A freshly updated and science-based guide for contemporary adult educators
In the newly revised second edition of Adult Learning: Linking Theory and Practice, a team of veteran adult educators delivers an authoritative guide to adult education that is solidly grounded in theory and research while remaining concise and practice oriented. Each chapter is infused with practical applications for instruction you can implement immediately to improve concrete learning outcomes.
The authors cover a variety of topics, including adult learning in the contemporary world, traditional learning theories, andragogy, motivation and learning, and more.
Readers will also find:
Explorations of the brain and cognitive functioning as it applies to adult learners How to adapt and improve the adult learning experience in the digital age Learning and reflection activities integrated throughout each chapter
Perfect for master's-level students and practitioners alike, Adult Learning: Linking Theory and Practice is the up-to-date and practical adult education resource that you've been waiting for.
By:
Laura L. Bierema (University of Georgia),
Monica Fedeli,
Sharan B. Merriam (University of Georgia)
Imprint: Sybex Inc.,U.S.
Country of Publication: United States [Currently unable to ship to USA: see Shipping Info]
Edition: 2nd edition
Dimensions:
Height: 236mm,
Width: 193mm,
Spine: 33mm
Weight: 975g
ISBN: 9781394265329
ISBN 10: 1394265328
Pages: 544
Publication Date: 14 August 2025
Audience:
Professional and scholarly
,
Undergraduate
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Active
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 Defined 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
Laura L. Bierema is a Professor at the University of Georgia, Mary Frances Early College of Education, in the Adult Learning, Leadership, and Organization Development program. Monica Fedeli is a Professor and Vice-Rector at the University of Padova, and an expert in the international facilitation of adult education and learning. She is the co-editor of Connecting Adult Learning and Knowledge Management. Sharan B. Merriam is professor emeritus of adult education and qualitative research at the University of Georgia. For five years, she was co-editor of Adult Education Quarterly, the major research and theory journal in adult education.
