Reviews concepts of meaning making in classical and contemporary writing. Examines models of cognitive and ego development linked with meaning making and draws a model of the relationship of meaning making to adult learning and development. (SK)

Malaysian adults aged 60-83 (n=19) were interviewed about aging and learning activites. They primarily engaged in nonformal and experiential learning. Learning was communal and religious/spiritual in orientation; it was shaped by cultural context and values. (SK)

Interviews with 40 members of an organization providing continuing education for retired professionals explored their sense of self and identity as an older student, the challenges of aging and learning, and the value and use of life experiences in learning. (SK)

A group of Jewish women used collaborative inquiry techniques of action-reflection, holistic ways of knowing, emotional probing, and validity procedures to explore their experience of internalized oppression. They used healing strategies such as storytelling, songs, art, movement, and theatre in the transformative process. (SK)

The Museums and Galleries Lifelong Learning Initiative demonstrated ways to engage youth, families, and older adults in interactive learning in museums. Examples include creation of photo displays in an art gallery, family participation in exhibit curation, and older adults' reminiscence sessions using museum artefacts. (SK)

Presents an overview of self-regulation models: theory of planned behavior, protection motivation theory, health belief model, action control theory, transtheoretical model of behavior change, health action process, and precaution adoption process. Applies models to health behavior change in older adults with cardiovascular disease or diabetes.…

Focus groups with 30 participants in a residential adult learning program identified descriptive themes of the experience: building relationships, learning, and individual change. Two overarching themes distinguished the phenomenon: detachment (physical and psychological isolation for the world) and continuity (uninterrupted learning). (SK)

The way adults learn best often is not the way trainers teach. Many trainers are not grounded in adult learning principles. The most memorable and transformational learning occurs through personal experience and mentoring. (Author/JOW)

Men's and women's sociocultural experiences typically led them to develop as adults via different pathways. Adult education provides the opportunity for new life choices that can lead to becoming a fully integrated person. (SK)

Describes psychological perspectives on spiritual development within cultural contexts. Recommends that adult educators acknowledge the search for meaning, recognize adult learning is intended to nurture the soul, and become aware of how humans construct knowledge through images and symbols. (SK)

Adult learning theories do not address the real learning needs of women, people of color, or working class learners. Adult educators should teach nondichotomous ways of knowing, acknowledge and foster alternative forms of knowing, construct a supportive environment, and teach with love. (SK)

An Australian rural extension center used a training approach based on adult learning principles and action learning. Action learning was applied daily in residential courses, weekly in development of work-based learning projects, and on a subject basis over 3-4 months. (SK)

Discusses the need for training to be learner-centered and meaningful to the adult learner and explains that andragogy requires learning to be experiential with immediate application, consequence, and participation. Emphasizes knowing the learning and working styles of participants, discuses training efficiency, and suggests that online training…

Research findings show that more education, higher earnings, higher occupational status, and lower unemployment correlate with better health. Resilience and access to medical care are also associated with better health and more learning. Higher education levels can have negative effects when competition and achievement are emphasized or…

A study of the learning styles of British older workers (predominantly women) in service occupations used the Adult Learning Styles Inventory by Rundle and Dunn, which is based on preferred environmental conditions. Respondents recognized their own learning profiles and understood possible causes of past learning difficulties. A simpler…