This paper draws on longitudinal birth cohort data for Britain to analyse participation in learning activities by people in their 30s and 40s. People in this age group have received less attention than either young adults or people in retirement. Yet technical change and the need for new skills make it important for them to engage in learning to…

Adults, by choice or necessity, are often faced with making work-to-school, work-to-work, or work-to-retirement transitions. Adult educators should be aware of the strains and expectations of each transition in order to help adult learners manage change effectively. (SK)

The author describes the work of the Job Search Center at the University of Houston. The Center assists dislocated workers in career transition by focusing on (1) structure and goal setting, (2) career transition instruction, (3) job search instruction, (4) emotional support, and (5) financial assistance. (CH)

The purpose of this paper is to review and synthesize the literature on adult development and to suggest how this information can be applied to the practice of adult education. The first section discusses the nature of adult development, its definition, and key concepts. Sequential patterns of change in adulthood are examined in section 2,…

Writings in the field of human development and learning in the adult years can be integrated into a simple theory. A theory is defined as a policy, hypothesis, or set of principles used or proposed as a basis for action. The adult years are defined as a time in which one makes choices with a degree of maturity and wisdom and assumes responsibility…

Theories about adult development have been grouped into four models: biological, psychological, sociocultural, and integrative. Biological models (those that are concerned with how physical changes affect development) and psychological models (those that view development as either sequential--defined by life events-- or as a series of transitions…

Markus and Nurius (1986) are credited with developing the concept of possible selves, which represents individuals' ideas of what they might become, what they would like to become, and what they fear becoming. It has been applied in research and practice with adolescents exploring career choices; adults in transition; and older adults envisioning…

This guidebook provides materials for a Rural Enterprise Development course for farmers, agricultural workers, spouses, and farm families in Rock and Green Counties, Wisconsin. Course goals are to help the user discover career and life options and develop job seeking skills. The guidebook is intended for use as a notebook or journal to record…