Academic advisors must understand the needs and motivations of adult learners and develop advising skills and programs in response to these needs. Models of theories of Heddesheimer, Campbell, Gottfredson, Bridges, and Schlossberg are described. (Author/MLW)

Examines the midlife career/crisis transition period of academic staff surveyed in four Australian Universities. Supports a generalized career stage model and a specific career stage model of academic staff, who are shown to be particularly susceptible to the midlife crisis/transition phenomenon. (Author/JAC)

Challenges librarians to create midlife leaves that will inspire professional growth and renewal and help define future career directions. Presents a framework for developing a successful leave based on experiences at Concordia University (Montreal) and offers examples of specific options, including internships, exchanges, conferences, community…

In 1986, responding to the nation's teacher shortage, especially in the fields of mathematics and science, Chevron USA funded the ENCORE Program to facilitate the entrance of nontraditional recruits into the profession with alternative credentialing. Chevron also funded this study of mid-life career change to teaching in order to enable…

This study examined the questions of what alterations to teacher preparation programs are needed to better accommodate the older, second career person. Focus of the study was on a group of students who had been recruited from industry into a special science/mathematics teacher preparation program. Recommendations for teacher education program…

Investigated the academic self-concept of 130 college students age 50 and older who were in career transition to identify their perceptions of their academic abilities and the teaching and learning environment. In general, subjects were extremely positive about themselves and their competencies. Physical changes, such as dimensional perceptual…

Accommodating older students in teacher education requires changes in course scheduling and admission policies, using paid internships for student teaching, selecting master teachers comfortable with mentoring older students, and making special financial, child care, and other arrangements to meet individual circumstances. (SK)

Describes Project Enable involving approximately 30 middle school students at risk for dropping out of school and 12 former military men earning teacher certification. Discusses the teacher candidates, essentials of at-risk programs, lessons learned from Project Enable, benefits for participants, and suggestions for working with learners at-risk…

Arrangements in educational institutions for voluntary early retirement programs are discussed. Retirement at any age can be a profound and stressful lifetime change; and it can also represent a welcome transition into newly satisfying and rewarding opportunities. The focus is on: mandatory retirement (exceptions and the new meaning of "early");…

In a study of 22 male and 3 female faculty from various disciplines, most agreed that information and assistance were needed for faculty career development. Opinions of existing programs and facilities varied greatly. Opportunities to process and maximize benefits of such events as travel and leaves were welcomed. (MSE)

To help adults develop an awareness of midlife issues, to encourage personal acceptance of the transition, and to introduce appropriate coping skills, a speech communication course was designed that relied on river trip activities to develop insights about this passage. The vehicle for the seminar was a four-day raft trip down the Green River,…

The main reasons that adults participate in education are as follows: achieve personal goals/satisfaction, prepare to change careers, or advance in a current career. Adults in the 25-34 and 35-44 age groups constitute 59% of all adult learners. Of those groups, the 25-34 age group is more degree-oriented because of concern with earning the…

Assessed the effectiveness of a life reassessment course on adult students (N=161). A follow-up survey suggested the course had helped individuals with adaptive strategies that facilitate life transitions. One year later over half had enrolled in college and 80 percent had made a major change in activities. (JAC)

A study in 1987-92 assessed the effects of changes in life course on work and careers. Interviews with 150 individuals who remained active or continued to work beyond age 65 showed lifetimes differing greatly from the traditional model. The combination of longer lifetimes and postponement of old age has created a new stage in adult life, a second…

Women who, as adolescents, feared success in male-dominated fields, may demonstrate non-traditional career preferences later in life and return to school to pursue their new career aspirations. In-depth interviews were conducted with 25 women over age 30 who were enrolled in graduate or professional schools. Data showed that mature women students…