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
Discussion questions and activities for reflection are included at the end of each chapter.
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.
List of Tables and Figures
Preface
The Authors
1 Adult Learning in Today’s World
The Social Context of Adult Learning
The Adult Learner and Learning in Adulthood
Settings Where Learning Occurs
Chapter Summary
Linking Theory and Practice: Activities and Resources
Chapter Highlights
2 Traditional Learning Theories
What Is Learning?
Learning Theories
Chapter Summary
Linking Theory and Practice: Activities and Resources
Chapter Highlights
3 Andragogy: The Art and Science of Helping Adults Learn
Before Andragogy
Assumptions About Adult Learners
Andragogy Today
Chapter Summary
Linking Theory and Practice: Activities and Resources
Chapter Highlights
4 Self-Directed Learning
The Nature of Self-Directed Learning
The Process of Self-Directed Learning
Self-Directed Learning in Various Contexts
Assessing Self-Directed Learning
Critiques of Self-Directed Learning
Chapter Summary
Linking Theory and Practice: Activities and Resources
Chapter Highlights
Exhibit A: Independent Study Learning Contract
5 Transformative Learning
What Is Transformative Learning?
Sites of Transformative Learning
Promoting and Evaluating Transformative Learning
Concluding Thoughts, Unresolved Issues
Chapter Summary
Linking Theory and Practice: Activities and Resources
Chapter Highlights
6 Experience and Learning
On the Relationship Between Experience and Learning
Models of Experiential Learning
Reflective Practice and Situated Cognition
Chapter Summary
Linking Theory and Practice: Activities and Resources
Chapter Highlights
7 Body and Spirit in Learning
Embodied Learning
The Spirit in Learning
Chapter Summary
Linking Theory and Practice: Activities and Resources
Chapter Highlights
8 Motivation and Learning
Motivation Defined
Motivation Theory
Motivation in Adult Education
Chapter Summary
Linking Theory and Practice: Activities and Resources
Chapter Highlights
9 The Brain and Cognitive Functioning
Brain Basics
Memory
Intelligence
Cognitive Development and Wisdom
Chapter Summary
Linking Theory and Practice: Activities and Resources
Chapter Highlights
10 Adult Learning in the Digital Age
The Technology Context
Adult Learners in the Digital Age
The Teaching-Learning Context of the Digital Age
Chapter Summary
Linking Theory and Practice: Activities and Resources
Chapter Highlights
11 Critical Thinking and Critical Perspectives
Being Critical
Critical Theory
Critical Perspectives
Critical Thinking
Critical Action—Mindful and Timely intervention
Creating a Critical Classroom
Chapter Summary
Linking Theory and Practice: Activities and Resources
Chapter Highlights
12 Culture and Context, Theory and Practice in Adult Learning
Culture and Context
Culture and Learning
Culturally Relevant Teaching
The Relationship Between Theory and Practice
A Framework for Adult Learning
Chapter Summary
Linking Theory and Practice: Activities and Resources
Chapter Highlights
References
Name Index
Subject Index