Adult learning in the milieu of a local environmental movement
Abstract
This study investigates the processes of informal adult learning within a grassroots environmental movement in Greece. Focusing on a community collective dedicated to protecting a local creek in a northern Athens suburb, the research is grounded in the theoretical frameworks of transformative learning, communities of practice, and critical ecopedagogy. Employing a qualitative case study methodology, the analysis draws on narratives from six activists gathered through semi-structured interviews. The findings indicate that engagement in environmental activism fosters multifaceted learning, manifested through: peer knowledge exchange and experiential problem-solving; identity transformation and civic empowerment; the development of embodied and affective ecological awareness;
and the emergence of grassroots pedagogies for mentoring and public engagement. Conversely, participants also cited significant challenges, including activist burnout, institutional neglect, and a lack of formal recognition for their knowledge. In conclusion, this
study demonstrates that environmental movements serve as dynamic learning ecosystems where adults cultivate critical, relational, and embodied knowledge.
Article Details
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Giannakopoulou, E. (2026). Adult learning in the milieu of a local environmental movement. Adult Education Critical Issues, 5(2), 66–77. https://doi.org/10.12681/haea.42832
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