Sharan B. Merriam

A freshly updated and science-based guide for contemporary adult educators In the newly revised second edition of Adult Learning: Linking Theory and Practice, a team of veteran adult educators delivers an authoritative guide to adult education that is solidly grounded in theory and research while remaining concise and practice oriented. Each chapter is infused with practical applications for instruction you can implement immediately to improve concrete learning outcomes. The authors cover a variety of topics, including adult learning in the contemporary world, traditional learning theories, andragogy, motivation and learning, and more. Readers will also find: Explorations of the brain and cognitive functioning as it applies to adult learnersHow to adapt and improve the adult learning experience in the digital ageLearning and reflection activities integrated throughout each chapter Perfect for master's-level students and practitioners alike, Adult Learning: Linking Theory and Practice is the up-to-date and practical adult education resource that you've been waiting for.

The essential guide to understanding, designing, conducting, and presenting a qualitative research study Qualitative Research: A Guide to Design and Implementation, 5th Edition is filled with practical advice and proven guidance for designing and implementing qualitative research studies, and for communicating findings clearly and effectively. Readers will develop a strong foundation in qualitative research theory and application, including an understanding of data sources, data analysis tools, and the types of qualitative research. This revised Fifth Edition offers an expanded interdisciplinary focus, covering qualitative research in the medical and health professions, the social sciences, education, and the humanities. It also covers new tools and technologies—including discussion of AI in qualitative research—that facilitate the process of conducting, analyzing, and presenting research. Written in reader-friendly terms, Qualitative Research is accessible to both novice and experienced researchers. Discover the theories, techniques, and analysis methods that make for rigorous qualitative studiesConsider issues related to online data collection, interpretation of results, and qualitative research ethicsLearn to develop a strong theoretical framework to guide qualitative studiesDiscover how qualitative research is used in many fields, including healthcare Qualitative Research: A Guide to Design and Implementation is an indispensable reference for students and researchers looking to grow their knowledge of qualitative research methodologies across disciplines.

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 learningSynthesizes the latest thinking and work in the fieldIncludes coverage of the sociocultural perspectives of adult learningExplores 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.

The bestselling guide to qualitative research, updated and expanded Qualitative Research is the essential guide to understanding, designing, conducting, and presenting a qualitative research study. This fourth edition features new material covering mixed methods, action research, arts-based research, online data sources, and the latest in data analysis, including data analysis software packages as well as narrative and poetic analysis strategies. A new section offers multiple ways of presenting qualitative research findings. The reader-friendly, jargon-free style makes this book accessible to both novice and experienced researchers, emphasizing the role of a theoretical framework in designing a study while providing practical guidance. Qualitative research reaches beyond the what, where, and when of quantitative analysis to investigate the why and how behind human behavior and the reasons that govern such behavior, but this presents a number of significant challenges. This guide is an invaluable reference for students and practitioners alike, providing the deep understanding that this sometimes difficult area of research requires to produce accurate results. The book contains a step-by-step guide to analyzing qualitative data and an addendum for graduate students with a template for a thesis, dissertation, or grant application. Build a strong foundation in qualitative research theory and applicationDesign and implement effective qualitative research studiesCommunicate findings more successfully with clear presentationExplore data sources, data analysis tools, and the different types of research

Global Issues and Adult Education brings together seven years of cutting-edge research and analysis from the Cyril O. Houle Scholars in Adult and Continuing Education. These emerging leaders in the field investigate the importance of adult education in responding to the challenges of global issues. The book is divided into five sections, each of which examines one overarching topic-globalization and the market economy, marginalized populations, environment and health, community empowerment, and lifelong learning and educational systems. Each section begins with an introduction that provides a framework for understanding the overarching issues and summarizes the chapters in the section.

Solidly grounded in theory and research, but concise and practice-oriented, Adult Learning: Linking Theory and Practice is perfect for master’s-level students and practitioners alike. Sharan Merriam and Laura Bierema have infused each chapter with practical applications for instruction which will help readers personally relate to the material. The contents covers: Adult Learning in Today’s WorldTraditional Learning TheoriesAndragogySelf-Directed LearningTransformative LearningExperience and LearningBody and Spirit in LearningMotivation and LearningThe Brain and Cognitive FunctioningAdult Learning in the Digital AgeCritical Thinking and Critical PerspectivesCulture and Context Discussion questions and activities for reflection are included at the end of each chapter.

The Profession and Practice of Adult Education is a timely book and an excellent introduction to the field. Drawing from an extensive volume of literature, it provides comprehensive coverage and a clear guide. Graduate students will benefit from it and practitioners will be kept abreast of changes that are occurring. --Peter Jarvis, professor of continuing education and senior research professor, University of Surrey, United Kingdom

Reveals the common patterns adults experience in their careers, relationships, and development. Shows how, by gaining an understanding of these patterns in their own lives, adults can find new meaning in their existence, work through problems, and explore opportunities for growth.