University Community Engagement and Lifelong Learning: The Porous University

Preece, Julia

This book offers a conceptual re-think of how university community engagement functions as a lifelong learning resource for communities. While having a specific focus on the South African context, it has important implications for other universities which are concerned with their communities, and makes a compelling argument for the university as a public good, in spite of current trends towards marketization and commodification of higher education. The book draws on a theoretical framework of capabilities, asset-based community development, and the adult learning concept of dialogue, to propose a model whereby the boundary walls of the university become metaphorically ‘porous’, so that community members feel free to interact with the university as equal members of society. A historical outline of African universities is provided, as well as an exploration of the evolution of terms for community engagement, service learning and learning cities; and an examination of the policy and practice implications for the ideological model of a porous university.

Details

Published by: Palgrave Macmillan

Publication Date: 2017-07-25

Format: Hardcover

ISBN-13: 9783319561622

DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-56163-9

Dimensions: 210cm x148cm

Pages: 214