Learning from Our Lives

"This book is refreshingly personal and studded with insightful case study examples. It is a timely and major contribution to the literature of adult education." --Jack Mezirow, professor emeritus, Adult and Continuing Education, Teachers College, Columbia University "A brilliant tribute to the value of teachers intentionally guiding students to sharpen what I believe Howard Gardner has named intrapersonal intelligence." --Margaret Holt, assistant professor, University of Georgia, Athens "A valuable contribution to the growing dialogue centering around narrative approaches to education, autobiographical learning, and ways in which autobiographical activities stimulate personal growth and transformative learning." --Marsha Rossiter, associate director, Division of Continuing Education and Extension, University of Wisconsin, Oshkosh This is the first professional guide to using educational biography with adult learners. It offers engaging anecdotes and narratives, insightful interpretations and analyses, and numerous examples of different biographical approaches. Written for practitioners who conduct adult educational programs in formal or informal settings, this book can help teachers, trainers, career counselors, and human resource professionals to empower learners in assuming greater responsibility for their education and development. Pierre Dominice draws valuable lessons from his work with educational biography to describe the multiple ways in which adults think and learn. His explorations help educators to stay focused on learning and not just teaching.

Learning as an Active Search for Meaning. Understanding Biographical Approaches to Learning. From Life History to Educational Biography. How Adults Educate Themselves. Exploring Adults' Ways of Thinking. Learners' Needs, Motivations, and Dreams. Helping Learners Put Words to Their Lives. Giving Evaluation Another Meaning. Conclusion: Creating Conditions for Successful Learning in Adult Life.