Handbook Of Research On Adult Learning And Development

Handbook of Research on Adult Learning and Development The time is right for this comprehensive, state-of-the-art analysis, integration, and summary of theoretical advances and research findings on adult development and learning—a rapidly growing field reflecting demographic shifts toward an aging population in Western societies. Featuring contributions from prominent scholars across diverse disciplinary fields (education, developmental psychology, public policy, gerontology, neurology, public health, sociology, family studies, and adult education), the volume is organized around six themes: • • • • • • Theoretical Perspectives on Adult Development and Learning Research Methods in Adult Development Research on Adult Development Research on Adult Learning Aging and Gerontological Research Policy Perspectives on Aging The Handbook of Research on Adult Learning and Development is an essential reference for researchers, faculty, and graduate students whose work pertains to adult and lifespan development, adult learning, and adult education, and for practicing psychologists, sociologists, gerontologists, and adult educators. M Cecil Smith is Professor, Department of Leadership, Educational Psychology and Foundations, Northern Illinois University. Nancy DeFrates-Densch is an Instructor in the Educational Psychology program, Department of Leadership, Educational Psychology and Foundations, Northern Illinois University. Handbook of Research on Adult Learning and Development Edited by M Cecil Smith Northern Illinois University with Nancy DeFrates-Densch Northern Illinois University Assistant Editor First published 2009 by Routledge 270 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10016 Simultaneously published in the UK by Routledge 2 Park Square, Milton Park, Abingdon, Oxon OX14 4RN This edition published in the Taylor & Francis e-Library, 2008. “To purchase your own copy of this or any of Taylor & Francis or Routledge’s collection of thousands of eBooks please go to www.eBookstore.tandf.co.uk.” Routledge is an imprint of the Taylor & Francis Group, an informa business © 2009 Taylor & Francis All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reprinted or reproduced or utilised in any form or by any electronic, mechanical, or other means, now known or hereafter invented, including photocopying and recording, or in any information storage or retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publishers. Trademark Notice: Product or corporate names may be trademarks or registered trademarks, and are used only for identification and explanation without intent to infringe. Library of Congress Cataloging in Publication Data Handbook of research on adult learning and development / edited by M Cecil Smith with Nancy DeFrates-Densch. p. cm. Includes bibliographical references and index. 1. Adult learning—Research—Handbooks, manuals, etc. 2. Adult e