EDAL 5010 Adult Learning and Development Book Critique Assignment Guidelines and
Scoring Guide
Book Critique Requirements
Prepare a 3-5-page critique of a book that is relevant to any of the various topics covered in this
course. Include the title page, abstract, and references in the page numbering. Do not include
them in the 3-5-page requirement of the paper.
Book Selection and Approval
Select a book that has direct application to the content of Adult Learning and Development.
Books listed in the textbook References Learning in Adulthood: A Comprehensive Guide by
Merriam, Caffarella, and Baumgartner (2007) References (pp. 405-473) are a source of possible
books to read. Be sure that you have selected a book rather than an article. The professor
should approve all books. Please use APA Reference format (7th edition) to submit your book for
approval.
Book Critique
The book critique should include the following elements:
State your understanding of the main thesis or theses of the book (i.e., what you believe
were the author’s purposes in writing the book, what the author was trying to say, etc.).
This statement should be no more than 1/4 of your paper.
Provide a critical review of the book (i.e., what you believe were the strengths and
weaknesses of the book; whether or not the author provided evidence or opinion or
argument or what, as he or she developed position taken in the book; what his or her
assumptions or biases might be that influenced the position taken in the book; whether
you agree or disagree with the author’s position and why; what your position is related
to the book with evidence to support your position; the significance of the title of the
book, whether or not the book was worth reading and why; the value of the book for
your study of adult learning and development; to whom you would recommend the
book, and why, etc.).
Discuss briefly three important insights you gained from your reading of this book and
indicate how each of these three insights will affect your work in training and
development.
List three key questions you would like to raise with the author of this book.
Include any additional comments about this book, as you desire.
Paper Format
The paper should be formatted following APA style (7th edition) for:
Title Page
Text of Paper (including headings, citations, abbreviations, etc.)
References
Please note: Carefully avoid plagiarism-the representation of the words or ideas of another as
ones own in any academic exercise. The professor reserves the right to submit any student
paper for electronic analysis for plagiarism.