Review
"Such an important and complete guide on the subject of adult learning that it is now in its second edition. Merriam and Caffarella have done a monument work of pulling together the current research and thinking on adult learning." (ForeThought)

"Merriam and Caffarella provide an excellent resource whose value will last until the appearance of the third edition." (Continuing Higher Education Review)

"An essential volume in adult education." (Choice, (praise from 1st edition))

"[Learning in Adulthood's] greatest strengths are its coverage of the learning context, theory-building within adult learning, and how social and ethical issues offer special challenges to adult learning. . . . [It] will be useful to both experienced and novice continuing educators, as well as laypersons." (Continuing Higher Education Review, (praise from 1st edition))

"This book is extremely useful in that it provides an informed overview of issues related to adult learning. It is very readable, yet packs considerable challenge for the more experienced adult educator." (Canadian Journal of University Continuing Education, (praise from 1st edition))


Continuing Higher Education Review
"Merriam and Caffarella provide an excellent resource whose value will last until the appearance of the third edition."


Book Description
"An essential volume in adult education."--Choice"Merriam and Caffarella provide an excellent resource whose value will last until the appearance of the third edition."--Continuing Higher Education Review The second edition of Learning in Adulthood integrates the most important contributions to adult learning in the last decade. The result is an updated, comprehensive synthesis of what we now know about adult learning--including the context in which it takes place, who the participants are, what they learn and why, the nature of the learning process itself, major theoretical developments, and much more. Sharan Merriam and Rosemary Caffarella reveal how sociocultural influences can create specific developmental needs and interests, and how such social factors as race, class, and gender can shape learning. From this background, they construct a more inclusive perspective on adult learning, guiding readers toward new ways of thinking about teaching, learning, and the broader social implications of adult education.


From the Inside Flap
An updated synthesis of what we know about adult learning—its context, participants, major theoretical developments, and more. The authors reveal how sociocultural influences can create specific developmental needs and interests, and how race, class, and gender can shape learning. From this background, they construct a more inclusive perspective on adult learning, guiding readers toward new ways of thinking about teaching, learning, and the social implications of adult education.


About the Author
SHARAN B. MERRIAM is professor of adult education at the University of Georgia, Athens. Her research and writing focus on the foundations of the adult education field, on adult development and learning, and on qualitative research methods. An acclaimed scholar in her field, she has served as author, coauthor, or editor of seventeen books and was coeditor of Adult Education Quarterly for five years. ROSEMARY S. CAFFARELLA is a professor in the Division of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies at the University of Northern Colorado. A preeminent authority on adult learning and development, training, and program development, Caffarella is author or coauthor of five books on adult and continuing education.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

"An essential volume in adult education."

--Choice

"Merriam and Caffarella provide an excellent resource whose value will last until the appearance of the third edition."

--Continuing Higher Education Review

The second edition of Learning in Adulthood integrates the most important contributions to adult learning in the last decade. The result is an updated, comprehensive synthesis of what we now know about adult learning--including the context in which it takes place, who the participants are, what they learn and why, the nature of the learning process itself, major theoretical developments, and much more. Sharan Merriam and Rosemary Caffarella reveal how sociocultural influences can create specific developmental needs and interests, and how such social factors as race, class, and gender can shape learning. From this background, they construct a more inclusive perspective on adult learning, guiding readers toward new ways of thinking about teaching, learning, and the broader social implications of adult education.