Adult Learning Theories and Theological Education

Theological colleges and seminaries have used university styles of teaching for many years. New approaches to teaching have emerged from research into adult learning during the past several decades. Self-directed learning, experiential learning, and transformative learning have all resulted in new models for teaching and learning. Theological education has developed out of the use of learning covenants, field-based learning activities, and emancipatory learning techniques. Our work in theological education has followed the traditional patterns of university education for historical reasons. For many years, the programs for ministerial preparation have involved people in the study of theology and religion in a university setting. Programs for the academic study of theology have been associated with universities or colleges affiliated with universities. One result of this is found in the transfer of processes for educational programming and for teaching and learning from the traditional universities into our theological colleges and seminaries.