Partial profile · Book Profile — full narrative profile planned
Learning in Adulthood A Comprehensive Guide
This comprehensive guide synthesizes foundational and contemporary theories to explain who adult learners are, why and how they learn, and how social context, development, and cognition shape their learning journey.
A profile of this book is on the way.
What it’s about
Learning in Adulthood offers a definitive overview of the vast and dynamic field of adult education, serving as an essential resource for educators, scholars, and practitioners. The book explores the complex landscape of adult learning by examining its sociocultural context—shaped by demographics, globalization, and technology—and delves into foundational theories like andragogy, self-directed learning, and transformative learning. Beyond traditional Western perspectives, it introduces newer approaches including embodied, spiritual, and indigenous ways of knowing, and critically analyzes the field through postmodern and feminist lenses. The guide also integrates insights from developmental psychology, neuroscience, and cognitive science to provide a holistic understanding of the adult learner. Whether you are new to the field or a seasoned professional, this book provides the comprehensive knowledge needed to effectively facilitate learning for adults in our rapidly changing world.
The through-line
- Who it’s for
- Educators, trainers, scholars, and graduate students in the field of adult education who want to understand the complexities of how adults learn in order to become more effective in their practice, research, or studies.
- The problem
- The field of adult learning is vast, fragmented, and filled with competing theories and approaches, making it difficult to find a coherent framework for practice or research. Feeling overwhelmed, confused, or unconfident in their ability to effectively teach, guide, or study adult learners because they lack a unified understanding of the principles and theories that govern adult learning.
- The plan
- Understand the social and technological context that shapes adult learning.
- Master the foundational theories of adult learning, including andragogy, self-directed learning, and transformative learning.
- Broaden your perspective with newer and critical approaches, including embodied, spiritual, indigenous, and feminist pedagogies.
- Integrate developmental insights by understanding how cognition, intelligence, and memory impact adult learners.
- The payoff
- Becoming a confident and competent educator or scholar equipped with a deep, holistic, and critical understanding of adult learning. · Designing more effective and inclusive learning experiences that resonate with diverse adult learners. · Contributing meaningfully to the field through informed practice and research.