Best Practices in Adult Learning

Best Practices in Adult Learning

Author: Lee Bash

Publisher: Jossey-Bass

Published: 2005-03-15

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13: 9781882982783

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Institutions of academia are experiencing a schism when it comes to adult learners—some recognize and foster the dynamism of this student population while others harbor animosity and frenetic attitudes toward adult learners. There is a compelling need to find benchmarks against which to compare and improve programs, while still maintaining the fast-paced competition for adult learners. This book identifies the best practices necessary to bring adult learning programs to a new level—especially as the stakes among competitors continue to rise. Best Practices in Adult Learning sets the stage by addressing institutional vision, asking the question “What do I want my program to contain or deliver?” It then provides a hands-on set of applications that are designed to strengthen daily practices, while underscoring the importance of faculty development to maintaining the health and vitality of successful adult programs. Next it presents straightforward, diverse, and immediate technological applications for adult learning programs, and finally it gives special attention to the increasing importance of senior learners—the fastest growing demographic in America today. This book is written for faculty and administrators already committed to adult learners but looking for that focused, hands-on guidance and applications for implementing principles of best practices in an adult learner–focused unit or institution. Rather than a cookie-cutter approach, these are the lessons learned over time from some of the most experienced practitioners in the field.


The Adult Learner

The Adult Learner

Author: Malcolm S. Knowles

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2020-12-20

Total Pages: 407

ISBN-13: 1000072894

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How do you tailor education to the learning needs of adults? Do they learn differently from children? How does their life experience inform their learning processes? These were the questions at the heart of Malcolm Knowles’ pioneering theory of andragogy which transformed education theory in the 1970s. The resulting principles of a self-directed, experiential, problem-centred approach to learning have been hugely influential and are still the basis of the learning practices we use today. Understanding these principles is the cornerstone of increasing motivation and enabling adult learners to achieve. The 9th edition of The Adult Learner has been revised to include: Updates to the book to reflect the very latest advancements in the field. The addition of two new chapters on diversity and inclusion in adult learning, and andragogy and the online adult learner. An updated supporting website. This website for the 9th edition of The Adult Learner will provide basic instructor aids including a PowerPoint presentation for each chapter. Revisions throughout to make it more readable and relevant to your practices. If you are a researcher, practitioner, or student in education, an adult learning practitioner, training manager, or involved in human resource development, this is the definitive book in adult learning you should not be without.


Adult Learning

Adult Learning

Author: Sharan B. Merriam

Publisher: John Wiley & Sons

Published: 2013-09-03

Total Pages: 322

ISBN-13: 1118416317

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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.


Adult Learners in the Academy

Adult Learners in the Academy

Author: Lee Bash

Publisher: Jossey-Bass

Published: 2003

Total Pages: 256

ISBN-13:

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Adult learners comprise almost 50 percent of all students enrolled. Some argue they are pioneering change in today’s higher educational landscape. This book is designed to assist faculty members and administrators who want to understand how the impact of adult learning programs has and is helping to transform the academy and how newer initiatives are likely to change their own campuses in the coming decades. Through the use of case studies, and by blending the theoretical aspects of adult learning with practical application and personal experience, Lee Bash depicts each facet of adult learners and the requirements higher education must fulfill to meet their needs. The author explores The context of adult learning from four perspectives: adult programs, adult learners, demographics and projections, and programmatic best practices The distinguishing characteristics of adult learners, the special challenges they face, their motivations to continue their education, and why they seek and what they bring to college-level learning The institutional responses to the adult learner, such as programmatic perspectives and the fundamental needs required to sustain adult learning programs Meaningful applications of the term “lifelong learning” as well as some projections on how the 21st-century academy is likely to change This book is a helpful guide to all interested in understanding adult learning’s place in academia today and implementing and sustaining successful adult learning programs for tomorrow.


Research Anthology on Adult Education and the Development of Lifelong Learners

Research Anthology on Adult Education and the Development of Lifelong Learners

Author: Management Association, Information Resources

Publisher: IGI Global

Published: 2021-03-19

Total Pages: 1551

ISBN-13: 1799887340

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Whether it is earning a GED, a particular skill, or technical topic for a career, taking classes of interest, or even returning to begin a degree program or completing it, adult learning encompasses those beyond the traditional university age seeking out education. This type of education could be considered non-traditional as it goes beyond the typical educational path and develops learners that are self-initiated and focused on personal development in the form of gaining some sort of education. Essentially, it is a voluntary choice of learning throughout life for personal and professional development. While there is often a large focus towards K-12 and higher education, it is important that research also focuses on the developing trends, technologies, and techniques for providing adult education along with understanding lifelong learners’ choices, developments, and needs. The Research Anthology on Adult Education and the Development of Lifelong Learners focuses specifically on adult education and the best practices, services, and educational environments and methods for both the teaching and learning of adults. This spans further into the understanding of what it means to be a lifelong learner and how to develop adults who want to voluntarily contribute to their own development by enhancing their education level or knowledge of certain topics. This book is essential for teachers and professors, course instructors, business professionals, school administrators, practitioners, researchers, academicians, and students interested in the latest advancements in adult education and lifelong learning.


