The aim of this paper is to introduce a correction into the notion of self-directed adult learning by way of conjoining it with philosophically elaborated notions of autonomy, self-reflectiveness, and maturity. The basic premise of this intervention is that in andragogical theorizing, learners' self-directedness ought not to be thought as obvious…

Self-directed learning is one of the preeminent theories in the field of adult education. This study explored how English as a Second Language learners directed their own learning outside of the formal classroom through the use of practices that potentially advance their English language proficiency. Results from a survey of over 400 ESL students…

Defines adult education as every adult's intentional efforts at self-education, alone and with others, in all human situations, including when the self-educator is facilitating the learning of other self-educators. Self-educating as an attitude, and a practice is offered as a sound basis for the profession of adult education. (SK)

This article argues that self-directed learning should be viewed not as the application of a particular technique but as the capacity of adults for critical self-reflection and for changing their lives. The author speculates on the purposes, processes, and conditions required for learning aimed at such awareness. (CT)

This report is a compilation of the presentations given at a three-credit workshop on self-directed adult learning held July 14-25, 1980, at Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa. An introductory section overviews the workshop, the purpose of which was to initiate the development of policy guidelines for both facilitators of learning and learners…

Although decision making should be shared between teachers and learners, teachers should take a leadership role in establishing learning objectives, organizing learning activities, and maintaining a positive social environment for learning. (SK)

Although information has become the core focus of society, independent learners are bypassing the educational institutions that have responsibility for creating, storing, and disseminating information. One contribution educational institutions can make to independent learners is to teach them the processes by which to gain access to and make…

This book draws on recent scholarship in adult education to provide practical ideas for adult educators on how to stimulate and support their own development as educators and better understand the process of professional development as adult learning. Chapter 1 provides an overview of the diverse contexts within which educators work and the nature…

Six papers on various topics of adult education are contained in these proceedings. The following papers are included: (1) "Self-Guided Learning and Change," by Allen Tough--a review of research that shows that nine of ten adults engage in approximately ten hours of informal but purposeful learning per week. (2) "Needs Assessment Strategies and…

The goal of emancipatory learning is to free learners from the forces that limit their options and control their lives and to move them to act for social and political change. Although emancipatory learning is commonly associated with adulthood, not all adult education fosters it, and not all adult educators align themselves with perspectives that…

This guide provides practical information, within a theoretical context, for educators who work with adult learners in formal and informal settings ranging from college and university courses to business and industrial training programs to community and special interest groups. The first two chapters examine the theoretical framework within which…

One of the most important implications for professional adult educators drawn from this review of the literature (emphasizing seven research studies which focus on the individual learner) stems from the increasing evidence that adults plan a great deal of learning for themselves without any assistance or intervention from professional adult…

This booklet is compiled from all the Adult Learning Australia (ALA) Commentaries produced in 2000. Emailed to ALA members each week, ALA Commentaries are written by people in the field of adult learning in the broadest sense, usually in Australia, sometimes overseas, and designed to stimulate discussion. ALA hosts an online discussion forum about…

This planning guide and collection of resources is designed to help higher education faculty become more aware of current research and thinking on adult learning and to participate actively in institutional changes that make campuses, particularly in the California State University system, better able to meet the needs of adult students. Each of…

The following are among the 55 papers in this volume: "Implications of Person-Environment Congruence in Adult Learning Environments" (Agee); "Reliability and Validity of the Alternate Form of the Education Participation Scale" (Boshier); "Research and Developments in the Neurosciences" (Boucouvalas); "Professional Writing Activity among Professors…