Cyril Houle studied 22 lifelong learners to understand why they continued learning. He found they all perceived learning as important and enjoyable. However, they differed in their motivations - some were goal-oriented and learned to accomplish objectives, some were activity-oriented and learned for social reasons, and some were learning-oriented and sought knowledge for its own sake as a constant pursuit. Their families and communities influenced how they viewed and engaged in continued education.

1. Cyril Houle’s
The Inquiring Mind, 1961
• Examined 22 cases of men and women who
engaged in continuing learning
• Wanted to find out
• Why?
• How they perceived themselves?
• How they were perceived by others?

2. Commonalities
• Perceived by others as “deeply engaged in
learning”
• Perceived learning as important
• All had goals to achieve
• All found learning enjoyable / significant
• All believed learning worthwhile for its own sake

3. Differences
• Varied in major purpose or values of continuing
education
Goal
Oriented
Activity
Oriented
Learning
Oriented

4. Goal
Oriented
Education was a means of
accomplishing clear-cut objectives
 Learning in episodes
 Always purpose-driven
 Not restricted to one
institution or one method
 Expressed desire to “keep
minds active”
 Reading focused on well-
defined interests

5. Found meaning in learning activity
unrelated to content or stated
purpose
• Course-takers in search of
social contact
 Socially acceptable place for
meeting others/making friends
 Most not big readers
 Some escaping from personal
problems or unhappy
relationships
Activity
Oriented

6. Seek knowledge for its own sake as
a constant activity
• Preoccupied with lifelong
learning - “driven”
 An “itch” to learn
 Avid readers since childhood
 Each educational experience has
a goal, but the total pattern is
one of continuous participation
Learning
Oriented

7. Others’ Perceptions
• Effect of marriage /close relationships
• 2/3 believed efforts were disparaged
• Parents never a neutral influence
• Effect of public libraries, teachers
• Effects learners have on friends