Few people are willing to admit that senior adults and young children share many common characteristics, including: (1) changes in development; (2) need for companionship; and (3) the desire to be understood. These two groups are connected mostly through direct interaction with middle-aged adults. One very practical way to build a greater sense of…

Involvement in student affairs professional development was investigated using McClusky's (1963) Power Load Margin (PLM) theory from the adult education field. The PLM theory is a framework for identifying sources of stress (load) and power in one's life; the amount of power available to handle stress is called margin in life (MIL). This study…

Identifies alienation from work, aging of the workforce, and technical obsolescence as contributors to the erosion of organizational vitality. Lists four factors that interact to influence personal vitality development. Recommends staff development programs that address adult and career development theories, increase self-understanding, and…

Presents a chart describing the characteristics of five life phases, especially those that are career-oriented, and suggesting organizational responses to these phases in terms of planning the content and strategies of staff development. Identifies phases as entering the community college, transition, settling down, transition, and…

Proposes three concerns for an effective professional development program. First, both the institution's and individual's goals must be incorporated. Second, the program design should be grounded in adult development theory. Finally, implementation strategies must capitalize on the adult staff member as a self-directed learner. (Author/RC)

Second-wave reform prescriptions generally lack a career development focus mindful of teachers' changing characteristics and needs over time. Grasping these developmental characteristics is essential to understanding veteran teachers' morale and performance problems and to implementing revitalization and school improvement efforts. Midcareer…

The child care workforce is changing. More than ever before, directors must contend with faculty whose educational levels, job expectations, and career aspirations differ widely. Teachers vary in their experience, professional demeanor, stages in career development, and most recently, generational differences that impact the significance and…

Describes three themes emerging from a review of literature on adult development of women: centrality of relationships, diverse patterns of development, and the importance of identity and intimacy. Presents ideas staff developers could incorporate based on the themes, and makes observations on what women have taught researchers about teaching…