- Title
- Out the back : Men's sheds and informal learning
- Creator
- Brown, Michael; Golding, Barry; Foley, Annette
- Date
- 2008
- Type
- Text; Journal article
- Identifier
- http://researchonline.federation.edu.au/vital/access/HandleResolver/1959.17/62647
- Identifier
- vital:2524
- Identifier
- ISSN:0159-3978
- Abstract
- Some experts say a mental state of relaxed concentration - when the brain produces alpha waves - is the most conducive to learning. Perhaps this is why the friendly atmosphere and ambience in men's sheds supports the process of informal learning. This paper discusses aspects of men's learning derived from the authors' study of mostly older men who are coming together, talking, working and socialising in community sheds across Australia. The paper looks at the social, informal and autonomous learning and considers the significance of the community work-like settings. Mentoring, coaching, 'sitting next to George' and 'hanging out on the periphery' are common forms of social pedagogical interaction in these contexts as are group discussion, conversations and low-key questioning. In this paper the mostly older men's learning is analysed as a subset of lifelong learning. The participants in the study are mostly older men: some retired, some recovering from illness or injury, others unable to find full-time paid work. However all share a social space and an undefined but common purpose that due to ageing bodies and faculties is sometimes illusionary as much as real, but that is loosely focused around regular, hands-on participation in traditional, male-orientated, goal-directed activities. Considered highly significant to participation in the learning and group activities is the development of male friendships referred to as 'mateship' amongst men in Australia. These friendships develop through participation and inclusion in activity that occurs in social and community spaces. The authors' research shows that access to, and inclusion in, these male-orientated group spaces provides an avenue for the development of friendships, trust, support and reciprocity. Through the research the authors found that the associated learning and life- stage development that occurs in these environments leads to self- reported improvements in happiness, health and wellbeing, and feelings of social connection. The participants in this study are generally considered to be a missing group or cohort in adult education. It also picks up on the trend in Australia about 'a remarkable explosion in individualised, self-directed and autonomous forms of learning that have occurred without involving adult educators'. Considered central to this study were the places, spaces and faces. [Author abstract, ed]
- Publisher
- Victorian Adult Literacy and Basic Education Council (VALBEC)
- Relation
- Fine Print Vol. 31, no. 2 (2008), p. 12-15
- Rights
- Copyright Victorian Adult Literacy and Basic Education Council (VALBEC)
- Rights
- This metadata is freely available under a CCO license
- Subject
- Adult learning; Community programs; Continuing education; Friendship; Gender identity; Informal education; Men; Mentoring; Older adults; Part time employment; Participant characteristics; Peer relationship; Retirement; Social networks; Social support groups
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