Best Practices in Adult Learning

A growing dichotomy exists in the academy when it comes to adult learners—between those who recognize the dynamism of this student population and those who don't—with strong convictions expressed on either side. There is a compelling need to improve programs and compare them with benchmarks, while still maintaining the fast-paced competition for adult learners. These factors have helped bring greater attention to the crucial need to identify best practices in adult learning programs—especially as the stakes among competitors continue to rise.

Best Practices in Adult Learning is written for everyday practitioners: faculty and administrators already committed to adult learners but looking for greater details on how to bring their programs to a new level. This book provides focused, hands-on guidance and applications on how to implement principles of best practices in an adult learner-focused unit or institution.

THIS BOOK IS ORGANIZED INTO FIVE PARTS:

• Part I addresses the fundamental aspects of any program and is devoted to issues that relate to institutional vision. Each chapter is intended to answer the question, "What do I want my program to contain or deliver?"
• Part II provides a hands-on set of applications that are designed to strengthen daily practices and options.
• Part III underscores the importance of faculty development to the health and vitality of successful adult programs.
• Part IV presents straightforward, diverse, and immediate technological applications for adult learning programs.
• Part V recognizes the increasing importance of senior learners—the fastest growing demographic in America today.