Adult Learning Basics

by William J. Rothwell

Simplifies the concept of adult learning with advice for appealing to different learning styles. Adult Learning Basics examines the principles of adult learning theory and how they relate to the training function addressing individual learning competencies, organizational learning climate, and technology-related issues as they affect the adult learning process. Faced with an aging workforce, organizations must reexamine adult learning theory and how it is applied to employee development. Learn the seven kinds of adult intelligence and the most effective ways to address them.

160 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2008

About the author

William J. Rothwell is professor of Workplace Learning and Performance at Pennsylvania State University and President of Rothwell & Associates, a business consultancy.

Reviews

[Catharine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Chapter 2 was probably my favorite chapter of this book. I think Rothwell did a good job in that chapter going through the different adult learning theories. But a lot of the rest of the book seemed more tangential to adult learning theory--I guess that's why it's called "Adult Learning Basics," but I still think adult learning theories are one of the most important adult learning basics and could have used more face time. It may be that the other topics are topics Rothwell knows about, but I bought the book to learn more about adult learning theories, so I wasn't as interested in that part.

Also, I was a little disappointed with the references. I felt like Rothwell referenced his own work more than I expected, since I don't think he's developed an adult learning theory. There were also more references to Wikipedia than I anticipated. Not that there's anything wrong with Wikipedia. It's just that I expect more scholarly references in this type of book.

Anyway, there was some good information and some author's opinion in this book, but it did include a good summary of the most well-known adult learning theories.

[Lindsey Garrett · Rating 2 out of 5]

Book was a bit outdated and was mostly information I already knew. But easy to follow

[Terri Ehrlich · Rating 3 out of 5]

An OK intro to adult learning. I will be looking for a better source.