Beth John: “As educators, our responsibility is to awaken possibilities in our learners“

Our “Meet the board” series introduces the members of ELM Magazine’s editorial board. Our new member, Beth John of Adult Learning Wales, believes in the powerful, transformative role that tutors and lecturers play in supporting adult learners.

The ELM editorial board plays an important role in developing the magazine. The board consists of adult education experts and academics from different parts of Europe.

In this interview, we introduce our new board member, Beth John, Regional Manager at Adult Learning Wales, where she leads curriculum management and development for the region.

What interests you most about adult education?

I really enjoy witnessing the trust that learners who are furthest removed from education, training and employment place in their tutors and lecturers. These educators help guide them back into learning journeys. The learners may not have taken those journeys for decades since leaving school.

It is easy for those of us who have trodden a straightforward path from school to higher education to underestimate the barriers that adult learners face. It is inspiring to see their motivation and resilience as they take active steps to transform their lives and embrace new experiences.

Once relationships of mutual respect and trust have been formed, the blossoming of individuals and their learning experiences in safe learning environments – whether non-formal, informal or formal – is a joy and privilege to witness.

I am reminded of these journeys every time I meet learners and listen to their stories. Many talk freely of the transformative power of their education experience and how learning has empowered them. The adult learning sector is truly a sector like no other, with very special learners and very special educators.

What would you like to change in the world through your work?

I would like to contribute to a society which places greater emphasis on civic mission and equity in education worldwide.

Educational institutions have a responsibility to prepare individuals to become engaged and informed members of society: responsible citizens participating actively in their communities through education and civic involvement.

In my role, I witness the empowering effect of education and learning on learners every day. I strive to ensure that all learners’ voices are encouraged, supported and ultimately heard, so that they feel confident to participate in public life and engage with their local communities and beyond.

What do you gain from being a member of ELM’s editorial board?

I enjoy engaging with professionals from across Europe and from different sectors and settings in contributing to discussions on lifelong learning. It is wonderful to be able to share insights and learn from experts in the field.

I appreciate the opportunity to participate in discussions and help influence the publication as it continues to affect, guide, inform and challenge its readership.

I would like to ensure further visibility of the publication across all four nations of the UK and share its work across all adult education sectors.

How would you describe a recent learning experience of yours?

I recently took part in a Senior Leadership in Further Education course. One of the sessions focused on the concept of ‘the art of possibility’ in adult education. This concept has been developed by Benjamin Zander, inspired by his experience as conductor of the Boston Philharmonic Orchestra.

Zander advocates that every conversation and interaction in life is a ‘possibility’, and that our job as educators is to go out into the world and make a difference.

As adult learning educators, we come to work every day, in whichever role we undertake, and create ‘possibilities’ – for ourselves, each other and our learners. Tutors and lecturers, possibly without realising it, awaken possibilities in learners, helping them reimagine their present and future.

Learners often share that their ‘impossible’ has been become ‘possible’ thanks to the genuine care, support, inspiration and confidence to aspire. This is what their tutors and lecturers have shared with them and given to them.

I believe that it is our job, as educators, to awaken those possibilities in our learners and stand firmly in the light of what’s possible.

What do you do in your spare time?

I am an avid reader and enjoy Anglo-Welsh and Victorian literature and poetry; R.S. Thomas is my favourite poet. I also enjoy coastal path walking and indoor swimming. I am also an avid architecture and heritage fan and enjoy visiting houses and gardens of historic interest.