Self-Directed Adult Learning: A Critical Paradigm Revisited

The phenomenon of self-directed learning has received considerable research attention from adult educators. This review of the literature seeks to analyze and categorize both data-based and conceptual articles. The following framework emerged from the review: verification studies; nature of the method of self-directed learning; nature of the individual learner; nature of the philosophical position; and, policy issues. The analysis of each category suggests directions for future self-directed learning research.

[1]  E. Paul Torrance,et al.  Some Creativity and Style of Learning and Thinking Correlates of Guglielmino's Self-Directed Learning Readiness Scale , 1978 .

[2]  R. Brockett Methodological and Substantive Issues in the Measurement of Self-Directed Learning Readiness , 1985 .

[3]  R. Brockett A Response to Brookfield's Critical Paradigm of Self-Directed Adult Learning , 1985 .

[4]  J. Mezirow A Critical Theory of Self-Directed Learning. , 1985 .

[5]  The Relationship Between Self-Directed Learning Readiness and Life Satisfaction Among Older Adults , 1985 .

[6]  L. Oddi,et al.  Development and Validation of an Instrument to Identify Self-Directed Continuing Learners , 1986 .

[7]  Allen Tough,et al.  The adult's learning projects , 1979 .

[8]  Donald W. Mocker,et al.  The Organizing Circumstance: Environmental Determinants in Self-Directed Learning , 1984 .

[9]  Stephen Brookfield,et al.  Self-Directed Adult Learning: A Critical Paradigm , 1984 .

[10]  Rosemary S. Caffarella,et al.  Self-Directedness and Learning Contracts In Adult Education , 1986 .

[11]  Stephen Brookfield Analyzing A Critical Paradigm of Self-Directed Learning: A Response , 1985 .

[12]  S. Brookfield Independent Adult Learning , 1981 .

[13]  Carol E. Kasworm An examination of self-directed contract learning as an instructional strategy , 1983 .

[14]  P. Penland Self-Initiated Learning , 1979 .

[15]  M. Knowles Self-directed learning , 1975 .

[16]  Maurice Gibbons,et al.  Toward a Theory of Self-Directed Learning: a Study of Experts Without Formal Training , 1980 .

[17]  A. Tough Major Learning Efforts: Recent Research and Future Directions , 1978 .

[18]  R. Hiemstra THE OLDER ADULT'S LEARNING PROJECTS , 1976 .

[19]  C. O. Houle,et al.  Patterns of learning , 1986 .

[20]  Huey B. Long,et al.  Guglielmino's self-directed learning readiness scale: A validation study , 1983 .