Solidly grounded in theory and research, but concise and practice-oriented,
Adult Learning: Linking Theory and Practice is perfect for master’s-level students and practitioners alike. Sharan Merriam and Laura Bierema have infused each chapter with practical applications for instruction which will help readers personally relate to the material.
The contents covers:
- Adult Learning in Today’s World
- Traditional Learning Theories
- Andragogy
- Self-Directed Learning
- Transformative Learning
- Experience and Learning
- Body and Spirit in Learning
- Motivation and Learning
- The Brain and Cognitive Functioning
- Adult Learning in the Digital Age
- Critical Thinking and Critical Perspectives
- Culture and Context
Table of Content
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
About the author
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.
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