DCI 704 Adult Learning Theory and Practice

DCI 704: Adult Learning Theory and Practice Arizona State University Instructor Jenny Sandlin, Ph.D.i email: Jennifer.Sandlin@asu.edu office: Farmer, 344-A office hours: Tuesdays, by appointment Logistics Day and Time, Room Course Description This course explores the multiple dimensions of learning in adulthood, including the social contexts of learning, and cognitive and developmental aspects of learning It focuses on the experience and practice of adult learning, and examines the various theories attempting to explain how adults learn This course is relevant to anyone who currently works with adult learners or who hopes to so in the future; it is for educators who work with adults in a variety of settings, including professional development settings, community organizations, higher education, adult literacy programs, informal learning settings, human resource development, continuing education, etc Readings There are two required textbook for this class: Merriam, S B., Caffarella, R S., & Baumgartner, L M (2007) Learning in adulthood: A comprehensive guide (Third ed.) San Francisco: Jossey-Bass Brookfield, S D (2005) The power of critical theory: Liberating adult learning and teaching San Francisco: Jossey-Bass Additional readings will be available on our ASU BlackBoard site Topics we will cover in this course include: • • • • • • • • • • • Contexts of and participation in adult learning Physical, psychological and socio-cultural development Cognitive development, intelligence, and aging The learning process and the brain Andragogy and self-directed learning Transformational learning Critical theory and adult learning Feminist perspectives on adult learning Informal learning Learning through popular culture and public pedagogy Embodied and spiritual learning • • • Situated cognition and other context-based approaches Narrative learning Social movement learning Class Structure This course will be run as a seminar and will accommodate different modes of teaching and learning, including short lectures, group discussions, “Reading Circles,” group presentations, small group activities, and videos Classroom participation is absolutely essential to the success of this class; because of this, please plan to attend each class session and come prepared to share and learn with the class Your active, engaged, prepared participation and critical reflection on readings and other class materials make up the very centerpiece of this class Evaluation Active engagement in class, including attendance & class participation Learning theory group presentation Portfolio & Reflection Learning analysis project OR Research paper 25 points 25 points 20 points 30 points Grade matrix: A: 90-100% B: 80-89% C: 70-79% D: 60-69% F: