SPIRITUALITY AND

ADULT EDUCATION
Mark Edward Campbell II
EDLD-6550

PRESENTATION AGENDA

Research Question
History of Spirituality in Adult Education
Definition

of Spirituality
Importance of Spirituality in Adult Education

Holistic Approach of Spirituality in Adult

Education
Closing Thoughts & Questions

RESEARCH QUESTION

Should adult educators integrate a spiritual

holistic approach when teaching their
classes?

DEFINITION OF SPIRITUALITY

Definition of Spirituality according to Tisdell

(2003)
Spirituality

and religion are not the same, but for

many people they are interrelated
Spirituality is about an awareness and honoring of
wholeness
Spirituality is fundamentally about meaning-making
Spirituality is always present in the learning
environment
Spirituality is about how people construct knowledge
Spiritual experiences most often happen by surprise

HISTORY OF SPIRITUALITY IN
ADULT EDUCATION

Since the Age of Enlightenment in the 18th

century Western Education has emphasized
both rationality and individualism.
Since the Late 20th century spirituality is
individualized but focuses more on ones
perceptions of knowledge. Spirituality is a
branch in the constructivism learning theory
tree.

HOLISTIC APPROACH TO
SPIRITUALITY IN ADULT EDUCATION

The holistic approach is a method of learning

that challenges the learners mind, body, and
spirit.
This approach encompasses every aspect of
the learners practical life and uses it as a
form of learning.

VELLA (2000) 3 ASSUMPTIONS

TO ADULT EDUCATORS

Human beings are designed to be Subjects,

or decision makers, in their own lives and
learning.
Each learning event is a moment of spiritual
development in which people practice being
what they are-Subjects of their own lives and
learning
Transformation is not grasping an external
set of information, knowledge, or skills, but
rather a change into ones new self,
informed by the new knowledge and skills

CLOSING THOUGHTS

Spirituality and Individuality

Questions?

REFERENCES

Merriam, S. B. and Bierema, L. L. (2014). Adult learning: Linking theory and

practice. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.

Tisdell, E. J. (2003).Exploring Spirituality and Culture in Adult and Higher

Education. San Francisco, CA: Josey-Bass.

Vella, J. (2000, April 1). A Spirited Epistemology: Honoring the Adult Learner as
Subject.New Directions for Adult and Continuing Education,85, 7-16.