The Adult Learner – The Definitive Classic in Adult Education and Human Resource Development

Citation

Cattell, A. (2005), "The Adult Learner – The Definitive Classic in Adult Education and Human Resource Development", Industrial and Commercial Training, Vol. 37 No. 7, pp. 366-366. https://doi.org/10.1108/00197850510626857

This book is the 6th edition of what it terms a definitive classic in the field of adult learning, education and human resource development (HRD), the first edition having been published in 1973 and the 5th edition in 1998. Malcolm Knowles' original thinking and concepts are built on by two respected American academics, Richard Holton and Elwood Swanson. The text is relevant to adult learning practitioners, human resources professionals, and students who are interested in developing their understanding and theoretical knowledge of adult learning. As such it encompasses both teaching and workplace learning environments.

The book is divided into three parts. The first describes “The roots of andragogy”, the second “Advancements in adult learning”, and the third “Practice in adult learning”. For purchasers of the 5th edition it should be noted that while some of the chapter headings are the same or similar, their order has been changed around in the new edition. Besides a summary at the end of each chapter, reflective questions for the reader to consider have been added at the end of each chapter.

New additions to the book (or in some cases new additions of what appears to be previously published original material) are chapters entitled “An androgical process for learning”, “The future of andragogy” and “Personal adult style learning inventory”. It is only in “The future of andragogy” that attribution of dates beyond the year 2000 become evident and even some of these differ to those identified in the references. On closer inspection, over the 39 pages of references there are only three beyond 2000. As such the reader of previous editions may be unconvinced of the promised fully updated and revised nature of the new edition.

The format of the book is eminently readable and it contains a wealth of wisdom and experience which is why it has become regarded as a core text on adult learning for over 30 years. First‐time readers can only but benefit from this approach. For those who have read previous editions perhaps the very longevity of the text and additions/revisions over a period of time have diluted some of the impact of the original message and editions. The price of the book still represents reasonable value for money.