The relationship of the individual to work, learning, and continuing education is interwoven with life history and the dynamics of identity formation. A life-history approach to professional learning provides one way to examine the historical and subjective processes of the development of a profession. (SK)

In-depth interviews with professionals to explore their work and learning processes can support reflective practice. Analysis of the processes and the characteristics of the interviewers suggests that human resource development professionals could be trained as learning facilitators in this type of one-on-one dialogue. (Contains 24 references.)…

The question of what determines the appropriate use of self-directed learning (SDL) as opposed to teacher-directed learning (TDL) for midcareer professionals was examined through a review of the literature on SDL, SDL in professional development, and through interviews with 12 midcareer adults in a wide variety of professions. In general, the…

The midcareeer learning of 120 professionals in 12 contrasting business, engineering, and health care organizations was examined to identify factors facilitating workplace learning. Individuals were interviewed regarding their current work and ways they acquired the necessary know-how and knowledge for their jobs and improved or extended their…

The question of how to theorize the subjective side of work within a life history perspective was explored. The findings of a study on engineers' subjective recognition of their lives, their education and jobs, and their life perspectives and the findings of a study of continuing education within a number of white-collar and semiprofessional work…

The determinants of self-directed learning (SDL) among professionals of high attainment were examined through open-ended, semidirected interviews with a purposeful sample of eight professional men and women who have acquired identifiable, high-level professional knowledge/skills typically taught in postsecondary learning institutions without ever…