Adult Learning : Linking Theory and Practice Sharan Merriam 9781118130575

TITLE : Adult Learning : Linking Theory and Practice Sharan Merriam / Laura Bierema

ISBN13 : 9781118130575  

PUBLISHER : JOHN WILEY (2013)

EDITION : HARDCOVER

PAGES : 320 Pages

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.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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

2 Traditional Learning Theories 24

What Is Learning? 24

Learning Theories 25

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

Before Andragogy 44

Assumptions About Adult Learners 46

Andragogy Today 56

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

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

6 Experience and Learning 104

On the Relationship Between Experience and Learning 104

Models of Experiential Learning 108

Reflective Practice and Situated Cognition 115

7 Body and Spirit in Learning 127

Embodied Learning 128

The Spirit in Learning 136

8 Motivation and Learning 146

Motivation Defi ned 147

Motivation Theory 148

Motivation in Adult Education 151

9 The Brain and Cognitive Functioning 168

Brain Basics 168

Memory 172

Intelligence 175

Cognitive Development and Wisdom 182

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

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

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