Abstract:
For the past two years the authors have been engaged in an historical investigation of the provision of 'other' education 1900-1990 in the Hunter region. 'Other' education is defined as nonformal and informal education (with the exception of education taking place in the home) and for which there is evidence of conscious 'educational intent' by the provider. Previous papers have developed a typology of provider intent,and of practices and strategies of provision and have mapped the range of educational provision in the Hunter. This paper explores a particular provider', the NRMA. Institutions such as the NRMA have developed a suite of educational activities over time to train their own staff (occupational education) as well those that aim as expand the knowledge, skills and values of their members or client group (community education). The latter group of activities are the main subject of this paper. The findings exemplify the importance of recognising the multi-dimensional educational contribution of 'the other' providers in developing the individual, and the potential usefulness of devising a means to estimate the extent of this contribution, or at least accurately define, their activities.