Audience: Staff developers
Content: Facilitating professional development, assessment that supports adult learning, stages of adult learning.
Description: This article combines the findings of assessment for learning research with those of the stages adult learners experience as they change their habits and practices. Ways that adult learning can be supported and extended at each stage is described, as well as considerations for mentors, coaches and leaders when planning for long-term, differentiated, multi-dimensional, and flexible professional development that:

• honours the needs and strengths of adult learners,
• provides opportunities for learner input, personal goal-setting, and shared leadership,
• provides time and support for implementation of new learning into practice, and
• provides opportunities for feedback and self-assessment.