Discusses the essential characteristics of learning in the four main life stages: childhood, youth, adulthood, and mature adulthood. Itemizes the characteristics of adult learning and stresses the importance of life projects as a motivation for learning. (JOW)

As a means of facilitating adult development, autobiography is based on (1) memory--an element in the construction of meaning in experience--and (2) imagination--the expression of what people believe themselves to have been and to be. Through autobiography, the self is something to be imagined and constructed. (SK)

This article explores the influence of Grundtvig on U.S. adult education by summarizing the ideas of major adult education philosophers such as Lindeman and Knowles and the lifelong learning philosophy of Grundtvig. This analysis indicates that Grundtvig has been largely unread and unacknowledged, although his impact on Lindeman has indirectly…

The case of a prisoner in Alcatraz illustrates the importance of motivation, social support, and education that enables reflection and self-respect to the long-term success of rehabilitation. (SK)

Seeks to clarify the rhetoric about learning organizations; suggests that the term has two senses: an organization that learns and an organization that promotes learning. Asserts that an educational institution's priority is the learning needs of students, who are not analogous to other organization's human resources. (SK)

Suggests that adult learning theory may be culture bound. Presents guidelines for matching training techniques to the values of different cultures. (SK)

Transformative learning shapes the learner in profound and far-reaching ways. Conceptualizations by Mezirow, Freire, and Daloz are based on viewing learning as change in consciousness, of humans as free and responsible, of knowledge and personal and social construct, and belief in liberal democratic society. (SK)

Habermas' critical theory focuses on how social structures, organizations, and institutions define, construct, and oppress learning. His theory of communicative action leads to emancipatory, learner-centered educational practice. (SK)

Explores the collaborative learning partnership between science fiction writer Robert Heinlein and his wife Virginia. Shows how Virginia's self-directed learning projects complemented and enabled Robert's writing. (SK)

Numeracy involves a set of social practices situated within a particular culture and ideology. The concept has implications for definition of math standards. A social practice approach to adult numeracy in South Africa is recommended. (SK)

Outlines a theory of collective learning based on Vygotsky's Zone of Proximal Development and on New Social Movements theory. Argues that it is more appropriate than individual learning theories as it describes the relationship between individual and group development and it addresses social justice. (SK)

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)

Individual characteristics influencing workplace learning and development include psychological presence, social cognition and schema, and habitual methods of conduct. Organizational factors include routinization of work, organizational roles, resolution of role conflict, and institutional structures. Both individuals and organizations need the…

Viewing faculty development as adult learning, continuing education providers should plan their offerings using adult learning principles and strategies. To take a leadership role, they must build credibility within their institutions, establish institutional commitment, and conduct ongoing research. (SK)

Application of adult learning principles was examined in a class for 30 managers of advanced-technology firms. Use of the principles contributed to acquisition, retention, and transfer of learning and a long-term impact on companies. Participants valued the relevance of content, the balance of technical and management skills, and the inviting…