SHARAN MERRIAM

AND PHYLLIS
CUNNINGHAM
PRESENTED BY LAUREN LONG

LEARNING ASSUMPTIONS:
The learners need to know
It is very important for adult learners to know why they are learning what
they are learning.
If they do not see a practical application of the new knowledge, they will
be much less likely to invest in learning the material.
In contrast, if adult learners believe that the subject matter is pertinent,
they will be much more willing to work hard to learn the subject. In short,
it is hard for adults to be invested when they do not know why they need
to learn something.
Motivation
Though adults respond to external motivators, they typically find
motivation from internal sources. For example, though a raise in salary is
nice and can help to motivate adults, deeper motivation is found in
internal things like the desire for a better quality of life.

Sharan Merriam
Born May 24, 1943
Childhood:
Born in New York, NY
Daughter of Harold and Janet Ballard.
Her father worked in insurance, and her mother worked
for a museum.

Education:
1965--Drew University, B.A.
1971--Ohio University, M.Ed.
1978--Rutgers University, D.Ed.

SHARAN MERRIAMS LIFE WORK AND CONTRIBUTION

TO ADULT EDUCATION:
Professor of Adult Education at the University of Georgia
Has made significant scholarly contributions to adult education in the areas of philosophical
foundations, adult learning and development, and qualitative research methods.
20 published books, dozens of articles and chapters, and editorship roles over the past 25 years
Five years as co-editor of the Association's main theory and research outlet, Adult Education Quarterly
Co-editor of the 1990 Handbook of Adult and Continuing Education
Review editor for eight different journals
Currently, co-editor for the book series, Professional Practices in Adult Education and Lifelong Learning

Mentors future scholars and junior colleagues worldwide.

This mentorship is through the Houle Scholars Program, which helps develop emerging scholars
in North America, Southern Africa, and Latin America.

Served a six-month term as a Fulbright Scholar in Malaysia, June 1998 to December 1998.
Worked with researchers at the Universiti Putra Malaysia to analyze data about the countrys
non-formal adult education programs. In addition, also taught and lectured about qualitative
research methods and design.

Phyllis Cunningham
Born November 10, 1927
Longtime resident of DeKalb, Illinois
Education
Ph.D. from the University of Chicago in
adult education

Death:
April 24, 2012

PHYLLIS CUNNINGHAMS LIFE WORK AND

CONTRIBUTION TO ADULT EDUCATION:

Phyllis Cunningham was one of the first women in modern adult education admitted to key professional
positions.

She was the only woman in the second "mentor series" of films produced by the University of Georgia
on adult education professors.

Cunningham began teaching at Northern Illinois University in 1976

She served as presidential teaching professor and professor emerita in the Department of Counseling,
Adult and Higher Education of NIU's College of Education.
Phyllis Cunningham had a pressing concern for social and ethical responsibility

She, along with several friends, established the Urban Life Center.
This brought college students into the south side of Chicago to learn to appreciate diversity and to
develop careers in fighting oppression.
Faculty from the colleges came to the city for seminars and worked hard to fight racism, sexism, and
violence.

The graduate program she helped foster at Northern Illinois University was, in 1996, the leading
adult education doctoral program graduating African Americans.
Through her work within the International Council for Adult Education, she grew in her understanding of the
importance of an international perspective.
Under her leadership, professors from the U.S. and U.K. exchanged visits, organized the highly
successful TransAtlantic dialogue, and established a collaborative grant program.

HOW CAN WE APPLY THE WORK OF SHARAN

MERRIAM AND PHYLLIS CUNNINGHAM TO OUR
LIVES?
In the context of CAE 213?
A huge impact can be made if one is committed to hard
work and determination.

In the broader context our lives in service to Christ?

If the Lord gives us a passion, we should pursue it with all
that we have. He gives us passions and desires for a
purpose, and we should build on them as we seek to serve
Him.

WORKS CITED:
http://www.halloffame.outreach.ou.edu/1996/cunningham.html
http://www.halloffame.outreach.ou.edu/2003/Merriam.html
http://roghiemstra.com/pvitasbm.html
http://www.alu-c.com/phyllis-cunningham/
http://roghiemstra.com/pvitasbm.html