Sharan B. Merriam Bücher

This is a comprehensive and critical analysis of the philosophical foundations of adult education. Six major systems of educational thought -- liberal education, progressivism, behaviorism, humanistic education, radicalism, and conceptual analysis -- provide the framework for an examination of the views of prominent adult educators and major programs in adult education. This much-needed work contributes to our understanding of the personalities, issues, and programs in the field of education; it also stimulates readers to clarify their own personal philosophy of education. A bibliographic essay presents the developments in each of the six systems over the past 15 years. Three major areas -- phenomenology, critical theory, and feminist theory -- are discussed within this framework.

"This thoroughly revised and updated classic once again presents a guide to understanding, designing and conducting a qualitative research study. The fourth edition retains the reader-friendly, jargon-free style, making the book accessible to both novice and experienced researchers. While the book is practical guide to design and implementation of a qualitative research study, it also helps readers understand the theoretical and philosophical underpinnings of this research paradigm. Drawing on the latest literature as well as both authors' experience with conducting and teaching qualitative research, the fourth edition includes new material on case study research and action research; discussion of online data sources (video, email, skype); updated discussion of data analysis software packages and uses; new discussion of data analysis strategies, including narrative analysis and poetic analysis; and a multiple ways of presenting qualitative research findings. References, examples, and quotes have all been updated throughout the book"-- Provided by 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.