The Adult Learner

Any adult engaged in a learning process, be that formal education, informal learning, or corporate-sponsored learning, can be described as an "adult learner." Malcolm Knowles, the founding author of this book, played a huge role in separating adult learners from child learners. His pioneering work developed the theory of andragogy, which is still relevant today and attempts to explain why adults learn differently compared to other types of learners so that learning strategies can be developed that focus on teaching adults. This book offers students and practitioners with unique access to the original work and writing of Malcolm Knowles. In the new edition, current authorities in adult education and human resource development, Elwood "Ed" Holton and Richard Swanson, put Knowles' theories and work into the context of modern day adult education, linking in to new theories and developments and considering andragogy in practice around the world. The Adult Learner is essential reading for adult learning practitioners, training managers and human resource professionals. It is also an indispensable text for students taking adult learning modules within adult education, teacher training courses and human resource management programs.