Beyond Andragogy: New Directions in Adult Learning Theory

While andragogy is here to stay, we have moved beyond centering it at the heart of adult learning theory. Five other ways to understand adult learning will be presented in this symposium: transformative learning, spirituality and adult learning, embodied knowing, the neuroscience of adult learning and narrative learning

How Modern-Day Traditional Healers Diagnose and Treat Cancer: The Case of Malaysia1

Traditional healers are so embedded in the Malay culture that they are often the first and sometimes only source of healthcare even for chronic diseases such as cancer. Our qualitative study was designed to uncover how Malay traditional healers diagnose and treat cancer. Further, we wanted to ascertain their willingness to work with the allopathic system in relieving the cancer burden in Malaysia. Interviews with 14 Malay traditional healers revealed a wide variety of diagnostic and treatment practices, and there is a range of receptiveness for working with the Western medical system with Islamic healers being the most receptive

The multiple roles of traditional healers in cancer treatment in Malaysia

For a number of reasons ranging from cultural compatibility, to accessibility, to cost, traditional healers are a major source of health care in developing countries. Partially as a result of the widespread practice of visiting traditional healers, cancer diagnosis and treatment in Malaysia is often delayed or interrupted resulting in late presentation, advanced stage diagnosis, and a higher mortality rate than in Western countries. However, there is very little research on the role of traditional healers in cancer treatment in Malaysia. This qualitative study was designed to identify the roles traditional healers play in cancer diagnosis and treatment. To that end, in-depth interviews were conducted with 14 Malay traditional healers, 13 cancer patients who had seen both traditional healers and Western doctors, and 12 cancer medical specialists. Analysis of the data from these 39 participants revealed four roles traditional healers play in cancer treatment—medicinal healer, emotional comforter, spiritual guide, and palliative caregiver. Recognition of these roles by the Western medical system is proposed as a starting point for alleviating the cancer burden in Malaysia

How cultural values shape learning in older adulthood: the case of Malaysia

Culture shapes the meaning people make of their life as well as how people experience movement through the life course. Although there is some literature on how one's culture influences the experience of older adulthood, there is little on how culture defines the nature of learning in late life. The purpose of this study was to understand how cultural values shape learning in older adulthood in the Southeast Asian country of Malaysia. A qualitative research design was employed to explore this question. Nineteen men and women between the ages of 60 and 83 were interviewed as to their experience of aging and their learning activities. Using the constant comparative method of data analysis, three themes were inductively derived from the interview data. First, older adult learning in Malaysia is nonformal and experiential Second, learning is communal. Third, much of the learning is religious or spiritual in orientation

Aging and Learning in a Non-Western Culture: The Case of Malaysia

A case study on older Malaysian men and women revealed that from their perspective, aging is seamless and a period of contentment. They are concerned about their health, spiritual, and community. They learn informally to meet the changing demands of their life. The learning is shaped by their cultural value

Transformational Learning in Botswana: How Culture Shapes the Process

Transformational learning as presented by Jack Mezirow has been critiqued for its Western, rational/cognitive orientation. This study was conducted in the African nation of Botswana and examined how that culture shaped the process. The TL experiences of 10 adults were constructed in terms of spirituality and the metaphysical world, community responsibilities and relationships, and gender roles

Methodological Challenges in Studying Transformative Learning

First discussed are philosophical perspectives in relation to the research design and methodology for studying transformative learning. Second, several promising research designs for studying this phenomenon are reviewed including narrative analysis, arts-based research, critical approaches, and action research. Finally, we conclude with a discussion of methodological challenges at this point in the evolution of the knowledge base of transformative learning

Why Breast Cancer Patients Seek Traditional Healers

Traditional healing is a common practice in low and middle income countries such as Malaysia. Eighty percent of Malaysians consult traditional healers or “bomoh” at some time in their life for health-related issues. The purpose of our study was to explore why breast cancer patients visit traditional healers. This is a qualitative study utilizing in-depth interviews with 11 cancer survivors who sought both traditional and Western medicine. The findings revealed the following reasons for which patients seek traditional healers: (1) recommendation from family and friends, (2) sanction from family, (3) perceived benefit and compatibility, (4) healer credibility, and (5) reservation with Western medicine and system delay. These factors work together and are strongly influenced by the Malaysian cultural context. The issue with the Western health system is common in a developing country with limited health facilities

Perspectives on Adult Learning: Framing Our Research

Based on a review of the literature we describe the assumptions and salient concepts of two major perspectives on adult learning: the individual and the contextual. We then argue that although research should continue to be grounded in these two perspectives, we should expand our research efforts in a third paradigm consisting of an integration of these two perspectives

Witches Ways of Knowing: The Adult Learning Process in Joining Social Groups

This study explored what motivates adults to engage in learning that leads to membership in a marginalized social group and the nature of their learning process. By interviewing a sample of Wiccans, we discovered an intense internal motivation that endures over years and an integrated, holistic learning process