This is a review of models of learning that focus on adults, in deliberate contrast to the dominant views of learning that have been developed in the context of children learning within a formal educational system. It is wide-ranging, covering ideas from many fields about how adults learn: the aim is to provide ideas that are useful for research into teaching and learning. In particular, it draws out key models of adult learning with significance for research and development in adult language, literacy and numeracy. Among the topics covered are: self-directed learning, informal learning and learning how to learn; reflective and experiential learning; transformative models and postmodern approaches to learning; and models of learning produced from management learning and online and distance learning.