Ensuring Adult and Non-Traditional Learners’ Success With Technology, Design, and Structure

Ensuring Adult and Non-Traditional Learners’ Success With Technology, Design, and Structure

Author: Jennings, Charity L. B.

Publisher: IGI Global

Published: 2021-04-23

Total Pages: 300

ISBN-13: 1799867641

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With the increasing share of adult and non-traditional students in the higher education student body, higher education faculty and administrators must ensure that the design of programs, courses, and student services support the success of all students. The needs and wants of these adult and non-traditional learners will differ, and it is important that research helps advance the understanding of these students to increase their success, acclimation, and experience in institutions. Ensuring Adult and Non-Traditional Learners’ Success With Technology, Design, and Structure is designed to provide higher education professionals with current research and research-based best practices for ensuring student success for adult learners and non-traditional students. The research presented in this book will help ensure that programs, courses, and student services are designed and implemented in a manner that supports student success for all learners in the institution. Chapters include research on student motivation, program design, educational technology, student engagement, and more. This book is intended for post-secondary administrators, faculty, teachers, administrators, teacher educators, practitioners, stakeholders, researchers, academicians, and students interested in relevant educational services for adult learners and non-traditional students.


Taking Learning to Task

Taking Learning to Task

Author: Jane Vella

Publisher: Jossey-Bass

Published: 2000-07-25

Total Pages: 184

ISBN-13:

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"Reading this wonderful book is like having Jane Vella at your side. She gives us the courage to risk changing our established habits of teaching." --Clifford Baden, director of programs for professional education, Harvard University "By marrying theory and practice, Vella has shown how to design learning that takes hold of the learner--mind, heart, and muscles." --Jack McCall, professor, Principals' Executive Program, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill "You'll feel as though you've found the keys to creating profound and powerfully effective learning experiences. Anyone responsible for engaging a group of adults in learning will find this book invaluable!" --Rod Brooks, vice president for administration, EXPLORIS Known for her work in popular education and her worldwide teaching experience, Jane Vella has significantly changed the way we view adult learning. In her three bestselling books--Learning to Listen, Learning to Teach, Training Through Dialogue, and How Do They Know They Know?--she writes with one basic assumption: that learning is most effective when teachers involve their students in the learning process. In Taking Learning to Task, Vella shifts the spotlight from teaching tasks to learning tasks. Unlike traditional teaching methods, learning tasks are open questions leading to open dialogue between teacher and learner. To illustrate this unique approach, Vella provides seven steps to planning learning-centered courses, four types of learning tasks, a checklist of principles and practices, critical questions for instructional design, key components for evaluation, and other tools. She also shares real-world examples of successful learning programs, including online and distance-learning courses. Taking Learning to Task is a hands-on, practical guide to designing effective learning tasks for diverse learners and diverse content. Teachers, trainers, and all types of instructors will find a wealth of advice for refining their day-to-day practice.


Improving Adult Literacy Instruction

Improving Adult Literacy Instruction

Author: National Research Council

Publisher: National Academies Press

Published: 2012-08-27

Total Pages: 35

ISBN-13: 0309262267

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Virtually everyone needs a high level of literacy in both print and digital media to negotiate most aspects of 21st century life-succeeding in a competitive job market, supporting a family, navigating health information, and participating in civic activities. Yet, according to a recent survey estimate, more than 90 million adults in the United States lack the literacy skills needed for fully productive and secure lives. At the request of the U.S. Department of Education, the National Research Council convened a committee of experts from many disciplines to synthesize research on literacy and learning in order to improve instruction for those served in adult education in the U.S. The committee's report, Improving Adult Literacy Instruction: Options for Practice and Research, recommends a program of research and innovation to gain a better understanding of adult literacy learners, improve instruction, and create the supports adults need for learning and achievement. Improving Adult Literacy Instruction: Supporting Learning and Motivation, which is based on the report, describes principles of effective instruction to guide those who design and administer adult literacy programs and courses. It also explores ways to motivate learners to persist in their studies, which is crucial given the thousands of hours of study and practice required to become proficient.The booklet concludes with a look at technologies that show promise for supporting individual learners and freeing busy adults from having to be in a particular place in order to practice their literacy skills. Although this booklet is not intended as a "how to" manual for instructors, teachers may also find the information presented here to be helpful as they plan and deliver instruction.