Educators' views seemingly converge on the point that education should further the intellectual and physical growth of the student. The means by which this should be accomplished, however, is the point of contention. This paper surveys some of the more recent empirical studies treating growth and maturity in college students, and cites certain key…

Presents the results of a questionnaire (included) study (n=757) of mature students pursuing higher education in the United Kingdom. Included are data on age distribution, gender, employment, family size, marital status, academic qualifications, reasons for entering higher education, reasons for selecting their field of study, and information on…

Reflects on reading research and reading education, observing that mature judgment and perspective seem to be lacking in both fields. (MM)

Argues that teacher education can be improved by making it more available to more experienced, older students. Asserts that those students who have reached higher developmental stages generally do better as trainees and as practicing teachers. (SK)

Investigated the role of identity orientation in the transition to university. Found that identity status accounted for significant variation in students' progress on academic autonomy, educational involvement, and mature interpersonal relationships. Students with an informational identity style were best prepared to effectively adapt with the…

Reflects on the elderly within the perspective of solitude, emphasizing questions of existence and human uniqueness as elements of analysis. Does not discuss abandonment during old age, but centers on the process of learning, which the person realizes through the years of constructing an individual maturity. (BT)

Despite a plethora of research on the academic misconduct carried out by U.S. high school and undergraduate university students, little research has been done on the academic misconduct of Canadian students. This paper addresses this shortcoming by presenting the results of a study conducted at 11 Canadian higher education institutions between…

A one-year pilot study was undertaken to aid students in realizing full academic potential and assist them in personal growth toward maturation. Student development intervention strategies were used to structure a developmental milieu. Results show the program had a positive impact on academic performance and dimensions of personal growth.…

Investigated the relationship between the psychological maturity of freshmen (N=82) entering college and their success in adapting to the challenges of the first semester of college. Results provided some support for Heath model of maturing, particularly for females; females' level of psychological maturity was related to success in adapting to…

Youth is changing, especially in social outlook and attitudes and interpersonal style. (Editor)

A study randomly assigning college freshmen to three roommate combinations (two high-maturity, one high- and one low-maturity, and two low-maturity students) showed that the maturity of one's roommate increased that student's awareness and insight of his/her values and experiences and ability to express them symbolically. (MSE)

Perspective (the ability of an educated individual to evaluate the significance of things and events in relation to other things and events) is seen as critical to undergraduate education. Perspective offers a view that should be broadening and is seen as the essence of liberal education. (MLW)

Examined patterns of psychosocial development for white and African-American traditional-age undergraduate female college students (n=218). Differences were found by class level in measures of autonomy with seniors scoring higher than other classes and mature interpersonal relationship scores indicating a gradual increase. In a measurement of…

Examined potential gender differences in emotional immaturity. Forty graduate students completed personal data sheets and Peter Pan Syndrome Test. Findings suggest widespread perceptions between females and males about prevalence of emotional immaturity among their significant others. Females seem to consider emotional immaturity special problem…