Cross-Bordering Dynamics in Education and Lifelong Learning: A Perspective from Non-Formal Education

Education as a concept has long been taken for granted. Most people immediately think of schools and colleges, of classes and exams. This volume aims to highlight non-formal education (NFE) in its various forms across different historical and cultural contexts. Contributors draw upon their experience as educators and researchers in comparative education and sociology to elucidate, compare, and critique NFE in Asia, Europe, Latin America, and the USA.

By mapping out NFE’s forms, functions, and dynamics, this volume gives us the opportunity to reflect on the myriad iterations of education to challenge preconceived limitations in the field of education research. Only by expanding the focus beyond that of traditional schooling arrangements can we work towards a more sustainable future and improved lifelong learning.

This book will appeal to researchers interested in non-formal education and comparative education.

Hideki Maruyama is an Associate Professor of Faculty of Global Studies at Sophia University and a research fellow of National Institute for Educational Policy Research (NIER) of the Japanese Government. His main research is education for sustainability and sustainable development (ESD), and his publications in Japan are The Possibility of Non-Formal Education (2013), Non-Formal Education of Transnational Immigrants (2016), and Comparative and International Education (2019). He has been studying lifelong learning of Muslim immigrants in Europe and educational programs of the UNESCO network in Europe and Asia. He has taught comparative and international education, non-formal education and informal learning, education policy and international cooperation, and sustainable development at many universities.