The Self-Directed Learning Process of Older, Rural Adults

Autor/inn/en	Roberson, Donald N., Jr.; Merriam, Sharan B.
Titel	The Self-Directed Learning Process of Older, Rural Adults
Quelle	In: Adult Education Quarterly: A Journal of Research and Theory, 55 (2005) 4, S.269-287 (19 Seiten)Infoseite zur Zeitschrift PDF als Volltext Verfügbarkeit
Sprache	englisch
Dokumenttyp	gedruckt; online; Zeitschriftenaufsatz
ISSN	0741-7136
DOI	10.1177/0741713605277372
Schlagwörter	Learning Processes; Data Analysis; Rural Areas; Independent Study; Quality of Life; Interviews; Older Adults; Learning Motivation; Adult Education; Adult Learning; Educational Environment + Suchen Sie Ihr Suchwort? Learning process; Lernprozess; Auswertung; Rural area; Ländlicher Raum; Selbststudium; Lebensqualität; Interviewing; Interviewtechnik; Älterer Erwachsener; Motivation for studies; Lernmotivation; Adult; Adults; Education; Adult basic education; Adult training; Erwachsenenbildung; Adulte education; Lernumgebung; Pädagogische Umwelt; Schulumwelt
Abstract	Medical advances and lifestyle changes have resulted in older adults living longer and healthier lives. Nevertheless, older adulthood, as other life stages, requires change in work, family, and health. Self-directed learning (SDL) is one way of negotiating these transitions. The purpose of this study was to understand this process of learning. This study employed a general qualitative design incorporating in-depth, semi-structured interviews for data collection. The sample of 10 purposefully selected adults from a rural area reflected diversity in gender, race, education, and employment. The age of the participants ranged from 75 to 87. Data analysis guided by the constant comparative method revealed the following process: Self-directed learning begins with an incentive to learn plus an interest, leading to accessing resources; with systematic attention in their learning, some projects ended whereas others remained ongoing. There is also a catalyst, usually another person, interspersed in this process. The findings indicated changes in late life, especially those related to time, family, and loss are integral to the process of self-directed learning. Also, the rural setting of the participants was seen as a positive environment for learning. (Author).
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Erfasst von	ERIC (Education Resources Information Center), Washington, DC
Update	2017/4/10