Summary

This volume explores dimensions of adult development from both a research and theoretical perspective. It addresses adult learners' experience and meaning of education as on-going resource for well-being and positive development across the lifecourse. Chapters track the nature of a transition, the psychological phenomena connected to change in adulthood, learning experiences which challenge adults to achieve their developmental potential, and cultural and spiritual connections which support adult learning.

Topics include the merging needs of Latina/Latino adult learners; adult learners' internal processes of differentiation and integration; ways in which educational institutions and practitioners can respond to emerging needs of adults retraining for vocational roles; creative and spiritual awakenings that can determine life course trajectory changes; changing modes of behavior and development which require shifts in holding environments; a model a well-being for adult learners who must change and yet remain true to their own cultures and relationships; and a review of the nature of transitions confronted by adult learners today.

Overall, contributors ask the question of what institutional and instructional changes adult education practitioners may want to explore and provide research and theoretical underpinnings that help define the new terrain of adulthood. The chapters are interlocked in many ways, supporting the findings and principles found in each of these discussions.

This is the 108th volume of the Jossey-Bass quarterly report series New Directions for Adult and Continuing Education .