Adult Learning in Groups / Edition 1

by Brid Connolly

Overview

Group learning plays a central role in contemporary education and training. Studying collaboratively has been shown to directly enhance student learning, as well as being valued as a 'key skill'.

This handbook covers the essential elements of groupwork in adult and post-compulsory education, in an accessible and practical format. It discusses the principles underpinning groupwork, looking at origins and developments in the field, and delves into the technical aspects of groups development and the dynamics involved in working groups, drawing on key theoretical perspectives and embedding them in adult education.

The chapters promote participative learning through dialogue, discussion and creative activities. With over-twenty years real experience of groupwork, the author provides:

A set of flexible resources that you can adapt and develop for your own learning environments

A series of activities and exercises which can be linked into the stages of group development

Ideas for innovative learning programmed design

Methods that integrate group dynamics with the learning needs of the group

A comprehensive definition of key terms

Adult Learning in Groups is a vital handbook for anyone working in adult, higher and post-compulsory education.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780335228607
Publisher:	McGraw-Hill Professional Publishing
Publication date:	11/01/2008
Pages:	192
Product dimensions:	5.90(w) x 8.90(h) x 0.50(d)

About the Author

Bríd Connolly is Lecturer in Adult and Community Education at the National University of Ireland, Maynooth.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements vi

1 Roadmap of Adult Learning in Groups 1

2 The wider context of groupwork 21

3 Wider contexts of learning as adults 37

4 Critical adult learning in groups 48

5 Characteristics of adult learning groups 60

6 Development in learning groups 78

7 Facilitation qualities 89

8 Innovative curriculum development 107

9 Critical practice: group activities and exercises for adult learners 119

Appendix 1 164

Appendix 2 165

Appendix 3 166

Glossary 168

Bibliography 170

Index 176