Learning in Adulthood: A Comprehensive Guide

Learning in Adulthood

"For this third edition of Learning in Adulthood we have paid particular attention to work published since the last edition of the book. This third edition of Learning in Adulthood builds on material in the 1999 edition, bringing together the important contributions of the past decade 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 strived to put together a comprehensive overview and synthesis of what we know about adult learning: the 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 education."
—Choice

"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

An updated synthesis of what we know about adult learning—its context, participants, major theoretical developments, and more. The authors reveal how sociocultural influences can create specific developmental needs and interests, and how race, class, and gender can shape learning. From this background, they construct a more inclusive perspective on adult learning, guiding readers toward new ways of thinking about teaching, learning, and the social implications of adult education.

SHARAN B. MERRIAM is professor of adult education at the University of Georgia, Athens. Her research and writing focus on the foundations of the adult education field, on adult development and learning, and on qualitative research methods. An acclaimed scholar in her field, she has served as author, coauthor, or editor of seventeen books and was coeditor of Adult Education Quarterly for five years. ROSEMARY S. CAFFARELLA is a professor in the Division of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies at the University of Northern Colorado. A preeminent authority on adult learning and development, training, and program development, Caffarella is author or coauthor of five books on adult and continuing education.