In this paper, through the theoretical lens of life-course research and reproduction theory, we employ 15 years of longitudinal data from the British Columbia, Canada "Paths on Life's Way" project to examine the extent to which educational and career pathways of this cohort of 1988 high school graduates are gendered, individualized,…

Used observation and interviewing techniques adapted from ethnography in lifespan human development courses. Technique assisted students in becoming aware of previously "invisible" everyday activities and in assessing their own values. Students began to develop vital observation and interviewing skills. Technique facilitated integration of…

Divides adulthood into several stages of development, describing the particular problems at each level, and interprets the emotional and mental state of teachers and administrators in terms of job pressures. (Editor/PG)

Ursuline College's core curriculum approaches the cognitive and ethical development of women through three anchors: (1) introductory seminar, focused on moving from received to subjective knowing; (2) introduction to culture, moving from subjective to procedural knowing through a wide variety of perspectives; and (3) culminating seminar, focusing…

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,…

The views of a professor of social work about her sabbatical leave overseas as a point of transition in her academic career, and as an occasion for challenge and reflection in her life and work, are presented. She left to escape the pressures of duties, obligations, strictures, and expectations that surround a relatively successful academic…

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 development of administrators is examined in the context of both job role and personal development. This development should proceed in the next few years to acquire some of the sophistication of the faculty development movement, both in terms of technical development and in the application of adult development literature to the higher…

This article reviews several research studies on the achievement of gifted females. Factors that appear to contribute to lower achievement in career and profession include lower aspirations, lack of mentors, pressure to put energy into family, and poor self-esteem. Stressed are the different timelines for achievement experienced by many females.…

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)

The new American College Testing (ACT) College Outcomes Survey was used with a national sample of 9,348 undergraduate students to evaluate the effects of college on the personal and social self-concept of students. About one-third of the sample were over age 26. Outcomes for adult learners were compared with those of younger students. An "index of…

Examines cognitive barriers to an individual's personalizing information about social discrimination against groups in which he/she is a member. Results suggest that individuals are more aware of discrimination against others than against themselves and are more likely to attribute personal efficacy and control to themselves than to others. (SA)

An experimental adult studies curriculum for adult students at Empire State is analyzed in terms of trends in adult participation in higher education and of four theoretical perspectives: life cycle theory, ego development, moral development, and adult learning style. (MSE)

Sixty doctoral students aged 37-48 completed the Sentence Completion Test and a personal orientation inventory. Results indicated that they experienced significant personal growth and greater intrinsic locus of control at schools with nonauthoritarian environments emphasizing support, trust, respect, and self-directed learning. Exposure to a level…

Describes an exercise where students examine their perceptions of normative developmental patterns in life domains across an adult life span. Explains that the activity aims at eliminating the myth of a single prime of life. Discusses the post-exercise discussion and student evaluations of the exercise. (CMK)