Adult Learning: Bridging Theory and Practice by Sharan B.

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.

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.

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 Defi ned 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