Question:
Two key books on education(a third book needed);
What Diane Ravitch's book, 'Troubled Crusade' did for public schools, and Alan Bloom's book, 'Closing of the American Mind' did for colleges, a 'landmark publication' is necessary for vocational and adult education.
What roles would Socratic inquiry, and constructivist methods play in enhancing adult & vocational education?
Answer:
Within the last year, a report was broadcast on PBS's California Connected series indicating that community colleges in CA experienced deep budget-cuts that were affecting vocational/trade school programs. The community colleges offer affordable career/academic programs. Many of the career-programs are supported by private grants; public/private partnerships of sorts!
As a result of these cuts, many low-income prospective students had their plans "cut short"; some opted to attended these "trade schools" whose accrediation is in question! A few of the Adult ed. Schools provide reasonable quality programs, but even these schools are undervalued compared to the clout that career community college programs would have with good budgets, and quality leadership.
It can almost be said that the inferior choices in trade-school education is a liitle bit like a "self fufilling prophecy" -- budget-cuts send people to questionable career programs, which leaves the impression of inferior choices!
Yes, I did attend one of the better adult ed. vocational programs. The assitant director provided excellent leadership. I've always felt he would be able to provide leadership to career-training programs at a community college. He worked for a about a year for Chicago's school to work programs; which are viewed as "acceptable" options in that city.
