Major life developmental tasks are identified, along with the learning outcomes necessary to fulfill those tasks for adults from age 17 to retirement. Attention is directed to the important connection between life cycle change and adult learning as well as seven assumptions underlying life cycle theory. Developmental tasks and learning needs are…

The role of the mentor is traced in the literature of adult developmental psychology. Four primary elements of that role are: pointing the way at a developmental crossroad, offering material and/or emotional support, challenging, and letting go at the appropriate time. (MSE)

A reflective judgment model of adult intellectual development is proposed, for use by college faculty and staff in helping students question their assumptions about knowing and learning and in making more reflective judgments. The model is based on cognitive development theory and has specific implications for the college years. (MSE)

This paper addresses information technology's potential to change the nature of the commuter student experience. Drawing on research on distance learning, community colleges, and adult student development, it offers suggestions for using technology to create academic community and to foster student learning outside the curriculum, and also…

This paper explores the readiness of student affairs professionals to utilize adult development knowledge in everyday interactions with college students. Four types of knowledge about the adult development process (cognitive-developmental, psychosocial, person-environment interaction, and humanistic-existential) are briefly defined, with…

One of the major challenges for community colleges in the 1980s will be to respond to the increasing diversification of the student population and the trend towards a greater proportion of older, part-time, and women students. This trend will have a significant impact on student services and will require the development of strategies and programs…

Perspectives concerning the application of adult development theory to the education of college students are presented in two papers. In "Adult Development: A Workable Vision for Higher Education," Arthur W. Chickering suggests that the major dimensions of adult development are essentially the same objectives pursued by the university, and that by…

Connections between structural-developmental psychology and field experience education are addressed. In addition to summarizing principles of structural-developmental psychology and relevant research findings, a comprehensive view of individual development is related to the philosophical aims of higher education, and developmental and dualistic…