Adult Teaching and Learning: Developing Your Practice

Book excerpt: "This is a guide to teaching and learning in the real world. [The author] encourages us to understand current theories about how people learn, and can best be helped to learn, while urging us to question our assumptions, recognise the importance of context, and reflect on our own understanding of what it means to be an adult learner." John Field, Professor of Lifelong Learning and Co-Director of the Centre for Research in Lifelong Learning, University of Stirling, UK This book is an essential guide to developing your practice in adult teaching and learning. Key features include: Exploration of key theoretical issues which are related directly to real learning contexts Practical ideas and suggestions to promote the development of teaching practice in new ways Conceptual tools for reflective practice Informed by the author’s rich theoretical knowledge and practical experience of the field, this book encourages you to reflect on your own personal practice and understanding. In this way, it re-frames the teaching and learning process and puts the focus on the professional character of the teacher, recognising the extent to which the personal approach adopted by individual teachers shapes learning experiences. Through the use of case studies and examples drawn from a wide variety of learning environments it promotes a dynamic and engaging approach and encourages you to experiment with new ways of teaching. These examples are ideal for new teachers facing the daunting prospect of engaging, motivating and challenging their learners in their first teaching roles. For the more practically experienced, it presents a vital stimulus to reflection for the purposes of professional development or accredited study. This thoughtful book is important reading for anyone with the responsibility for the learning of adults whether a student, new teacher or experienced professional.