The aim of this article is to examine collective memory work (CMW) as a method for turning the work-life experiences of adult learners in a part-time master's program into a collective knowledge resource, thereby strengthening the interplay between theory and practice in the students' learning processes. CMW is a well-known qualitative research…

The concept of reflection is central to theories of experiential learning common in the field of adult education. In this article, we expand upon the work of Michelson on the dualistic split between experience and knowing inherent in the field's most common conceptualizations of reflection. We develop alternative approaches to reflection drawing…

Adult learners are taking advantage of the availability and convenience of online education. Mature learners in online higher education classrooms bring a wealth of experience filtered through cultural, generational, and socioeconomical differences. The purpose of this research was to explore community building in an online graduate course by…

To provide equitable access to formal, nonformal and workplace learning, experts urge community, business, education and government partnerships. While membership in unions continues to decline and "opportunities for entry-level workers to become skilled workers is lessening," the partnership described in this article shows that it is…

When mentors and mentees enter a mentoring relationship, they bring their assumptions with them. An assumption is a belief one possesses that is thought to be true and from which a conclusion can be drawn. It can also be a belief that someone should behave in a particular way. Often unspoken, these assumptions are powerful predictors of success or…

In reading the last section of their primary text, "Learning in Adulthood: A Comprehensive Guide" by Merriam, Caffarella, and Baumgartner (2007) in his Adult Learning and Development class, the author continued to feel as though he was being self-assured of his previous learning experiences once again. The final section of the text focused on…

Over the past 30+ years, many colleges have made themselves more accessible for adult students. These innovations include flexible scheduling, online learning, professionally-oriented degrees, and credit for what students already know. However, there is more work to be done, particularly in the areas of financial aid for the very large number of…

Offers suggestions for spreading ownership of a prior learning program: sharing the program's philosophy; conducting workshops; arranging informal gatherings; assigning tutors; establishing a faculty committee; soliciting ideas; recruiting faculty; acting as liaison; publishing guidelines; convincing others of the program's value; and revealing…

A process for translating experience into college-level learning involves identifying relevant experiences and types: (1) a single experience leading to a single learning topic; (2) a single experience leading to several topics; or (3) several experiences leading to a single topic. Visual representations of these types help students validate the…

Three qualities form the foundation of college-level learning: (1) conceptual knowledge--articulation of concepts, theories, and principles; (2) generalizable knowledge; and (3) courses traditionally taught in college--excluding secondary courses, noncredit programs, popular learning, and vocational courses. (SK)

The process of assessing prior experiential learning can be painful as adults analyze traumatic or embarrassing experiences, revisit disturbing problems, and find their confidence in past experiences shaken. (SK)