Launch of the Adult Learner Journal 2019

Cork Learning City and AONTAS, the National Adult Learning Organisation co-hosted the launch the 2019 issue of The Adult Learner Journal in Cork City Hall.

Founded in the mid-1980s, The Adult Learner is the only peer-reviewed Irish Journal of Adult and Community Education. A highly-regarded publication engaging with issues across the spectrum of adult learning, both in Ireland and on an international level, the Journal is a valued resource for anyone interested or working in adult education. The 2019 edition of the Journal is a special issue to mark AONTAS’ 50 year anniversary as the voice of adult learning. 

Welcoming guests to the event were Cork Deputy Lord Mayor Cllr. Joe Kavanagh, AONTAS CEO Niamh O’Reilly, Journal Editor Rosemary Moreland and Coordinator of Cork Learning City Denis Barrett. Speaking about the event and the significance of the Journal, Niamh O’Reilly said:

“It is fitting that in our 50th year we return to the roots of AONTAS for the launch of the Adult Learner Journal. Cork and UCC have always been at the forefront of adult learning provision, and the first idea of a national body was posed to the Director of Adult Learning in UCC, Seán Ó Murchú with Fr Liam Carey in 1968. Today AONTAS has almost 500 members and supports equality of access to adult learning, with this Journal acting as a free resource to all providers, learners and academics alike.”

Attendees also heard from Denis Barrett about the work of Cork Learning City, a UNESCO award-winning initiative that promotes and celebrates learning opportunities for people of all ages, interests and abilities. Commenting on the collaboration between this initiative and AONTAS, Denis said:

“Cork Learning City is pleased and honoured to be co-host of the launch of the Adult Learner Journal 2019. In this significant 50th year for AONTAS, it is an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the connections with Cork since its foundation, and our shared commitment to maximise the Lifelong Learning opportunities for all our citizens can be renewed”

Authors shared what inspired them to write their articles and gave short summaries of the contents. Among these was Barry Golding via video input, who co-authored a specially commissioned article with Jack Harvey for the Journal: “50 Years of AONTAS: Developments in the Field of Adult Education in Ireland as Reflected in the Contents of The Adult Learner and its Antecedent Journals. Taking a ‘looking back to look forward approach’.

AONTAS is the National Adult Learning Organisation, a membership organisation which represents approximately 400 providers of adult and community education, along with tutors, researchers and individual adult learners. AONTAS provides information to adults returning to education, advocates on behalf of adult learners and promotes the benefits of adult learning.

About The Adult Learner Journal

Founded in the mid-1980s, The Adult Learner is the only peer-reviewed Irish Journal of Adult and Community Education. A highly-regarded publication engaging with issues across the spectrum of adult learning, both in Ireland and on an international level, the Journal is a valuable resource that documents the growth and development of adult learning policy and practice. It provides a forum for critical reflection on the practices of teaching and learning, giving priority to subject matter that addresses disadvantage, social exclusion, equality, workplace learning and the study of the teacher-student relationship.