In order to assist community college students in completing their program of study at a more rapid pace, this quantitative, correlational study examined the effectiveness of acceleration as a method to help community college students complete the developmental reading sequence quickly and more successfully. Acceleration is a curricular redesign…

Rising student debt has sparked concerns about its impact on the transition to adulthood. In this paper, we examine the claim that student debt is leading to a rise in "boomeranging," or returning home, using data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1997 Cohort and discrete time-event history models. We have four findings.…

This article reports an investigation of the musical and extra-musical outcomes of participation in a music programme for students in four socio-economically disadvantaged school settings. Drawing on the theory of Positive Youth Development, which provides a focus on the positive assets young people bring to their engagement rather than perceived…

To understand the role and experience of a peer educator, it is imperative to examine the developmental issues and concerns associated with this stage of a student's life as well as the demands and challenges of a higher education community. For years, student affair professionals have used a breadth of theories to guide their efforts in…

Many undergraduate programs require students to complete an independent research project in their major field prior to graduation. These projects are typically described as opportunities for integration of coursework and a direct application of the methods of inquiry specific to a particular discipline. Evaluations of curricular projects have…

Recent research has called for complex holistic models of college student development, but traditionally, scholars have focused heavily if not exclusively on creating models that emphasize only psychological explanations and probe only one dimension or aspect of development. This article synthesizes a wide range of theories and models to construct…

A common outcome of entering post-compulsory education as a mature aged learner appears to be development and growth of the self. However, this is often only viewed as an outcome or considered an added benefit, rather than an integral part of the academic process itself. This paper explores the relationship between academic growth and personal…

Worcester Polytechnic Institute (New Hampshire) includes among its counseling services "rites of passage" ceremonies in retreats for men and women students. The events encourage both introspection and some emotional exchange, and are designed to teach lessons of maturity while providing adult support. The program has raised interest at…

Tribal colleges play a powerful role in the personal development as well as the academic development of American Indian students. By providing access, exposure to native culture, personal support, preparation for further education, and a sense of empowerment, tribal colleges are influential in advancing self-awareness, interpersonal sensitivity,…

Examined whether graduate students (N=40) experienced developmental transitions similar to those suggested in adult development theories by using a structured interview protocol to collect data on developmental tasks. Findings indicated that the developmental transitions reflected in a composite developmental framework were applicable to graduate…

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 most important job description for educators is discovering and providing conditions fostering off-the-chart learning curves for children and adults. At-risk students and educators are those with little possibility of continued learning. Only when schools become communities for adult development, will they become hospitable to student…

Developed an instrument to measure levels of identity attainment in mid-life women. Established items for three categories: physical/biological identity, career identity, and interpersonal identity. Includes scales and a t-test. Data suggested an association between identity and various life circumstances. Demonstrates the reliability of the…

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)

Over the last 20 years, the percentage of older students on college campuses has increased dramatically. Because developmental needs, issues, and stressors for adults differ from those of younger students, the college environment must be reconsidered to respond to adult students. Adult learners tend to be achievement oriented, highly motivated,…