This paper stems from a dialogue on the subjects of learning and learners: one forged out of experiences in research and teaching, and the application of psychodynamic insights, developmental psychology and recent work in the neurosciences, to thinking about adult learning and subjectivity. We argue that some notion of the self needs to be…

Although the loss of certainty in the age of postmodernism is questioning knowledge production in general, the emerging discourse of lifelong learning demands a different theory of adult learning in particular. This article aims to offer a conceptual tool for describing learning in adulthood in terms of postmodern and lifelong learning conditions.…

This dialog between Alan Rogers and Knud Illeris debates arguments Rogers made in a previous article about the differences between adult and child learning. Rogers emphasizes differences in teacher-learner relationships. Illeris believes the differences result from different motivations for learning. (SK)

Discusses the methodology by which people arrive at "knowledge" and how knowledge has been seen by philosophers and critical thinkers through history. Includes the theories of Jurgen Habermas, Jack Mezirow, Thomas Kuhn, and Paulo Freire. Cites implications for adult education. (JOW)

There are three ways to learn: guided learning, experiential learning, and action learning. They differ in many respects from each other and may produce different kinds of representations. They may be compared to ways of undertaking a journey: traveling, trekking, and exploring. (Author/JOW)

Describes a view of learning that has its origins in consciousness and depicts the role of learning in building cultures that both liberate and restrict. Discusses the need to unlearn cultural habits and rituals that impede growth. (SK)

Examines the application of learning principles to individualized instruction in skilled courses in business and vocational education for adult students. Available from College of Education, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506. (SK)

Adult learning is a potentially productive way of identifying the motives and behaviors of effective management. Learning is a distinguishing characteristic of the most effective managers and steps can be taken to enhance managers' abilities in learning how to learn. (JOW)

Summarizes the major findings of Allen Tough's adult education monographs and outlines some of the criticisms of his works. Discusses Tough's theories concerning self-teaching, learning projects and major learning efforts, and the planners of learning. (CT)

A complete theory of adult learning must take into consideration the learner, learning process, and context. Andragogy, self-directed learning, consciousness, critical theory, feminism, transformational learning, and situated cognition contribute to understanding of this complex phenomenon. (SK)

In response to Cunningham's review of his book "Transformative Dimensions of Adult Learning" in the Spring 1992 issue of "Adult Education Quarterly," Mezirow clarifies his transformation theory of how adults learn and points out how his meaning has been misrepresented. (SK)

Distinguishes between the collaborative learning process and a collaborative learning group. Lists conditions basic to the development of effective collaborative learning groups through training programs: (1) knowledgeable trainer, (2) participant commitment, (3) open communication, and (4) appropriate normative controls. (JOW)

Adult learning potential refers to our total learning capacities. It includes cognitive and affective learning as well as intuitive and reflective learning. It does not refer just to formal education (which accounts for only a small portion of our learning), but rather all learning for living, especially learning how we manage our lives. Adult…

Suggests that future pedagogy should search for methods to develop conscious thinking and to connect detailed learning with creative, utility-oriented human activities. Different pedagogical forms should be applied to a greater extent in universities and ordinary adult education. (JOW)

Pedagogy assumes that the education of children and adults is essentially the same. Andragogy takes the view that adults and children learn in different ways. In lieu of these polarized concepts, educators need to approach human learning as a matter of degree, not kind, recognizing the similarities as well as the differences between learning…