Adult Learning: Linking Theory and Practice

Adult Learning

Filling a gap in the current literature, Adult Learning: Linking Theory and Practice offers an overview of the major theories and research in adult learning. Written in highly accessible language and designed to be practical for use in both formal and informal settings, this important resource reviews the forces that influence today′s adult learner including globalization, the knowledge society, technology, and demographic changes. Comprehensive in scope, the book summarizes five foundational learning theories and then examines the more recent breakthrough theories of adult learning such as andragogy and transformative learning.

Sharan Merriam and Laura Bierema present an understanding of how life experiences and learning are integrally related and review the role of motivation and learning. They also include some of the exciting new work in neuroscience and learning and explore the brain′s cognitive functioning including memory, intelligence, cognitive development, and wisdom. In addition, the authors address the pervasiveness of technology and reveal how the influence of our digital age both engages and distracts our ability to learn.

At the end of each chapter, Adult Learning: Linking Theory and Practice offers activities and resources for readers to explore their own learning as well as to use in instructional settings.

List of Tables, Figures, and Exhibits ix

Preface xi

The Authors xvii

1 Adult Learning in Today s World 1

The Social Context of Adult Learning 1

The Adult Learner and Learning in Adulthood 11

Settings Where Learning Occurs 15

Chapter Summary 21

Linking Theory and Practice: Activities and Resources 21

Chapter Highlights 22

2 Traditional Learning Theories 24

What Is Learning? 24

Learning Theories 25

Chapter Summary 38

Linking Theory and Practice: Activities and Resources 38

Chapter Highlights 41

3 Andragogy: The Art and Science of Helping Adults Learn 42

Before Andragogy 44

Assumptions About Adult Learners 46

Andragogy Today 56

Chapter Summary 58

Linking Theory and Practice: Activities and Resources 59

Chapter Highlights 60

4 Self–Directed Learning 61

The Nature of Self–Directed Learning 62

The Process of Self–Directed Learning 66

Self–Directed Learning in Various Contexts 71

Assessing Self–Directed Learning 74

Critiques of Self–Directed Learning 76

Chapter Summary 78

Linking Theory and Practice: Activities and Resources 78

Chapter Highlights 79

Exhibit 4.1: Independent Study Learning Contract 81

5 Transformative Learning 82

What Is Transformative Learning? 83

Sites of Transformative Learning 90

Promoting and Evaluating Transformative Learning 94

Concluding Thoughts, Unresolved Issues 98

Chapter Summary 101

Linking Theory and Practice: Activities and Resources 101

Chapter Highlights 102

6 Experience and Learning 104

On the Relationship Between Experience and Learning 104

Models of Experiential Learning 108

Reflective Practice and Situated Cognition 115

Chapter Summary 123

Linking Theory and Practice: Activities and Resources 124

Chapter Highlights 125

7 Body and Spirit in Learning 127

Embodied Learning 128

The Spirit in Learning 136

Chapter Summary 142

Linking Theory and Practice: Activities and Resources 143

Chapter Highlights 145

8 Motivation and Learning 146

Motivation Defi ned 147

Motivation Theory 148

Motivation in Adult Education 151

Chapter Summary 162

Linking Theory and Practice: Activities and Resources 163

Chapter Highlights 166

9 The Brain and Cognitive Functioning 168

Brain Basics 168

Memory 172

Intelligence 175

Cognitive Development and Wisdom 182

Chapter Summary 187

Linking Theory and Practice: Activities and Resources 187

Chapter Highlights 188

10 Adult Learning in the Digital Age 190

The Technology Context 191

Adult Learners in the Digital Age 195

The Teaching–Learning Context of the Digital Age 201

Chapter Summary 208

Linking Theory and Practice: Activities and Resources 209

Chapter Highlights 211

11 Critical Thinking and Critical Perspectives 212

Being Critical 213

Critical Theory 214

Critical Perspectives 217

Critical Thinking 221

Critical Action Mindful and Timely Intervention 226

Creating a Critical Classroom 228

Chapter Summary 234

Linking Theory and Practice: Activities and Resources 234

Chapter Highlights 236

12 Culture and Context, Theory and Practice in Adult Learning 238

Culture and Context 238

Culture and Learning 242

Culturally Relevant Teaching 245

The Relationship Between Theory and Practice 247

A Framework for Adult Learning 251

Chapter Summary 254

Linking Theory and Practice: Activities and Resources 255

Chapter Highlights 257

References 259

Name Index 287

Subject Index 293

Sharan B. Merriam is professor emeritus of adult education and qualitative research at the University of Georgia, Athens. She is a four–time winner of the prestigious Cyril O. Houle Award for Outstanding Literature in Adult Education and is the author, coauthor, or editor of more than 26 books, including Learning in Adulthood, The Profession and Practice of Adult Education, The New Update on Adult Learning Theory, and Qualitative Research, all from Jossey–Bass, a Wiley brand.

Laura L. Bierema is professor of adult education and human resource and organizational development at the University of Georgia, Athens. She is the author of several books including Critical Issues in Human Resource Development and Implementing a Critical Approach to Organizational Development.