Curriculum Building for Adult Learning

Too often adult-education programs falter because those who set them up lack sources to turn to for guidance in planning curricula; now John R. Verduin, Jr., provides a framework, a general model educators can use for effective curriculum building.Verduin s theoretical approach features a curriculum model consisting of five major elements: rationale (direction, philosophical position); outside political forces; goals; instruction; and evaluation. Each element receives chapter-length treatment. The discussion is general and the principles derived are broad enough to apply to any adult-learning program. Verduin s goal is to provide a framework within which the adult educator can make intelligent decisions. In the last chapter, however, he turns from general discussion to specific application of the models, constructs, and ideas explored in this book. Ideas in this chapter should help those involved in adult education make the transition from a theoretical model to actual curriculum work."