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Towards a Comprehensive Theory of Human Learning
As interest grows in theories of lifelong learning not only across society but also as an area of serious academic study, the need has arisen for a thorough and critical study of the phenomenon. This distillation of the work of renowned writer Peter Jarvis addresses this need, looking at the processes involved in human learning from birth to old age and moving the field on from previous unsystematic and mainly psychological studies. Instead, Jarvis argues that learning is existential, and so its study must be complex and interdisciplinary. The result is a giant step towards building a complete and integrated theory of how humans learn, taking account of existing theories to see if they can be reconciled with a more complex model. Applying his expert analytical approach to this wide-ranging topic, Jarvis looks in detail at:
- GenresEducation
236 pages, Paperback
First published December 1, 2005
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
May 2, 2020
A very interesting book with a fascinating subject under its inquiry. Lots of fascinating questions about the nature of learning and its role in human life.
Jarvis presents an overview of major works of research done by previous theorists of learning and aims at integrating them including research of his own into a broad framework towards a theory of learning.
The author is deeply concerned with the philosophical dimension of the investigation and the human, personal experience of the life of the learner. He is also very much concerned with the psychological aspect of learning, formulating important questions arising from the research he has done in adult learning.
However, a major weakness in the investigation he undertakes is the overlooking of a crucial aspect of human learning, and human life, more broadly, which is the role of the integrating, conceptual mind in all of the learning human beings do in their experience and interaction with the world.
For me, this was a very worthy read. Peter Jarvis raises important questions for our understanding of human learning and points out important aspects to be inquired on. For example, the role of emotions in the learning experience of the individual and the importance of individuality and authenticity and the role culture plays in the ways the individuals, that take part in it, learn.
As my mentor on 'What is Education' puts it, Jarvis is a "curator of a conversation" that has taken place in the exploration into the nature of human learning and the perennial importance learning has in human life, and how our understanding of it can improve the way we learn and create ourselves through our learning.
Jarvis presents an overview of major works of research done by previous theorists of learning and aims at integrating them including research of his own into a broad framework towards a theory of learning.
The author is deeply concerned with the philosophical dimension of the investigation and the human, personal experience of the life of the learner. He is also very much concerned with the psychological aspect of learning, formulating important questions arising from the research he has done in adult learning.
However, a major weakness in the investigation he undertakes is the overlooking of a crucial aspect of human learning, and human life, more broadly, which is the role of the integrating, conceptual mind in all of the learning human beings do in their experience and interaction with the world.
For me, this was a very worthy read. Peter Jarvis raises important questions for our understanding of human learning and points out important aspects to be inquired on. For example, the role of emotions in the learning experience of the individual and the importance of individuality and authenticity and the role culture plays in the ways the individuals, that take part in it, learn.
As my mentor on 'What is Education' puts it, Jarvis is a "curator of a conversation" that has taken place in the exploration into the nature of human learning and the perennial importance learning has in human life, and how our understanding of it can improve the way we learn and create ourselves through our learning.
May 25, 2018
A very citable and insightful book, though I suspect Jarvis set himself up to fail in his title. There will never be a truly *comprehensive* theory of human learning as Jarvis comes to conclude, but there are plenty of theories - Jarvis's own included - that get us close enough for pragmatic purposes. If the word 'comprehensive' was missing from Jarvis's book title and quest, I think this would be a much more rewarding read!
January 21, 2013
Jarvis' theory and connections were useful for my own study of learning. The book was very easy to navigate and was helpful in designing questions and exercises which can engage learners. When we think of learning that is very subjective and unique to the learner, that they bring their own experience and expectations to their learning and willingness (or lack there of) to the 'table' a wide range of possibilities errupt.
August 24, 2014
An insightful overview of various learning theories and philosophies. Some names were familiar, others, Jarvis did a reasonable job of introducing to me. I think what may be most useful is his list of works cited, which I need to now mine for next steps. Given my utter lack of intellectual experience with adult learning, this was a solid summary.
April 16, 2019
Comprehensive Reflection
This book is a master piece in the art of discussing the philosophical and practical implications of learning theories and learning. Readers looking to widen their perspective of learning, and living, should definitely dive into this book.
This book is a master piece in the art of discussing the philosophical and practical implications of learning theories and learning. Readers looking to widen their perspective of learning, and living, should definitely dive into this book.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews