The professional development of trainers requires an understanding of the developmental stages of adults. As with other adults, trainers may progress through stages of development. Staff developers must align the type of support given with the current stage of the trainer's development and move the learner to the next stage. (JD)

Although midlife transition is an emotional crisis for an individual, it means expensive turnover for the organization. There are three approaches an organization can take in dealing with midlife transitions: education, counseling, and restructuring jobs and tasks. Education is necessary before counseling and restructuring can begin. (JOW)

It is proposed that the natural order of human education involves a progression from the socialization of children to the enlightenment of adulthood. A contradictory thesis is advocated and practiced by scholars who have institutionalized unconventional educational movements. (JOW)

Data from the National Longitudinal Study were used to relate seven life experiences with four developmental outcomes (personal agency, political participation, concern for social inequality, and social action). Each of the life experiences was significantly related to one or more outcomes, supporting the connection of life experience, learning,…

When assessment of prior learning is used to teach self-reflection, it encourages developmental growth. Techniques that support development include goals statements, autobiographies, and experiential learning essays. (SK)

Learning-centered teaching links learning and development by creating a climate of exchange; using assessment to increase awareness of learning needs; promoting learning to learn; holding learners accountable; using multiple strategies for different learning styles; and involving learners in realistic and challenging goals. (SK)

Examines three common disorders, dementia, depression, and delirium, which can be particularly difficult to diagnose in older adults. Presents three aspects that are helpful in making a decision: age-related differences, medical issues that need to be ruled out, and assessment methods particularly useful in the diagnostic process. (JPS)

Interviews with 36 part-time adult students showed them to be in 2 distinct groups: those for whom there was a clear link between educational participation and life transitional events and those for whom no linkage was apparent. The latter appear to participate for intrinsic interest with no immediate instrumental goal. (SK)

Describes Super's construct of adaptability and reviews research on the construct. Discusses related counseling research that uses the construct and research in area of organizational psychology that addresses concept but does not use the term. Summarizes other approaches to need for adaptability in adult career development and presents…

Mezirow restates the major ideas of his transformation theory and addresses criticisms in terms of adult development, ideology, and Freire's concept of conscientization. Tennant and Newman's reactions are followed by Mezirow's response. (SK)

Describes a study of the career stages of school principals, which used the "think aloud technique" to obtain 10 principals' reflections on their careers. Reveals two developmental trends--from management to leadership and from idealism to realism--and two topics of references--environmental influences and time perspectives. (DMM)

Studies of development of children's understanding of death compares children's understanding against presumed adult concept. Examined validity of adult concept of irreversibility by comparing actual adult data to presumed adult standard and to actual child data. Undergraduates (n=165) completed questionnaire on irreversibility of death. Subjects…

More women remain in the work force in midlife and later due to changing socioeconomic structures and attitudes, inadequate finances, and increased longevity. Many need ongoing career development to remain technologically current and employable. (SK)

Investigates leisure choices and frequency of participation in leisure activities by adults with mental retardation. Presents the activities these individuals prefer, and the actual frequency of participation. Shows that these adults have very distinct likes and dislikes in the choice of activities and appear to have the desire and ability to…

In this qualitative study, Caucasian women and African American women told the story of their identity development across a lifetime. The Difference Model (U. Oleyamade & P. Rosser, 1980) was used to analyze the interviews separately for each cultural group. Explains the pattern of development for each group and explores comparisons between…