Parent involvement in education is a multifaceted support that has many well-documented benefits for students of all ages. Parent involvement is also a common expression of generativity as defined in Erik Erikson's theory of psychosocial development. The activities parents engage in during their children's educational pursuits, as well as their…

A developmental process consisting of four phases that emerged from graduate students' reports of their experiences in a course promoting self-direction is outlined and compared with research on similar processes in other groups. (MSE)

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…

Discusses three concurrent life crises--social puberty, advancement to a higher class, and occupational specialization--that are faced by college students and that are reflected in the freshman English experience. (MB)

Dewey's concept of education as growth can be useful in conceiving of student success. Dewey regarded immaturity as potential for continuous development of both children and adults. His concept of "plasticity" as the capacity to alter present actions because of previous experiences is crucial to the notion of growth. A continuous…

Presents self organization theory, which explains change in human development and behavior and which views choices and changes as being created in a state of disequilibrium. Includes background in previous developmental theory and in systems theory and explains first- and second-order change within the theory. (Author/KS)

Individual differences and the late development of exceptional ability in some individuals are considered. The late development of some great achievers is mentioned, and areas of development to emphasize in young students are noted. Ways to enhance learning and match education to needs are considered, with attention to the United Kingdom'…

An original purpose of higher education in the United States was personal development through acculturation to the classics and to moral principles. Other purposes, those of economics, political orientation, and service, have frequently overshadowed that original goal. It may be that higher education institutions have neglected personal…

Discusses an evolutionary approach to human morality. Emphasizes the rapid development of brain weight, neural circuits, and synaptic systems during early childhood. Concludes that the human brain has resources for generating responsible, caring behavior but must be nurtured and educated. Urges that moral training in a proper social climate be…

During the first two years of college, students are experiencing two tempestuous explorations: advanced intellectual development and establishment of adult identities. If colleges and universities understand that today's students are arriving with a heavier burden of self-definition, they can design academic programs and extracurricular activities…

The project described in this article examined the connection between students' overall development level as measured by the Student Developmental Task and Lifestyle Inventory (SDTLI), and their participation in either part-time, on-campus employment or volunteer membership in the Stamp Union Program Council. A group of 141 students (from a total…

Student development along three cognitive and three psychosocial dimensions was studied at the University of Iowa. Six instruments were administered to students during their freshman and senior years. Attention was directed to moral development, ego development, and conceptual level, as well as freeing interpersonal relationships, establishing…

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…

This book synthesizes a group process conceptual framework and a practical model for facilitating learning. The book contains a curriculum of sequenced and developmental group process activities designed to make school meaningful for every student, a description of how to become skillful with the art and science of facilitative group process, and…

This text is intended for individuals studying or involved in college student affairs work and focuses on theory and research concerning the cognitive, affective, and behavioral development of today's college students. Part 1 examines the concept of student development in a chapter providing an historical context and a chapter on the role and uses…