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A theory
is a representation of observed or experienced phenomena. Good theory fulfills
the purpose of explaining the phenomenon that is experienced but unexplained in
our world.
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This famous line by Yogi Berra contends that under pressure,
practical knowledge is more valuable than theory. Practical knowledge is
considered our theories we actually use versus theories we just say. Brookfield’s
three conditions that turn practical decisions into practical theories are as
follows:
- Theories go beyond individual experience and allow us to compare experiences
- Theories are predictions; if you do this, then that will occur
- Theories allow us to classify events
Cervero
contents that there is a great difference between theory and practice. He
offers four viewpoints about this relationship.
- The first is Adult Education Without Theory in which educators developed theory by direct experience of a set of ideals and practical knowledge
- The second is Theory as the Foundation of Practice and it contends that practical knowledge is not a sufficient basis for practice and that theory is developed to improve practice.
- The third, Theory in Practice believes that work is based on theory and theory is derived from work.
- The fourth, Theory and Practice for Emancipation suggests theory and practice are united and make up a single, connected reality.
Even with
all of these, Cervero believes that the problem between theory and practice is
not one to be solved. It just needs to
be viewed as highly conflicted.
Disagreements between theory and practice are social and political process handled by
real people working with real problems.
References
Merriam, S. B., & Bierema, L. L. (2014). Adult learning: Linking theory and practice. San Fransico, CA: Jossey-Bass.
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