Bio

Dr. Barcinas is a faculty member in the Educational Leadership, Policy and Human Development (ELPHD) Department and the Adult and Lifelong Education Program area. She has more than 30 years of higher education experience in a variety of roles. Her research uses qualitative, mixed-method and history/theory of the adult education field methodologies and focuses on answering questions about the adult learner experience in postsecondary, professional learning/continuing education and health professions contexts, as well as select community contexts. Her adult learning theory work includes experiential learning theories such as self-directed learning (SDL), situated cognition or Cultural-Historical Activity Theory (CHAT). Recently, she has added futures theory and professional identity frameworks to her research and teaching endeavors.

Dr. Barcinas is the current 2024-2026 Commission for Professors of Adult Education (CPAE) Executive Chair with the American Association for Adult and Continuing Education (AAACE). Her past NC State University service includes roles as Adult & Lifelong Education Program Coordinator, Director of the DCI, AAI and ELP Professional Development Institutes, and as Chair of the NC State University Committee for Extension, Engagement and Economic Development. Her professional background prior to her faculty career includes academic advising, university libraries, developing and assessing first-year and other college learner success programs, developing and implementing workplace learning programs, offering faculty professional development, Special Assistant to the VP for Outreach through work with continuing education, distance education, extension and public broadcasting.

Courses Taught

• EAC 560 Assessment and Evaluation
• EAC 559 The Adult Learner
• EAC 539 Teaching in an Online Environment
• EAC 522 Foundations in Adult Education
• EAC 595 Adult Learners in Postsecondary Contexts
• EAC 595 Experiential learning theory
• EAC 692 Capstone
• ED 795 Qualitative Data Analysis
• ED 795 Qualitative Data Collection Methods
• ED 731 Advanced Qualitative Methods
• ELP 724 Contemporary Educational Thought
• EAC 703 Program Planning Processes
• EAC 705 Group Learning Processes
• EAC 708 Continuing Education in the Professions
• EAC 710 History, Philosophy and Contemporary Thought
• EAC 711 Reflective Practice
• EAC 795 Sociocultural and Experiential Learning Theories
• EAC 803, Research Writing Seminar

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Area(s) of Expertise

Self directed and experiential learning theories
Health professions education
Postsecondary Adult Learner experiences
Professional Learning
Continuing Professional Education
University engagement and partnership
History of Adult and Lifelong Education
Futures and Forecasting