Learning in Adulthood - 4th Edition by Sharan B Merriam & Lisa M Baumgartner (Hardcover)

About the Book

"This landmark work pulls together seminal work and current thinking on adult learning in one volume, providing a comprehensive, up-to-date overview and synthesis of what we now know about adult learning, including the context in which it takes place, who the participants are, what they learn and why, the nature of the learning process itself, major theoretical developments, and much more. Drawing from a background of work in sociology, philosophy, and critical social theory as well as psychology and education, the authors construct an inclusive perspective on adult learning, guiding readers toward new ways of thinking about teaching, learning, and the broader social implications of adult education. Comprehensive guide, complete and up-to-date. Historically the most authoritative guide in the field, with more than 80,000 copies sold life-to-date. Synthesis of latest developments in theory and research, with implications for practice. Experienced authors, leaders in the field"--

Book Synopsis

The new edition of the authoritative book in the field of adult education -- fully revised to reflect the latest research and practice implications.

For nearly three decades, Learning in Adulthood has been the definitive guide in the field of adult education. Now in its fourth edition, this comprehensive volume is fully revised to reflect the latest developments in theory, research, and practice. The authors integrate foundational research and current knowledge to present fresh, original perspectives on teaching and learning in adulthood. Written by internationally-recognized experts, this market-leading guide draws from work in sociology, philosophy, critical social theory, psychology, and education to provide an inclusive overview of adult learning.

Designed primarily for educators of adults, this book is accessible for readers new to adult education, yet suitably rigorous for those more familiar with the subject. Content is organized into four practical parts, covering topics such as the social context of adult learning, self-directed and transformational learning, postmodern and feminist perspectives, cognitive development in adulthood, and more. Offering the most comprehensive single-volume treatment of adult learning available, this landmark text:

• Offers a wide-ranging perspective on adult learning
• Synthesizes the latest thinking and work in the field
• Includes coverage of the sociocultural perspectives of adult learning
• Explores the broader social implications of adult education

Learning in Adulthood: A Comprehensive Guide, 4^th Edition is an indispensable resource for educators and administrators involved in teaching adults, as well as faculty and students in graduate programs in adult education.

From the Back Cover

Learning in Adulthood

"For this new edition of Learning in Adulthood we have paid particular attention to work published since the last edition of the book. This edition builds on material in the 2007 edition, bringing together the important contributions of the past dozen or so years to our understanding of adult learning. While we have preserved important foundational material (such as a discussion of andragogy), we have also brought to bear the most recent thinking and research. We have endeavored to put together a comprehensive overview and synthesis of what we know about adult learning: the current context in which it takes place, who the participants are, what they learn and why, the nature of the learning process itself, new approaches to adult learning, the development of theory in adult learning, and other issues relevant to understanding adult learning." --From the Preface

Previous praise for Learning in Adulthood

"An essential volume in adult learning."
--Choice, a publication of the American Library Association

"This book is extremely useful in that it provides an informed overview of issues related to adult learning. It is very readable, yet packs considerable challenge for the more experienced adult educator."
--Canadian Journal of University Continuing Education

"Learning in Adulthood's greatest strengths are its coverage of the learning context, theory-building within adult learning, and how social and ethical issues offer special challenges to adult learning. It will be useful to both experienced and novice continuing educators, as well as laypersons."
--Continuing Higher Education Review

About the Author

SHARAN B. MERRIAM is Professor Emerita of Adult Education and Qualitative Research at The University of Georgia in Athens, GA. Merriam's research and writing activities have focused on adult and lifelong learning and qualitative research methods. She has published 33 books and over 100 journal articles and book chapters. She is a four-time winner of the prestigious Cyril O. Houle World Award for Literature in Adult Education.

LISA M. BAUMGARTNER is an Associate Professor at Texas State University, San Marcos, TX. Her research and writing focus on adult learning and development in marginalized populations. She was co-editor of Adult Education Quarterly from 2011-2014. In 2019, she received a Circle of 50 Award from the Learning, Leadership, and Organizational Development Program at the University of Georgia. Awardees are seen as having made an impact on the research and practice of adult education, learning, leadership, and organizational development.