This book presents a theory of how adults learn by making meaning of their experiences. Chapter 1 gives an overview of an emerging transformation theory of adult learning, compares it with other theories of adult learning, and describes the dynamics of the process through which one makes meaning of one's experience. Chapter 2 examines the way…

The Self-Knowledge Inventory of Lifelong Learning Strategies (SKILLS) was developed to measure adult learning strategies in real-life learning situations. SKILLS consists of a series of 12 scenarios from real-world situations that reflect Shirk's (1990) nine general categories of learning for real-life situations and that necessitate various types…

The issue of assessing adult learning prior to formal college level study is examined and presented in this handbook. The handbook offers guidelines for setting standards, provides a review of some of the proven techniques and practices that have been used to evaluate previous learning, addresses a series of issues relevant to particular subject…

The learning project interview is a group-interview technique that is useful for developing an awareness of the process of adult learning. Specifically, it provides insights concerning the types of things adults try to learn, the number of learning experiences they have, their methods of learning, and the sources of the subject matter that they…

Explanations of age-related differences in adult memory usually assume two forms: processing deficits and structural deficits. Processing deficit explanations attribute recall differences to a failure of older adults to effectively use the processes of attention, organization, mediation (the use of such devices as visual images and verbal images…

Thinking of technology and media in relation to a concept of lifelong learning requires a shift in perceptions of learning systems in the direction of increased innovation. Two limitations in current definitions of technology and media which must be overcome in future definitions are: (1) seeing them as contemporary phenomena which sprang from…

This study examines and discusses sociological and psychological factors affecting adult motivation (or, in general, lack of motivation) to engage in systematic learning or hard intellectual effort. Characteristics and effects of mass culture are briefly noted. Differing levels of learning and conceptualization are described, ranging from the…

A workshop is described that presents faculty members in pathology with basic information about the adult learning process, how adult learning may be enhanced, and how physicians can improve their teaching skills. The workshop is seen as a practical format for teaching learning theory and teaching skills. (Author/MLW)

Training represents a significant portion of the adult education market, yet many believe the principles of training are not aligned with principles of adult education. A literature review supports the inclusion of training within the adult education field by comparing their respective philosophies and aims, their assumptions about adult learners…

Two recent theoretical developments in adult education, self-directed learning and transformative learning, are applied to the college faculty development process. With this approach, faculty learn to direct their own learning process, become aware of their assumptions about teaching, and revise them using critical self-reflection. (MSE)

A study investigated, within a cognitive attentional framework, whether amount (single/multiple) and type (teacher-centered/learner-centered) of exposure to the same morphological information had positive effects on first-semester adult learners' second language development of morphological forms, and whether there is any differential performance…

Medical advances and lifestyle changes have resulted in older adults living longer and healthier lives. Nevertheless, older adulthood, as other life stages, requires change in work, family, and health. Self-directed learning (SDL) is one way of negotiating these transitions. The purpose of this study was to understand this process of learning.…

This article focuses on the nature of "family learning" programmes in marginalised communities. Such programmes present a series of radical challenges (in the sense of getting to the root of things) to policy makers and professionals alike: about, for instance, the kinds of "learning" on offer and the neglect, perhaps…

Perhaps the most distinctive feature of distance education (DE) is that it is characterized by noncontiguous communication between the supporting organization and its students. A theory of DE must include phenomena and concerns that are internal to its practice and can also embrace external conditions influencing or being influenced by DE. In view…

The role that individual learning proficiency, individual personality characteristics, and chance occurrences in the learner's environment play in self-directed professional development was examined through semistructured interviews with a purposeful sample of eight professional men and women of high achievement with no postsecondary schooling in…