“There was great synergy in the building.” “It seemed like we just got started and we were back on the plane home – a very enthusiastic atmosphere.”Feedback from participants
Both the evaluation survey and anecdotal feedback reinforced the widely shared perception that the national symposium was a valuable experience for participants. Nearly 50% of symposium attendees (70 participants) completed the on-line evaluation survey. The response to the symposium was generally positive. Most participants felt that the symposium was well organized, informative, thought-provoking, and provided an excellent opportunity for learning and networking. Many felt inspired by the keynote speaker, commenting that the keynote address helped to set the tone for the symposium with its overarching message of engagement and hope.
Some participants felt that the sessions did not allow sufficient opportunity for discussion. They welcomed the chance for in-depth discussion and recommendations that was provided on the last day of the symposium.
There were several comments about the need to better represent the
experiences of francophone communities at the symposium, within the
content of the State of the Field Reviews, and generally throughout the
activities and operational functioning of ALKC. As one participant
commented, “Since this is a pan-Canadian initiative, the two official languages should
be represented at all levels. This would also contribute to the goal of dissemination
”.
Many participants indicated that there is need for more symposiums and other such events at the national and regional levels. There was a strong sense that the adult learning movement is gaining momentum which must be maintained.
In an atmosphere charged with a spirit of collaboration and networking, more than 150 symposium participants discussed the challenges, successes, and next steps to enhancing adult learning programs and activities across the country. The symposium provided a venue for learning, reflecting, and developing priorities for action for ALKC, CCL and other stakeholders in the practice and research of adult learning.
The first-day sessions focused on the State of the Field review, which is the first comprehensive documentation of adult learning research in Canada. The State of the Field review provided an excellent foundation for discussing seven key areas of adult learning: barriers to participation, culture, e-learning, gender, learning communities, literacy and social movements. Some concerns were common across the seven areas; these included