Publisher's Synopsis
As higher education enters the 21st century, the focus on adult learning programs and initiatives will be greater than ever. This book is designed to assist faculty members or administrators who want to understand how the impact of adult learning programs has already helped transform the academy and how newer initiatives are likely to change their own campuses in the coming decades. Drawing on his extensive expertise, Bash engagingly depicts each facet of adult learners and the requirements higher education must fulfill to meet their needs. By blending some of the theoretical aspects of adult learning with many of the practical and personal components that characterize higher learning, this book is a helpful guide to all interested in implementing and sustaining adult learning programs. The book is divided into four parts: Part One examines adult learning from four perspectives: adult programs, adult learners, demographics and projections, and programmatic best practices Part Two discusses the distinguishing characteristics of adult learners, the special challenges they face, their motivations to continue their education, and why they seek and what they bring to college–level learning. The fast–growing population of senior citizens as learners is also explored. Part Three explores institutional responses to the adult learner. Topics include programmatic perspectives and the fundamental needs required to sustain adult learning programs. The single chapter in Part Four looks at some meaningful applications of the term "lifelong learning" as well as some projections on how the 21st century academy is likely to change.
