From Houle to Dirkx: Continuing Professional Education (CPE), A Critical State-Of-The-Field Review

Authors

  • Maureen Jessie Coady Saint Francis Xavier University

Keywords:

Professional Learning

Abstract

Learning as a central focus in the discourse on professional development is well grounded in the educational and professional development literature. Yet, despite this consensus, and significant research on how professionals learn, most professional development and continuing professional education (CPE) practices continue to focus on delivering content rather than enhancing learning. This paper provides an update and overview of adult education’s ongoing critique of and contributions to debates about the aims, structure, and purposes of continuing professional development and CPE. The author profiles a long-standing and continuing effort by educational scholars to reclaim this vital area of study and practice, in order to bring their learning focus as well as their critical questions to bear on it. 

Author Biography

Maureen Jessie Coady, Saint Francis Xavier University

Maureen Coady is a  Professor in the Department of Adult Education at Saint Francis Xavier University. Her research focuses on links between health and learning and she is particuarly in professional learning that enables professionals to work in more empowering ways with individuals and communities.

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Published

2015-06-30

How to Cite

Coady, M. J. (2015). From Houle to Dirkx: Continuing Professional Education (CPE), A Critical State-Of-The-Field Review. Canadian Journal for the Study of Adult Education, 27(3), 27–41. Retrieved from https://cjsae.library.dal.ca/index.php/cjsae/article/view/3900