Lifelong Learning Across Contexts

An Overview of Lifelong Learning in the United States, Thailand, and Cambodia”, Somanita, Kheang

Description: This presentation explores how lifelong learning is understood and practiced across three cultural and educational contexts:  the United States, Thailand, and Cambodia. Drawing on personal, academic, and professional experiences, I will highlight lifelong learning structures for adults in each country, including policies and agencies that support adult learning initiatives, as well as the types of programs available to ensure educational access for adult learners, including rural populations and adults involved in lifelong learning associations. The session will offer insights into how adult learning systems in the United States, Thailand, and Cambodia support learning across the lifespan and how cultural values influence access, participation, and meaning making in lifelong learning. Participants will also have an opportunity to reflect on and share their own experiences with lifelong learning and consider how these ideas connect to their personal and community contexts.

Presenter Bio:   Dr. Somanita Kheang is Assistant Professor of Educational Studies in Adult and Community Education at Ball State University, where her work centers on how adults learn, persist, and thrive in higher education. She earned her Ph.D. in Educational Leadership, Policy, and Human Development from North Carolina State University in 2023, and Ed.D. in Instructional Leadership from Lindenwood University in 2018, and prior degrees from Chulalongkorn University, the University of Cambodia, and the Royal University of Law and Economics in Phnom Penh. Her research focuses on andragogy, transformative learning, and the imposter phenomenon to explore adult learning experiences and satisfaction in postsecondary education.  She has examined these areas with diverse populations, including nontraditional and international students from varied educational, cultural, and professional backgrounds in higher education.

The Association of Lifelong Learners (ALL) is a group of retirees and community members interested in continuing to learn and engage with each other on a variety of educational topics. If you're not already a member, feel free to attend a meeting or two to see what we're about before making the commitment. Find out how to join by visiting us at www.bsu.edu/lifelonglearners