Taking Time to Learn: The Importance of Theory for Adult Education

Abstract

This article explores the importance of sustaining a rich and vibrant discourse of theory to inform the practice of adult education. Beginning with a brief overview of factors that have shaped the development of theory in adult education, the article then explores reasons why educators may not spend as much time teaching and learning about theory as they have in the past. For educators working from a social justice perspective, theory provides an important analytical lens to counter injustice and shape social action. Using a critical feminist perspective, the argument is made that ensuring that adult education is a practice informed by theory enables educators to understand the complexity of the teaching and learning process, encourages students to explore the ways in which power shapes our personal and social learning contexts, and fosters the development of a more critically literate and engaged citizenry.