CHAPTER 7 An Adult Learning Approach to Coaching ELAINE COX IN THIS CHAPTER I will be considering how theories associated with adult learning also have critical relevance for coaching. Despite its rapid growth in popularity there has been very little academic writing that positions coaching in relation to adult learning theory. In this chapter, therefore, I aim to address this situation by outlining a number of con- cepts relevant to adult learning and exploring the links between these and coaching practice. Using two case studies, I also introduce a coach- ing process based on adult learning principles, theories, and approaches that illustrates the theories in practice. In the first part of the chapter I identify eight learning theories that have a particular relevance to coaching. Each theory has a particular part to play in adult learning and has been identified because of its practical application to the coaching process. Briefly, these eight theories are: 1. Andragogy, which Knowles (1980, p. 43) defines as the “art and sci- ence of helping adults learn.” Knowles developed his theory specif- ically to contrast the needs of adult learners with those of children. 2. Transformative learning theory, introduced by Mezirow (1990, p. 18), and described as involving a “particular function of reflection: re- assessing the presuppositions on which our beliefs are based and acting on insights derived from the transformed meaning perspec- tive that results from such reassessments.” 3. Reflective practice, described by Boud et al. (1994, p. 9) as consisting of “those processes in which learners engage to recapture, notice, and re-evaluate their experience.” 193 Copyright © 2006. Wiley. All rights reserved. May not be reproduced in any form without permission from the publisher, except fair uses permitted under U.S. or applicable copyright law. EBSCO Publishing : eBook Collection (EBSCOhost) - printed on 10/4/2017 2:36 PM via THE SOUTH AFRICAN COLLEGE OF APPLIED PSYCHOLOGY AN: 158232 ; Stober, Dianne R., Grant, Anthony.; Evidence Based Coaching Handbook : Putting Best Practices to Work for Your Clients Account: ns190599