Janet Elizabeth Groen

In 2002 Dr. Groen moved to Calgary with her family to begin her career at the University of Calgary. She has taught several courses in Adult Learning including: Organizational Theory, Program Planning and Evaluation, Sustainability in the Workplace and Theories of Adult Learning. She is also a seminar leader in the Professional Development and Lifelong Learning Course for the Bachelor of Education program.

Dr. Groen’s research focuses on transformational learning and learning opportunities for marginalized non-traditional adult learners. Her other area of research explores the link between spirituality and adult learning within various contexts such as the workplace, the university and in adult environmental education.

Doctor of Education in Adult Education
University of Toronto

Master of Education in Adult Education
University of Toronto

Bachelor of Education
Queen's University

Bachelor of Environmental Studies, Honours
University of Waterloo

Dr. Groen has been particularly active in the Canadian Association for Studies in Adult Education; serving as co-president with Dr. Guo from 2009 to 2011 and as past co-president from 2011 to 2012.

• The Canadian Association for Studies in Adult Education

Kawalilak, C. & Groen, J. (in press). Adult learning. 2020 Handbook of Adult and Continuing Education. Sterling, VA: Stylus.

Groen, J. (2020). Adult education and lifelong learning in Canada: A transformational rupture from mainstream ideas. In S. Brigham, R. McGray & K. Jubas (Eds.), Adult education and lifelong learning in Canada: Advancing a critical legacy. (pp. 148-157). Thompson Press. 

Groen, J. & Roy, S. (2020). Meaningful engagement of new scholars at international seminars: Communities of practice as a pathway, Reflective Practice, DOI: 10.1080/14623943.2020.1712197 

Groen, J., & Kawalilak, C. (2019). Disrupting narratives of colonization–Museums as pedagogical spaces. Canadian Journal for the Study of Adult Education, 31(2)78-89. 

Groen, J. (2018). Inner and outer congruence: an academic’s quest to find spiritual wellness and health. Journal for Studies in Spirituality. 

Groen, J. (2017). The St. Ignatius Jesuit Retreat and Training Centre:  Cultivating ecological awareness and connection with the earth.  New Directions for Adult and Continuing Education. 153, Spring, 31-39. 

Groen, J. & Kawalilak, C. (2016). Creating space for transformative learning in the workplace. New Directions for Adult and Continuing Education.  152, Winter, 61-72.

Kawalilak, C. & Groen, J. (2016).  Restorying the present by revisiting the past:  Unexpected moments of discovery and illumination through museum learning.  Journal of Adult and Continuing Education. 22, 152-167.

Groen, J. (2016).  Rediscover, reawaken, renew: The potential role of spiritual retreat centres in environmental adult education. The Canadian Journal for the Study of Adult Education. 28(1), 34-47.

Groen, J. & Hyland-Russell, T. (2016). Collaborative research ‘in-between thedisciplines: Is it possible?  The International Journal for Qualitative Research in Education. 29 (6), 814-826.

Groen, J. & Kawalilak, C. (2014). Pathways to adult learning: professional and educational narratives. Toronto, On: Canadian Scholars Press.

Groen, J., Coholic, D. & Graham, J. (Eds.) (2012). Spirituality in education and social work: theory, practice and pedagogies. Waterloo, ON: Wilfrid Laurier Press.

• Visiting Scholar, Faculty of Education, Canterbury Christ Church University, Canterbury, UK, 2014
• Teaching Award for Full-Time Faculty (Associate Professor Level), University of Calgary, Calgary, AB., 2014

• Courses