Preface xiii

Acknowledgments xix

The Authors xxi

Section 1 the Adult Learning Context 1

1 Introducing Adult Learning: Linking Theory and Practice 3

2 Understanding Adult Learning in Contemporary Social Context and Culture 20

3 Applying Critical Perspectives to Adult Learning in Social Context 53

Section 2 the Adult Educator— the Who and the Why 91

4 Pursuing a Career in the Adult Education Field 93

5 Becoming an Adult Educator 121

Section 3 the Adult Learner— the Who 151

6 Understanding Adult Learners’ Motivation 153

7 Applying Andragogy— The Art and Science of Helping Adults Learn 187

8 Valuing Adults’ Self- Directedness in Learning 218

Section 4 the Adult Learning Process— the How 249

9 Connecting Learning and Change in Adulthood 251

10 Experiencing Learning in Adulthood 274

11 Learning for Transformation 307

12 Connecting Neuroscience and Adult Learning 345

Section 5 Developing and Delivering Adult Learning Programs— the What 389

13 Designing Adult Learning Experiences and Programs 391

14 Designing Effective Online Learning for Adults 427

15 Facilitating Active Adult Learning Programs 463

Name Index 499

Subject Index 509

An accessible, research-based primer on how adults learn, and how best to teach them

“This book is a must-have, comprehensive resource for adult educators seeking to master the theory and practice of helping adults learn in a volatile, uncertain, complex, ambiguous environment. Each chapter examines up-to-date theories and models along with examples, strategies, tips and tools for practical application to life and work. Snapshots of 'adult learning by the numbers' provide evidence for theories. Reflective practice activities personalize learning. The authors critically consider the culture, context, intelligent technologies, and constant change that influence learning opportunities and resources in a global landscape. Their chapters on learning design and facilitation—delivered both in person and online—provide valuable hands-on guidelines, case examples, and insight into emerging trends.”
—VICTORIA J. MARSICK, PhD, Program Director and Professor, Adult Learning & Leadership, Department of Organization & Leadership, Teachers College, Columbia University

This globally focused Second Edition reflects the many societal, economic, environmental, and technological changes that have occurred in recent years. Each chapter includes activities, reflection prompts, case studies, and practical tips for teaching and learning. For adult learners, adult educators, and anyone interested in the science and scholarship of teaching learning, Adult Learning: Linking Theory and Practice, Second Edition is the most practically oriented text on the subject.

“This book is a must-have for adult educators seeking to master the theory and practice of helping adults learn in a volatile, uncertain, complex, ambiguous environment. Each chapter examines up-to-date theories and models along with examples, strategies, tips, and tools for practical application to life and work. The authors critically consider the culture, context, intelligent technologies, and constant change that influence learning opportunities and resources in a global landscape.”
—Victoria J. Marsick, Ph.D., Program Director and Professor, Adult Learning & Leadership, Department of Organization & Leadership, Teachers College, Columbia University

“Bierema, Fedeli, and Merriam skillfully weave together theory, research, and practice focusing on adult learners in a manner valuable to individuals tasked with facilitating or developing instructional or human resource programs for adults. Readers interested in how to apply the many concepts presented will appreciate eye-catching boxes integrated throughout the chapters, providing seven different types of tools facilitating application, reflection, and pursuit of further learning.”
—Jovita M. Ross-Gordon, Distinguished Professor Emerita of Adult, Professional and Community Education, Texas State University

“This book is an indispensable guide for anyone involved in adult education—whether as a student, educator, practitioner, administrator, or lifelong learner. It offers a clear, structured framework, reflective exercises, and evidence-based tools that empower readers to apply what they learn to real-world settings immediately.”
—Simone C. O. Conceição, PhD, Professor Emerita, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Learning Design Consulting, SCOC Consulting

“The authors expertly balance research-based insights with practical applications, making complex theories accessible and easy to integrate into teaching. The inclusion of structured chapter summaries and bullet point key takeaways enhances its usability, making it an excellent guide for both academic and professional settings.”
—Dr. Sara Bono, Assistant Professor of Higher, Adult, and Lifelong Education, Michigan State University

