Psychologists have often observed an underlying pattern or theme in the accounts that individuals give of their lives. To test a humanistic-existential approach to human development, 48 women were interviewed with the Loss and Transcendence (L/T) Life History Form. The L/T Life Theme is expressed in two ways: the expanded version includes the…

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…

Self-concept is an important element in the growth and developmental process for individual human beings. Adult learners in institutional programs need assistance in probing their inner selves to be able to move ahead in their lives. David Kolb's work with the experiental learning model is especially appropriate in dealing with adult learners. In…

The article distinguishes between the dimensions of maturity and educational techniques, challenging that concentration on technique at the expense of a clear conception of purpose may lead to ineffectiveness. (Author/NQ)

The theory of transformative learning, the process of making meaning of one's experience, emerged from the work of Jack Mezirow and has been explored through numerous research studies and critiques over the last 20 years. The purpose of this monographic is to provide greater insight into the transformative learning theory. The paper begins with an…

The objective of this document is to provide the school principal with some understanding of the concepts of adult learning and development and an awareness of some of the processes and techniques involved in a staff development program. Chapters present a paradigm for growth, cover the planning of the staff development program, provide…

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…

A bibliography of Arthur W. Chickering's works on the college student as an individual is presented. Specific topics include the following: diverse student bodies and a changing society, competency-based education, adult development and teaching-learning implications, lifelong learning by handicapped persons, college curriculum development,…

The process of change experienced by adult women reentering higher education is analyzed within the framework of one theory of adult development, and teaching and learning environments that support women's developmental growth are described. Topics addressed include providing adult students with positive feedback, counseling, promoting awareness…

In the adult development and career change program of Metropolitan State University (Minneapolis-St. Paul), a student sets a career or personal enhancement goal and develops a plan detailing the competencies necessary to achieve that goal. The competencies and learning gained from prior experiences are then assessed and documented, while learning…