Social Learning in Myanmar

I recently returned from the 67th American Association for Adult and Continuing Education conference in Myrtle Beach, SC where I presented a piece of research from my dissertation on the role of social learning in a community-based enterprise in Myanmar where I did my field research. Social learning theory comes from Albert Bandura (1977) and says that people tend to learn by observing and interacting with behavioral role models.

Picture of Hpa An, Myanmar (not the site of dissertation)

In the organization I investigated for my dissertation, social learning was a catalyst for the diffusion of learning within the organization and contributed to organizational development and change. This is particularly important considering the political, economic, and cultural context of Myanmar where resources for learning and change have been limited.

This year was my first time attending at the AAACE conference, and I had a great experience. I attended excellent sessions on correctional education, online instruction, technology in adult education, e-portfolios, and the experiences of black female professors on the tenure track.

Education does not stop after high school or university. Lifelong learning is a vital mindset for a nation to thrive in continuously changing times. May we all embrace a posture that seeks to foster continual learning in ourselves and our communities.

Onward.