Life Mission and Adult Learning

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationships between adult learning and life mission. This was a qualitative, exploratory study intended to generate theory by studying the impact of mission on learning. A model emerged from the research that proposes the relationship of life mission to self-directed learning and to transformational learning. This study suggests that adult educators can improve the learning process by providing the means for learners to understand their life mission and how it relates to their own learning. Life mission explication may also support a change in the learning experience from being more teacher-directed to being more student-directed. The study proposes that emancipatory learning must include not only awareness building but also purpose seeking.