Adult Learning

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.

Solidly grounded in theory and research, but concise andpractice-oriented, Adult Learning: Linking Theory andPractice is perfect for master's-level students andpractitioners alike. Sharan Merriam and Laura Bierema have infusedeach chapter with practical applications for instruction which willhelp 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 ContextDiscussion questions and activities for reflection are included atthe end of each chapter.

List of Tables, Figures, and Exhibits ixPreface xiThe Authors xvii1 Adult Learning in Today's World 1The Social Context of Adult Learning 1The Adult Learner and Learning in Adulthood 11Settings Where Learning Occurs 15Chapter Summary 21Linking Theory and Practice: Activities and Resources 21Chapter Highlights 222 Traditional Learning Theories 24What Is Learning? 24Learning Theories 25Chapter Summary 38Linking Theory and Practice: Activities and Resources 38Chapter Highlights 413 Andragogy: The Art and Science of Helping Adults Learn42Before Andragogy 44Assumptions About Adult Learners 46Andragogy Today 56Chapter Summary 58Linking Theory and Practice: Activities and Resources 59Chapter Highlights 604 Self-Directed Learning 61The Nature of Self-Directed Learning 62The Process of Self-Directed Learning 66Self-Directed Learning in Various Contexts 71Assessing Self-Directed Learning 74Critiques of Self-Directed Learning 76Chapter Summary 78Linking Theory and Practice: Activities and Resources 78Chapter Highlights 79Exhibit 4.1: Independent Study Learning Contract 815 Transformative Learning 82What Is Transformative Learning? 83Sites of Transformative Learning 90Promoting and Evaluating Transformative Learning 94Concluding Thoughts, Unresolved Issues 98Chapter Summary 101Linking Theory and Practice: Activities and Resources 101Chapter Highlights 1026 Experience and Learning 104On the Relationship Between Experience and Learning 104Models of Experiential Learning 108Reflective Practice and Situated Cognition 115Chapter Summary 123Linking Theory and Practice: Activities and Resources 124Chapter Highlights 1257 Body and Spirit in Learning 127Embodied Learning 128The Spirit in Learning 136Chapter Summary 142Linking Theory and Practice: Activities and Resources 143Chapter Highlights 1458 Motivation and Learning 146Motivation Defi ned 147Motivation Theory 148Motivation in Adult Education 151Chapter Summary 162Linking Theory and Practice: Activities and Resources 163Chapter Highlights 1669 The Brain and Cognitive Functioning 168Brain Basics 168Memory 172Intelligence 175Cognitive Development and Wisdom 182Chapter Summary 187Linking Theory and Practice: Activities and Resources 187Chapter Highlights 18810 Adult Learning in the Digital Age 190The Technology Context 191Adult Learners in the Digital Age 195The Teaching-Learning Context of the Digital Age 201Chapter Summary 208Linking Theory and Practice: Activities and Resources 209Chapter Highlights 21111 Critical Thinking and Critical Perspectives 212Being Critical 213Critical Theory 214Critical Perspectives 217Critical Thinking 221Critical Action--Mindful and Timely Intervention 226Creating a Critical Classroom 228Chapter Summary 234Linking Theory and Practice: Activities and Resources 234Chapter Highlights 23612 Culture and Context, Theory and Practice in Adult Learning238Culture and Context 238Culture and Learning 242Culturally Relevant Teaching 245The Relationship Between Theory and Practice 247A Framework for Adult Learning 251Chapter Summary 254Linking Theory and Practice: Activities and Resources 255Chapter Highlights 257References 259Name Index 287Subject Index 293