In this article, the author states his belief that community based learning among adults can be a powerful force for encouraging personal development and for strengthening democracy in this multicultural, globally interdependent, battered world. To do so, however, it needs to pervade all the curricula, degree programs, learning contracts, and…

Presents an overview of the conceptual underpinnings of active, independent, and operative learning that promotes personal development and social change. Analyzes historical, philosophical, and theoretical examples and provides structural limits to compare active learning in multiple contexts. (JOW)

Discusses the synthesis of a body of psychological research that describes the human characteristic referred to as "mindfulness." Analyzes the concept as it relates to personal development and educational settings. (JOW)

Provides descriptions and analyses of the learning patterns exhibited by older adult learners, giving evidence that older adults have considerable potential for structuring meaning. (JOW)

Self-assessment leads to greater awareness of the methods one uses to make meaning. It enhances responsibility, self-direction, shifts in perception, and self-questioning. (SK)

Exposure to models and theories about adult development gives learners structure and language they can apply to their own experiences. Responses of 65 women in a development course brought out 6 themes: knowing oneself, accepting oneself, connecting with others, changing perspectives, empowering oneself, and seeking growth and development. (SK)

Traces the history and influence of study circles, describes the opportunities for personal growth provided by this format and the learning behaviors exhibited by participants, and examines how study circles are conducted and how their techniques engage participants. (JOW)

A comparison of learning in multiple contexts and an analysis of the interactive process between the learner and these environments reveal behavioral patterns that lead to personal development and social change. These processes and patterns provide insight into motivational factors of adult learning and suggest practical implications for adult…

A consultant who works primarily with women focuses on the promotion of personal change through the use of group processes and collaborative learning reflects on her role as an adult education consultant. (JOW)

Information technologies are important tools for individual, team, and organizational learning. Developments in virtual reality and the Internet, performance support systems that increase the efficiency of individuals and groups, and other innovations have the potential to enhance the relationship between work and learning. (SK)

Reflective journal writing helps individuals garner information about themselves and construct larger meanings. Techniques include freewriting; list making; describing one-minute in-depth, writing dialogues; and envisioning the future. (SK)

Learning-centered teaching links learning and development by creating a climate of exchange; using assessment to increase awareness of learning needs; promoting learning to learn; holding learners accountable; using multiple strategies for different learning styles; and involving learners in realistic and challenging goals. (SK)

A mentorship model to provide leadership for staff development has five key steps: engender trust, understand learner movement in a development framework, introduce conflict and encourage learner voice, emphasize positive movement, and attend to the relationship. (SK)

A holistic approach to individual development within the context of a learning organization produces well-informed, knowledgeable, critically-thinking adults whose decisions contribute to organizational prosperity. From a systems perspective, valuing development only if it contributes to productivity is counterintuitive. (SK)

Organizations learn when they embed new practices and values and make real changes. Organizational learning must address group tendencies toward helplessness and conformity. Individuals still bear responsibility for monitoring what is learned. (SK)