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a critical theory of adult learning and education

Adult Learning Theories and Practices

  • First Online: 26 November 2019

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  • Laura L. Bierema 5  

Part of the book series: Knowledge Management and Organizational Learning ((IAKM,volume 8))

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The purpose of this chapter is to introduce the theory and practice of adult learning. The chapter defines adult learning and introduces a framework of adult learning (Bierema, Strategic approaches towards curriculum development for adult learners in the global community, pp. 7–33, 2008; Merriam & Bierema, Adult learning: Bridging theory and practice , 2014) that focuses on the educators, learners, processes, contexts, and methods that make up adult learning. Effective teaching is critical in an age where problems are difficult to solve and require deep learning and collaboration. Creating powerful formal instruction is easier and more impactful with an understanding of adult learning theory and how to translate it into meaningful practice to enhance learning.

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University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA

Laura L. Bierema

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Bierema, L.L. (2019). Adult Learning Theories and Practices. In: Fedeli, M., Bierema, L.L. (eds) Connecting Adult Learning and Knowledge Management. Knowledge Management and Organizational Learning, vol 8. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-29872-2_1

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DOI : https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-29872-2_1

Published : 26 November 2019

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  1. Adult Learning Theories and Practices

    The purpose of this chapter is to introduce the theory and practice of adult learning. The chapter defines adult learning and introduces a framework of adult learning (Bierema, 2008; Merriam & Bierema, 2014) that focuses on the educators, learners, processes, contexts, and methods that make up adult learning.