Sharan B. Merriam

Lisa M. Baumgartner

Rosemary S. Caffarella

In this updated landmark book, the authors have gathered the seminal work and most current thinking on adult learning into one volume. Learning in Adulthood addresses a wide range of topics including: Who are adult learners? How do adults learn? Why are adults involved in learning activities? How does the social context shape the learning that adults are engaged in? How does aging affect learning ability?

A Comprehensive Guide

Learning in Adulthood

Ralph G. Brockett

An Introduction

The Profession and Practice of Adult Education

The new edition of the authoritative book in the field of adult education — fully revised to reflect the latest research and practice implications. For nearly three decades, Learning in Adulthood has been the definitive guide in the field of adult education. Now in its fourth edition, this comprehensive volume is fully revised to reflect the latest developments in theory, research, and practice. The authors integrate foundational research and current knowledge to present fresh, original perspectives on teaching and learning in adulthood. Written by internationally-recognized experts, this market-leading guide draws from work in sociology, philosophy, critical social theory, psychology, and education to provide an inclusive overview of adult learning. Designed primarily for educators of adults, this book is accessible for readers new to adult education, yet suitably rigorous for those more familiar with the subject. Content is organized into four practical parts, covering topics such as the social context of adult learning, self-directed and transformational learning, postmodern and feminist perspectives, cognitive development in adulthood, and more. Offering the most comprehensive single-volume treatment of adult learning available, this landmark text: Offers a wide-ranging perspective on adult learning Synthesizes the latest thinking and work in the field Includes coverage of the sociocultural perspectives of adult learning Explores the broader social implications of adult education Learning in Adulthood: A Comprehensive Guide, 4th Edition is an indispensable resource for educators and administrators involved in teaching adults, as well as faculty and students in graduate programs in adult education.

Praise for the Third Edition of Qualitative Research: "Sharan B. Merriam synthesizes twenty years of developments in qualitative research with clarity and acumen." ?Michael Quinn Patton, author, Qualitative Research and Evaluation Methods "Here is a qualitative research methods book that reinforces the connection between professional experience and qualitative inquiry." ?Robert Stake, author, The Art of Case Study Research and Multiple Case Study Analysis "In this new edition, Sharan Merriam once again presents the world of qualitative research in language engaging and accessible?for new and experienced readers alike. If you can have only one book about qualitative research, this is it!" ?Patricia M. Reeves, associate professor, School of Social Work, University of Georgia "Mystified by qualitative research? You couldn't ask for a better guide than Sharan Merriam, who introduces you to the fundamental concepts of this research method, explains its complex forms, and then shows you exactly how to do a high-quality qualitative study." ?M. Carolyn Clark, coeditor, The International Journal of Qualitative Studies in Education

A Guide to Design and Implementation

Qualitative Research

The Profession and Practice of Adult Education is a timely book and an excellent introduction to the field. Drawing from an extensive volume of literature, it provides comprehensive coverage and a clear guide. Graduate students will benefit from it and practitioners will be kept abreast of changes that are occurring. —Peter Jarvis, professor of continuing education and senior research professor, University of Surrey, United Kingdom

Laura L. Bierema

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.

Linking Theory and Practice

Adult Learning

Robin S. Grenier

A practical introduction to qualitative research across fields and disciplines Qualitative Research in Practice offers a hands-on introduction to qualitative research design, methods, data, and analysis. Designed as a companion text for any course involving qualitative research, this book explores the different types of qualitative studies with relevant examples and analysis by the researchers themselves. The workbook format makes it easy to use in the classroom or the field, and the depth of information makes it a valuable resource for students of social work, psychology, counseling, management, education, health care, or any field in which qualitative research is conducted. While quantitative research is primarily concerned with numerical data, qualitative research methods are more flexible, responsive, and open to contextual information. To a qualitative researcher, a situation is defined by the participants’ perspectives, making it the primary method of inquiry for understanding social phenomena through the lens of experience. This book introduces the essentials of qualitative research, bolstered by expert analysis and discussion that provides deeper insight than a traditional textbook format would allow. Understand the fundamental nature of qualitative research Learn how to accurately assess and evaluate qualitative research Explore qualitative research’s many forms and applications Gain insight on qualitative research in a variety of fields and disciplines How does one codify an experience? Is it possible to measure emotion in units? Qualitative research fills the void where numbers cannot reach. It is the best tool we have for studying the unquantifiable aspects of the human experience, and it is an essential tool in a wide variety of fields. Qualitative Research in Practice provides translatable skills in a practical format to quicken your transition from “learning” to “using.”

Examples for Discussion and Analysis

Qualitative Research in Practice

This Third Update on Adult Learning Theory followstwo earlier volumes on the same topic, the ahref="http://www.josseybass.com/WileyCDA/WileyTitle/productCd-1555426840.html"firstpublished in 1993/a and the ahref="http://www.josseybass.com/WileyCDA/WileyTitle/productCd-0787957739.html"secondin 2001/a. Only one topic, transformative learning theory, can befound in all three updates, representing the continuingdevelopments in research and alternative theoretical conceptions ofTL. Thanks to a growing body of research and theory-building, threetopics briefly touched on in 2001 are now separate chapters in thisthird update: spirituality and adult learning learning through the body narrative learning in adulthood Also new in this update is a chapter on non-Western perspectiveson learning and knowing. New developments in two other areas arealso explored: understanding the connection between the brain andlearning, and how modern and postmodern ways of knowing areconverging and are bring expressed in social movements. Theconcluding chapter identifies two trends in adult learning theoryfor the twenty-first century: attention to context, and to theholistic nature of learning in adulthood. This is 119th volume of the Jossey-Bass quarterly report seriesahref="http://www.josseybass.com/WileyCDA/WileyTitle/productCd-ACE.html"NewDirections for Adult and Continuing Education/a. Noted forits depth of coverage, New Directions for Adult andContinuing Education is an indispensable series thatexplores issues of common interest to instructors, administrators,counselors, and policymakers in a broad range of adult andcontinuing education settings, such as colleges and universities,extension programs, businesses, libraries, and museums.

Sharan B. Merriam

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