Group learning plays a central role in contemporary education and training. Studying collaboratively has been shown to directly enhance student learning, as well as being valued as a 'key skill'. This handbook covers the essential elements of groupwork in adult and post-compulsory education, in an accessible and practical format. It discusses the principles underpinning groupwork, looking at origins and developments in the field, and delves into the technical aspects of group development and the dynamics involved in working groups, drawing on key theoretical perspectives and embedding them in adult education. The chapters promote participative learning through dialogue, discussion and creative activities. With over twenty years real experience of groupwork, the author provides: A set of flexible resources that you can adapt and develop for your own learning environments A series of activities and exercises which can be linked into the stages of group development Ideas for innovative learning programme design Methods that integrate group dynamics with the learning needs of the group A comprehensive definition of key terms Adult Learning in Groups is a vital handbook for anyone working in adult, higher and post-compulsory education.

How do you tailor education to the learning needs of adults? Do they learn differently from children? How does their life experience inform their learning processes? These were the questions at the heart of Malcolm Knowles’ pioneering theory of andragogy which transformed education theory in the 1970s. The resulting principles of a self-directed, experiential, problem-centred approach to learning have been hugely influential and are still the basis of the learning practices we use today. Understanding these principles is the cornerstone of increasing motivation and enabling adult learners to achieve. The 9th edition of The Adult Learner has been revised to include: Updates to the book to reflect the very latest advancements in the field. The addition of two new chapters on diversity and inclusion in adult learning, and andragogy and the online adult learner. An updated supporting website. This website for the 9th edition of The Adult Learner will provide basic instructor aids including a PowerPoint presentation for each chapter. Revisions throughout to make it more readable and relevant to your practices. If you are a researcher, practitioner, or student in education, an adult learning practitioner, training manager, or involved in human resource development, this is the definitive book in adult learning you should not be without.

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 World Traditional Learning Theories Andragogy Self-Directed Learning Transformative Learning Experience and Learning Body and Spirit in Learning Motivation and Learning The Brain and Cognitive Functioning Adult Learning in the Digital Age Critical Thinking and Critical Perspectives Culture and Context Discussion questions and activities for reflection are included at the end of each chapter.

Learning in groups, rather than in formal lectures or presentations, allows students to have greater scope to negotiate meaning and express themselves and their own ideas. It also helps them to establish far more effective releationships, not only with their tutors and trainers but with each other. Yet many tutors and trainers find the leadership role required when working in groups difficult to perform satisfactorily and revert to their traditional role as subject expert and prime talker. This handbook is a truly comprehensive guide for anyone involved in groupwork, containing advice and practical exercises to develop group learning skills for both learners and tutors. This new edition has been thoroughly updated, containing valuable new material throughout on group learning and collaborating online, action research and the role of reflection and emotional intelligence.

The third edition of ?Adult Learning Methods?, with revisions, updates, and six new chapters, provides the educator of adults with ways to understand and facilitate adult learning. It is a clearly written guide to understanding the complex aspects associated with techniques and methods of the teaching and learning encounter.

“Griff Foley has done those of us who are interested in adult learning a favour… Dimensions of Adult Learning provides an up-to-date, internationally relevant and comprehensive overview of an increasingly diverse field of study… an ideal introduction to the field for teachers, researchers and policy-makers." Journal of Education and Work “[The book] lives up to its ambitious name and has something to offer policy-makers and practitioners who want to take a fresh look at the expanding world of adult learning.” Talisman “This timely and valuable book makes an important contribution to our understanding of key recent developments in adult education and their significance. Reflecting the increasingly global nature of scholarship in the field, well-respected international contributors analyse issues facing practitioners today and consider how these can be most positively embraced to further the international cause of adult learning and social justice.” – Janet Hannah, University of Nottingham. This broad introduction to adult and post-compulsory education offers an overview of the field for students, adult educators and workplace trainers. The book establishes an analytical framework to emphasise the nature of learning and agency of learners; examines the core knowledge and skills that adult educators need; discusses policy, research and history of adult education, and surveys innovations and issues in adult education and learning. It also examines adult learning in different contexts: on-line learning, problem-based learning, organisational and vocational learning. Edited by internationally known academic Griff Foley, the book features chapters from leading contributors in the UK, North America, Australia and worldwide. Contributors: Damon Anderson, Francesca Beddie; Carmel Borg; Bob Boughton; Mike Brown; Shauna Butterwick; Tara Fenwick; Laurie Field; Keith Forrester; Vernon Galloway;Andrew Gonczi; Nancy Grudens-Schuck; Joce Jesson; Linda Leach; Peter Mayo; John McIntyre; Paul McTigue; Mike Newman; Tom Nesbit; Kjell Rubenson; Peter Rushbrook; Tom Sork; Barbara Sparks; Bruce Spencer; Peter Stephenson; Nelly Stromquist; Lucy Taksa; Mark Tennant; Shirley Walters; Michael Welton