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Adult Learning

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ADULT LEARNING THEORY

The author examines two observation of the Adult Learning Theory: "Increased Attention to where learning takes place and its Multidimensional Natures". First, the author discusses "the increase attention to various contexts in which learning takes place," Merriam, Sharon (2008) Adults Learning Theory Twenty-First Century, (p96) using context broadly, ranging from the concrete ("workplace") to the more abstract, as in one's subculture or society as a whole. She states that this increased attention has been the result of a shift from the focus on the individual perspective and how they process the information they receive. Before, most of the research on the "Adult Learning Theory" was relegated to studying the individual; what they heard or receive and how they process the information. Today, more information is put on the external factors that play apart. Secondly, millions of dollars has been invested toward research concerning the multidimensional natures of adult learning. No more is education restricted to one setting, but Universities and Colleges alike has geared their curriculum's toward what will work best and which approach will be more effective. What was taboo decades ago especially for women concerning become adult learners, has now became an open market. The author discusses; "the multidimensional nature of learning and its holistic approach"."Frielier's chapter on learning through the body makes the case that learning is a holistic endeavor. He goes on to say that the body is more visible as a source of knowledge and site for learning". Merriam, Sharon (2008) Adult Learning Theory twenty-First Century". (p96) The dimension of this holistic approach entails body, mind and spirit. What baffle researches fifteen years, now has cause "speculation and curiosity as to why spirituality is now receiving attention" as a valuable asset in adult learning and adult education. No one is certain why this topic has drawn the attention of such a vast audience. "Yet another factor of this multidimensional approach to adult learning is the emergence of narrative learning as a way to theorize learning". Clarke and Rossiter's chapter on this topic makes the observation that we story our own lives. As adults we learn and write our own story through our life experiences. Our body, mind and spirit are important components in learning". (2008) Merriam, Sharon, Adult Learning Theory Twenty-First Century (p96) I did not know that so much time and money had been invested toward the study of adult learning. I recognized now that there is so much information available to me and to anyone that is interested in this subject. Adult learning has received the attention of college and university professors from all over the world. Many will be able to say that I research and wrote an article that changed someone's life. What baffles researchers years ago now has become a reality. Spirituality came be discussed in a classroom or online setting. What was taboo decades ago especially for women concerning adult learning, has now became an open market. There are more women in adult learning and adult education settings than ever before. While one setting might work for one, however it may not work for the other. The article mentions that we turn toward spirituality to guide and inspired us in a fast-paced and uncertain world. For believers our world is not uncertain, we know in whom we believe and what we believe.
Merriam, Sharon (2008) Adult learning Theory for Twenty First Century--Third Update- New Directions For Adult and Continuing Education no. 119 Fall 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
DOI 10.10.1002/ace.309

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