182

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