Purpose: We investigated developmental differences in a dual task involving rhyming and tone judgment/decisions and the effects of varying cognitive demands on task performance. Method: Participants were 7- to 11-year-olds, 12- to 15-year-olds, and adults between 18 and 40 years (n = 19 per group). The rhyming task consisted of three stimuli…

This article examines a Confucian conception of competence and its corresponding response to the competencies agenda that underpins international large-scale assessments such as the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA). It is argued that standardised transnational assessments are undergirded by a technical rationality that…

This article explores women's midlife learning as an awakening of the self in the process of being in the world and interacting with others and uses the author's personal experience of transformation as a developmental change with the emergence of personal growth and self-realization of a more complete, balanced, and fulfilled self. In the…

This book was written to help students and adults in transition decide whether to prepare for a career in the helping professions. Over 90 different career options are described in various work settings within the counseling and human development field. Fourteen chapters are included, divided into three parts: (1) Getting Started; (2) Work…

Suggests that individuals can compile an action plan for professional and organizational change that aligns personal and organizational priorities by considering leadership, coaching, corporate citizenship, change management, efficiency, teamwork, customer focus, and decision making. Presents models and assessment instruments for personal…

Intentional changes over the past two years in the lives of 45 women and men in Toronto were examined through interviews involving extensive probing and dialogue. The intentional changes turned out to be mostly through self-help. It was largely the person herself or himself who chose, planned, and implemented the change. The person often obtained…

A systems model is presented which combines critical incident research techniques and systems methodology to improve individual decision-making. The model: (1) revolves around a critical incident approach to understanding personal history of decision-making in several environments such as family, educational, and vocational; (2) utilizes the…

Discusses the evolution and the tenets of the LIFECAREER philosophy developed jointly by the authors and based on Young's theory of "general universe process." Considers the ways in which vocational choices are made and the life-long nature of career development. Evaluates career development theories. (JHZ)

In designing and implementing a program to meet the educational and vocational needs of mentally retarded adults, the role of client involvement in curriculum decision-making was recognized. Two groups of clients were formed to provide input to staff. The Student Government of Continuing Education and the Worker Relations Council afforded clients…

Describes a one-day workshop, the Lifespan Planning Program, designed to help adults in transition look at themselves and at their social and occupational relationships. Discusses program's steps to help adults develop ways of assessing and utilizing their resources, set and achieve goals, and take active charge of their lives. (Author/RC)

Interviews with 76 working adults with developmental disabilities suggested that full-time employment did little to improve their quality of life. Interviews covered subjects' physical and material well-being, relations with others, personal development and fulfillment, social activities, community and civic activities, and productivity. Issues of…

The concept of age integrated learning (AIL) can be derived from Erikson's theory of psychosocial development. Two emphases in his theory that are less well recognized than others are central to Erikson's theory and are the cornerstone of a rationale for AIL. The first is his emphasis on the interdependence of generations for optimal crisis…

The unit includes an introduction, "About Careers," which explains to American Indian parents the changes that have taken place in the work of Indian women from long ago to the present. The section includes information about women workers and the many career opportunities now available to them, as well as some of the barriers they face.…

Markus and Nurius (1986) are credited with developing the concept of possible selves, which represents individuals' ideas of what they might become, what they would like to become, and what they fear becoming. It has been applied in research and practice with adolescents exploring career choices; adults in transition; and older adults envisioning…

A dialectical conception of career development focuses on self and environmental interactions involving four dimensions: physical, physiological, psychological, sociological, and economic. When indivdiuals perceive the relationships among experiences in these dimensions as synchronous (complementary), they experience relative stability in their…