Learning in Adulthood

Part 1 The context and environment of adult learning: social and cultural influences; learning in formal settings; learning as a self-directed activity. Part 2 The adult learner: characteristics and objectives of learners; why adults do or do not participate in learning activities; adult development and the learning experience. Part 3 The learning process: key theories of learning; age and intelligence; memory, cognition, and learning styles; cognitive development in adulthood. Part 4 Building a theoretical base for adult learning: clarifying the nature of self-directed learning; explaining and predicting participation; toward comprehensive theories of adult learning. Part 5 Challenges in fostering adult learning: the social and political issues; ethical dilemmas in teaching and learning; integrating theory and practice.