Читать книгу Learning in Adulthood - Sharan B. Merriam - Страница 33

In this section we first present a framework for three types of settings in which learning occurs for adults: formal institutional settings, nonformal settings, and informal contexts. This framework is an adaptation of one proposed by Coombs (1985, 1989; Coombs, Prosser, & Ahmed, 1973), in which he classified lifelong learning according to these three broad categories. The biggest difference between their conceptualization and our framework is that we have added the concepts of self-directed learning (which is synonymous with Coombs's definition of informal learning) and indigenous forms of learning. Although we are aware of the problems of trying to divide the landscape of learning opportunities into three separate categories, we are assuming that all three categories are of equal importance in the adult learning enterprise. There will always be overlaps among the three, something that educators of adults can capitalize on when designing educational activities. Online learning is a fourth site of learning, one that spans formal, nonformal, and informal learning.