CATALOG DESCRIPTION
Study of the developing theory on how adults learn. Learning patterns and implications for life-long learning.

COURSE PURPOSE
This course focuses on the concept of life-long learning that is defined as learning on the part of people of all ages and from all walks of life using the multiple learning resources of society to learn whatever they want or need to know. This course will answer questions such as who participates in adult learning? Why do they participate, or why not? And what and how they learn or want to learn?

Learning processes as a function of aging, adult stages of development, phases of the life cycle and preferences and practices of adult learners are studied. These concepts are analyzed for formulating a conceptual framework for understanding the adult learning process.

Adult learning as it occurs in business and industry, community based agencies, colleges and universities, vocational schools, the military and religious education are considered, as well as that learning accomplished in self-directed or informal settings are included in the course. Major theories of adult learning, a review of effective practice, the nature and form of self-directed learning and the concept of "andragogy" are critically examined in the seminar.

This seminar is designed for graduate students interested in teaching and/or working with adult learners.