Peter Jarvis: 1937–2018

Abstract

Comparative Education has lost a distinguished board member, friend and scholar. Peter Jarvis passed away at his home in Thatcham, near Reading, UK, in November 2018. Peter joined the Editorial Board of the journal in 1991 and since then has been an insightful colleague who has pioneered a comparative dimension to adult and lifelong learning, contributed to numerous well received special issues and served as a wise and supportive Chair of the Board. Peter is well known worldwide as a leader in the field of adult and continuing education for his work on experiential learning, reflective practice in the professions, practitioner research, learning theory and the sociology of learning. He was a prolific writer, publishing over 20 books and more than 200 academic articles, and much of this work drew upon his varied teaching experience, critical reflection upon his own practice and collaborative initiatives carried out with close colleagues and former doctoral students.Peter's early educational and career history as a Methodist minister and part -time postgraduate student inspired the nature and trajectory of his academic interests and personal values -characteristics that always embodied genuine concern for human rights, inclusive access to education and the empowerment of those marginalised in society at home and abroad. His first academic post was at Dudley College of Education but, demonstrating his commitment to second-chance learners, he also worked as a tutor at the Open University from its outset in 1971. This was a role that Peter maintained for more than 30 years as he moved, in 1976, to a lectureship in the Department of Adult Education at the University of Surrey, where he remained for the rest of his career as he progressed to a Personal Chair, Head of Department and, since 2010, Emeritus Professor.While Peter was a prolific writer, he was also a gregarious personality who loved teaching, enjoyed working with people and delighted in international travel. This is reflected in his interest in comparative and international education and his wide global network of friends and colleagues. His publications, and his role as founder and long serving co-editor of the International Journal of lifelong Education, made significant contributions to the international literature and this recognition led to many invitations, that he gladly accepted, to present guest lectures, talks and workshops in contexts that include the USA,