“This absorbing and useful read is a wonderful addition to the literature on adult learning. The new section on the adult educator is extremely important and the entire book is a must-read for anyone working with adults.”
—Amy D. Rose, Professor Emerita, Northern Illinois University

“Readers are introduced to the learning context, adult learners, and how to plan adult education programs. The authors apply concepts through examples, case studies, reflective questions, and tips and tools for teaching and learning. This accessible text is a must-have for adult educators in various settings.”
—Lisa M. Baumgartner, Ed.D., Professor, Adult, Professional and Community Education Program, Texas State University

“Adult learning occurs each day. However, adult learning programs require detailed and systematic planning to guide learners towards the objectives of the educational process. The book presents theoretical knowledge from an andragogical and interdisciplinary perspective and directs the reader to apply this knowledge in the creation of adult learning programs. Consequently, the book serves as a crucial foundation for students in adult education as well as for professionals in the field involved in program design daily.”
—Dr. Regina Egetenmeyer, Professor for Adult and Continuing Education at Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg/Germany

“As a faculty member in Human Resource Development, I found this book to be incredibly timely and enlightening. This second edition builds on the strengths of the first with new features, such as integrated boxes with chapter overviews, reflective prompts, evidence-to-practice connections, and teaching tools, enriching the learning experience and embodying the best of adult education principles.”
—Jie Ke, Associate Professor of Human Resource Development, School of Lifelong Learning, Jackson State University

“This book is an invitation to explore and redefine what adult learning means and where its boundaries lie. It offers a thoughtful space where research and practice come together, posing open-ended questions and encouraging diverse and thoughtful responses.”
—Loretta Fabbri, Full Professor of Teaching and Methods of Educational and Training Processes, University of Siena

“This much-awaited second edition expands on multiple fronts that make it a ready resource for a variety of audiences. The book contains enough academic rigor to be used as a textbook while still containing practical aspects derived from academic theorization that practitioners can quickly adapt or use ideas to think through their own adult learning/education/training practices.”
—Ajit P Bhattarai, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Idaho State University

“This is an exceptionally practical book that is both theoretically grounded and replete with great examples from practice. It explores these components of adult learning: the who (adult educator and learners), the what (content and delivery of programs), the where (contexts and everyday learning interactions), the why (reasons behind teaching and learning), and the how (methods of teaching from neuroscience, the arts, movies, media, and embodied approaches).”
—Dr. Elizabeth J. Tisdell, Distinguished Professor Emerita Penn State University—Harrisburg

“Adult Learning, Second Edition is a meticulously organized book that thoroughly explores the field of adult education, offering clear insights into the frequently asked question—What constitutes adult education? This book serves as a comprehensive guide for an introductory course in any adult education program or as an adult learning course for students of other disciplinary programs.”
—Dr. Mary V. Alfred, Professor Emerita Adult Education & Human Resource Development Texas A&M University 

“Adult Learning, Second Edition serves as a vital resource, highlighting the importance of grounding adult education in theory, practice, as well as an understanding of the interconnected socio-cultural, political, economic, technological, and historical realities of the people we serve. Using reflexive practices, Bierema, Fedeli, and Merriam situate the learner/teacher within an educational context or environment and provide resources and tools to create and develop strategies and activities based on certain factors.”
—Vanessa Sheared, Ed.D. (Retired) Board President, Closing the Gap Foundation Board of Directors, United Way, California Capital Region

“This new edition is an exemplary text that continues to make a significant contribution to the field of adult education. It offers a rich and comprehensive synthesis of the major theories, concepts, and frameworks that inform how adults learn, while simultaneously emphasizing the practical implications of these ideas for educators working in diverse settings. It remains an essential text for anyone teaching or studying in this field.”
—Mitsunori Misawa, Ph.D. Associate Professor Adult and Continuing Education University of Tennessee