"Best Practices in Adult Learning" by Lee Bash (ed.)
Review by Paula M. Storm, Assistant Professor, Eastern Michigan University

This short book of essays is filled with valuable information on addressing the learning needs of adults.  Since this population of students is one of the fastest growing in higher education, the book is particularly timely.  This is especially true in the current economic climate, where many are returning to college to further their education so they may better compete in today’s tight job market. 

Lee Bash, the editor of this collection of essays, is a dean at Averett University and has many years of experience in the field of adult learning.  He is also a consultant and the author of the well-received Adult Learners in the Academy (Anker, 2003).  The 13 authors of the essays include faculty and administrators from a variety of disciplines and institutions in the United States who have a wide range of experience in the field of adult learning. 

Well-organized with essays ranging from the theoretical to the practical, each section is devoted to a specific concern regarding adult learning and notes best practices in the implementation of solutions to these issues.  The theoretical essays in Part I focus on the foundations of learning and educational needs of adult learners.  The essays in Part II – V are more practical in tone and cover particular concerns colleges face with adult learners. Part II is devoted to issues important to administrators such as recruitment and retention; flexible programming; and work and family issues. Whereas Part III is particularly enlightening for faculty who teach adults with each essay stressing both the rewards and challenges of teaching these non-traditional students.  Both faculty and administrators would do well to read the chapters in Parts IV-V that address technological issues and the special needs of senior learners.

Each essay ends with a section on “Lessons Learned” that encapsulates the main points covered as well as a list of resources for further inquiry.  These features allow the reader to use this book as a guide and manual to refer to when a question or problem arises.

I would highly recommend this book to all who teach or advise adult students as well as to college and university administrators who are responsible for programs that include this unique student population. 

Title:  Best Practices in Adult Learning
Author:  Lee Bash (Ed.)
Price:  $40.00 (hardcover)
Publisher:  Jossey-Bass
Year:  2005
Pages:  214

ISBN:  1-88298-278-9