Adult Learning

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.

• Preface xiiiAcknowledgments xixThe Authors xxiSection 1 the Adult Learning Context 11 Introducing Adult Learning: Linking Theory and Practice 32 Understanding Adult Learning in Contemporary Social Context and Culture 203 Applying Critical Perspectives to Adult Learning in Social Context 53Section 2 the Adult Educator— the Who and the Why 914 Pursuing a Career in the Adult Education Field 935 Becoming an Adult Educator 121Section 3 the Adult Learner— the Who 1516 Understanding Adult Learners’ Motivation 1537 Applying Andragogy— The Art and Science of Helping Adults Learn 1878 Valuing Adults’ Self- Directedness in Learning 218Section 4 the Adult Learning Process— the How 2499 Connecting Learning and Change in Adulthood 25110 Experiencing Learning in Adulthood 27411 Learning for Transformation 30712 Connecting Neuroscience and Adult Learning 345Section 5 Developing and Delivering Adult Learning Programs— the What 38913 Designing Adult Learning Experiences and Programs 39114 Designing Effective Online Learning for Adults 42715 Facilitating Active Adult Learning Programs 463Name Index 499Subject Index 509