Becoming Adult Learners

This book offers a new and promising way to support adults in Adult Basic Education (ABE) and English for speakers of other languages (ESOL) programs specifically, and learners in adult education in general. Applying renowned Harvard University psychologist Robert Kegan’s constructive-developmental theory, Drago-Severson depicts an in-depth investigation into how and why adults develop “ways of knowing” to better prepare them for their work in the 21st century. This book provides practical suggestions for applying Kegan’s theory in adult education classrooms that will enable teachers, curriculum developers, program designers, and policymakers to better respond to adult learners’ strengths and learning needs.

Eleanor Drago-Severson is a lecturer on education at Harvard University’s Graduate School of Education, where she conducts research into and teaches courses on leadership for adult development and qualitative research methods.

“Provides a lush map for the territory that lies ahead as well as practical guidelines for how adult educators can work together to make a real and positive difference in the world.”
—From the Foreword by Laurent A. Parks Daloz

“Grounded in theory and illustrated with rich examples ‘on the ground,’ this book sensitively portrays the changes that may—but may not—take place in serious adult learning over time.”
—Howard Gardner, author of Changing Minds

“This book provides practical advice on supporting adult development in classrooms to build academic skills and knowledge.”
—John Comings, Director, National Center for the Study of Adult Learning and Literacy, Harvard Graduate School of Education

“Developmental psychology discovers adult education—to the benefit of both disciplines. I am eager to use this text in my adult development course!”
—M. Cecil Smith, Professor of Educational Psychology, Northern Illinois University

“A must-have addition to the adult educator's bookshelf.”
—Kathleen Taylor, coauthor of Developing Adult Learners

“Provides an alternative, vivid, and compelling case for the life-changing, transformative significance of cohort-based adult education.”
—Stephen Brookfield, Distinguished Professor, University of St. Thomas (Minneapolis)

"For teachers interested in constructing learning situations that will help adult learners achieve their goals and enrich their lives….an essential resource for the EFF team.”
—Sondra Stein, National Director, Equipped for the Future, National Institute for Literacy