The Contribution of Adult Learning Theory to Human Resource Development (HRD)

Abstract

The problem and the solution. Adult learning theory and practical research in the field illuminate the processes by which adults acquire knowledge and skills and apply new learning in many venues. One important venue for the application of learning is the workplace. In spite of the frequency with which human resource development (HRD) professionals say they rely on adult learning, the contributions of adult learning theory and research to HRD theory, research, and practice have never been fully explored. No comprehensive and comparative analysis and synthesis demonstrates how adult learning theory informs HRD theory, research, and practice. This issue is dedicated to filling a gap in the HRD literature by presenting the major adult learning theories and drawing implications for the field.