Adult Learning Linking Theory and Practice

• 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

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

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