Sharan B. Merriam & Lisa M. Baumgartner 
Learning in Adulthood 
A Comprehensive Guide

The new edition of the authoritative book in the field of adult education — fully revised to reflect the latest research and practice implications.

For nearly three decades, Learning in Adulthood has been the definitive guide in the field of adult education. Now in its fourth edition, this comprehensive volume is fully revised to reflect the latest developments in theory, research, and practice. The authors integrate foundational research and current knowledge to present fresh, original perspectives on teaching and learning in adulthood. Written by internationally-recognized experts, this market-leading guide draws from work in sociology, philosophy, critical social theory, psychology, and education to provide an inclusive overview of adult learning.

Designed primarily for educators of adults, this book is accessible for readers new to adult education, yet suitably rigorous for those more familiar with the subject. Content is organized into four practical parts, covering topics such as the social context of adult learning, self-directed and transformational learning, postmodern and feminist perspectives, cognitive development in adulthood, and more. Offering the most comprehensive single-volume treatment of adult learning available, this landmark text:

* Offers a wide-ranging perspective on adult learning

* Synthesizes the latest thinking and work in the field

* Includes coverage of the sociocultural perspectives of adult learning

* Explores the broader social implications of adult education

Learning in Adulthood: A Comprehensive Guide, 4th Edition is an indispensable resource for educators and administrators involved in teaching adults, as well as faculty and students in graduate programs in adult education.

Table of Content

Acknowledgments vii

Preface ix

About the Authors xv

Part I: Adult Learning in Contemporary Society 1

Chapter 1 The Social Context of Adult Learning 5

Chapter 2 Adult Learning and Technology 26

Chapter 3 Learning Environments and Learning Concepts 52

Chapter 4 Adult Learners: Who Participates and Why 82

Part II: Adult Learning Theory 113

Chapter 5 Knowles’s Andragogy and Mc Clusky’s Theory of Margin 117

Chapter 6 Self-Directed Learning 137

Chapter 7 Transformative Learning 166

Chapter 8 Experience and Learning 196

Part III: Newer Approaches to Adult Learning 229

Chapter 9 Embodied, Spiritual, and Narrative Learning 233

Chapter 10 Learning and Knowing: Eastern and Indigenous Perspectives 268

Chapter 11 Critical Theory, Postmodern, and Feminist Perspectives 290

Part IV: Learning and Development 317

Chapter 12 Adult Development 321

Chapter 13 Cognitive Development in Adulthood 346

Chapter 14 Intelligence and Aging 375

Chapter 15 Brain, Memory, and Cognition 409

Chapter 16 Reflections on Learning in Adulthood 439

References 459

Name Index 541

Subject Index 561

About the author

SHARAN B. MERRIAM is Professor Emerita of Adult Education and Qualitative Research at The University of Georgia in Athens, GA. Merriam’s research and writing activities have focused on adult and lifelong learning and qualitative research methods. She has published 33 books and over 100 journal articles and book chapters. She is a four-time winner of the prestigious Cyril O. Houle World Award for Literature in Adult Education.

LISA M. BAUMGARTNER is an Associate Professor at Texas State University, San Marcos, TX. Her research and writing focus on adult learning and development in marginalized populations. She was co-editor of Adult Education Quarterly from 2011-2014. In 2019, she received a Circle of 50 Award from the Learning, Leadership, and Organizational Development Program at the University of Georgia. Awardees are seen as having made an impact on the research and practice of adult education, learning, leadership, and organizational development.