Adult Learning - by Sharan B Merriam & Laura L Bierema (Hardcover)

About the Book

"Solidly grounded in theory and research, but concise and practice-oriented, Adult Learning: Linking Theory and Practice is perfect for graduate students and practitioners alike. The expert authors have infused each chapter with teaching and instructional applications as well as personal relevance for the reader. The contents covers: Adult Learning in Today's World--globalization; technology; social networking; formal, non-formal, and informal learning The Culture and Context in Adult Learning The Foundations of Learning Theory--behaviorism, cognitive psychology, social constructivism, situated cognition Andragogy Self-directed Learning Transformative Learning The Body and Spirit in Learning Experience and Learning Motivation and Learning The Brain and Mind, including neuroscience Intelligence--practical and emotional intelligence, learning and cognitive styles Critical Thinking and Critical Perspectives "--

Book Synopsis

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.

From the Back Cover

Adult Learning

Filling a gap in the current literature, Adult Learning: Linking Theory and Practice offers an overview of the major theories and research in adult learning. Written in highly accessible language and designed to be practical for use in both formal and informal settings, this important resource reviews the forces that influence today's adult learner including globalization, the knowledge society, technology, and demographic changes. Comprehensive in scope, the book summarizes five foundational learning theories and then examines the more recent breakthrough theories of adult learning such as andragogy and transformative learning.

Sharan Merriam and Laura Bierema present an understanding of how life experiences and learning are integrally related and review the role of motivation and learning. They also include some of the exciting new work in neuroscience and learning and explore the brain's cognitive functioning including memory, intelligence, cognitive development, and wisdom. In addition, the authors address the pervasiveness of technology and reveal how the influence of our digital age both engages and distracts our ability to learn.

At the end of each chapter, Adult Learning: Linking Theory and Practice offers activities and resources for readers to explore their own learning as well as to use in instructional settings.

About the Author

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.