...Non-Traditional Students The needs of the non-traditional student has become the focus of some institutions of higher learning. A shift in the profile of higher education students has taken place: At many institutions, the “traditional” 18- to 21-year-old student cohort is no longer the majority demographic. This study explores the impact on the academic success of nontraditional students attending a public research university in the United States. Institutional practices, policies and programs that enhance the success of the non-traditional students’ college career are identified. What is the scope of the critical issue? The non-traditional students make up at least 50% of higher education enrollments in colleges and universities. Coupled with these increasing enrollment rates, colleges and universities are now being confronted with the problem of the rising attrition rate among minorities, women, and under-prepared adults. The participation of these students on campus, therefore, has become the focus of a great deal of attention by non-traditional student academics. Non-traditional student is an American term referring to a category of students at tertiary educational institutions. The National Center for Education Statistics acknowledges there is no precise definition for non-traditional student, but suggests that part-time status and age are common elements. In a 1996 study, the NCES included anyone who satisfies at least one of the following as a non-traditional student: ...
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...Runninghead: IMPROVING COLLEGE GRADUATION RATES: A FOCUS ON ADULT LEARNERS Improving College Graduation Rates: A Focus on Adult Learners Lloyd D. Martin II Western Governors University 1 IMPROVING COLLEGE GRADUATION RATES: A FOCUS ON ADULT LEARNERS 2 Improving College Graduation Rates: A Focus On Adult Learners The increasing concern of declining college graduation rates has become a significant issue across the nation, so much even, that it has risen to the top of our current presidential administration’s priority list. Educational institutions and our nation’s leaders have begun the rigorous task of examining the demographics and trends that influence enrollment and retention of students which ultimately determine the success of nation’s graduation rate. Fong (2012) reports that, “Of the three million students who begin U.S. degree programs each year, 1.6 million, or 53 percent never graduate,” (Fong, J. 2012). However, in more recent times, higher education has seen the emerging phenomenon of older working adults returning to college in pursuit of a postsecondary education. This current trend is worthy of examination by universities as an important segment of their student population; this may potentially be able to increase graduation rates of American college graduates. The increasing number of adult learners enrolling in college can solve the problem with the decline in college graduate rates if a better focus on the unique variables on adult learners is made. Pre-assessments...
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...Opportunity Proposal by Lisa J. Moses EDD 7712 CRN23487 Contextual Issues Affecting Adult and Continuing Education Nova Southeastern University November 12, 2011 2 The collaborative assignment helped to identify and consider the demographic, economic, political, ethical, and social-cultural changes and emerging challenges occurring in the adult and continuing educational arena. The research identify concern for the motivation of adult learners. Kenner & Weinerman (2010) indicated that adult learners have difficulty integrating into the academic environment because of their different learning needs (Kenner & Weinerman, 2010). According to Bastable (2008), the needs of the learner are often impeded by anxiety, a functioning support system, motivation, risk-taking behavior, frame of mind, and developmental stage, which are all factors of emotional readiness to learn. Another challenge is related to language differences amongst different ethnic and cultural groups. Last, but most important, is the realization that adult learners who had previous negative experiences in school are likely to have doubts about their academic capability (Goto & Martin, 2009). With that premise in mind, the writer proposes the establishment of the Esprit de corps Learning Initiative, a non-profit organization, which offers a complete program targeted to the educational enhancement of the adult learner. The comprehensive description of proposed program Esprit de corps...
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...Issues and Challenges of Graduate Studies Karen Hallman AJS501 January 16, 2012 Terence Hunt Issues and Challenges of Graduate Studies Today, postgraduate education faces numerous encounters in terms of ultimatums, quantity, excellence, and proceeds, both for wage-earners and the customers concerned. Why scholars decide to pursue this level of education and the inducements offered by organizations and businesses are acute factors in altering and accepting trends. As a graduate student we face many challenges and obstacles while pursuing our careers. In the months to come ones biggest challenges is articulating enough to gain employment, diligence in time management, and keeping up one’s grade point average. Time management is the biggest challenge for me. Throughout the course of my daily routines of juggling school, work, and family it appears there is never enough time in the day. Emerging time management skills is a voyage which needs practice and control along the way (Time Management, 2012). Taking steps to manage time consist of reorganizing one’s day so that one is in control, prioritizing, and placing my most important goals and values first. My methods for making my time management into a success plan includes getting plenty of rest, exercise, maintaining a to do list, becoming flexible, and one will learn not to procrastinate. (Gardner, Jeweler, & Barefoot, 2011) Keeping up one’s grade point average and keeping one’s stress level down is another...
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...STUDENTS Student Name English Composition II July 31, 2014 Unlike the typical college freshman attending the university of their dreams immediately after high school, the college experience for the non-traditional student is quite different. Most non-traditional students are not attending college immediately after high school, they are returning students who have not finished their college education, or they may be full-time working adults or parents who are trying to obtain their education around their already busy schedules. Students of this type need to have alternate paths to choose from which will allow them to meet their other obligations and needs first. These types of students need to be able to balance their personal lives while also being able to successfully reach their ultimate goal, obtaining a college degree. These types of students will likely take a different approach than attending a brick and mortar school. While some students require the more traditional university experience, research shows that an online education is often better suited for the non-traditional student because it is more flexible and convenient, affordable, and can offer a high quality education. An online education is a more flexible and convenient learning format to choose from when compared to the traditional university experience. This benefits non-traditional students because many of them are working adults who need the convenience and flexibility offered by an online education program...
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...Jacqueline D. James EDD 7711 CRN 31045 Contextual Issues Affecting Adult and Continuing Education Nova Southeastern University February5, 2012 This assignment focused this writer’s attention toward the practice areas adult basic education and literacy programs at a local state college. It extends beyond five campuses and includes three educational centers. Its flexible course scheduling allows adult learners to attend multiple campuses or center at the same time. Each campus possesses the capability of preparing adult learners for an associate degree. However, core courses for many of its degree or certification programs are restricted to specific campuses. The writer identified the practice area of adult basic education and literacy programs within her department. She gathered relevant data that reflects the college’s contextual setting by providing a (1) description of the educational services; (2) its history, mission, vision, and values; (3) demographic and data; (4) the annual budget or funding; (5) methods or models of program planning and delivery; (6) recruitment and marketing strategies and processes; (7) effectiveness evaluation techniques; (8) and recommendations for improvement in educational services. 2 Introduction This writer identified several practice areas of adult basic education and literacy programs within...
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...Abstract This paper describes the advancements of modern technology and online learning that has no doubt established a great deal of earnings for colleges, universities, businesses, and most importantly learning opportunities for the adult learner. By examining these new innovations in adult education, it will allow us to see how we have grown from the past teaching styles and delivery methods to the advanced opportunities that we have today. Adults of today are looking to increase their knowledge and improve their skills from a few different ways. There are able to do this through formal and informal training, on-the-job training, and self paced courses. In today’s society adults need to be educated or have some type of trade or skill in order to be competitive in the workforce. Before you can get these adults to return to school you have to first get them to get over any fears they may have. Therefore, we will discuss those fears and obstacles that prevent the adult learner from achieving their maximum potential and provide them with some methods to overcome or cope with them as well as allowing them to see that technology is there to help them. Keywords: education, innovations, training, advancements, potential, technology. New Innovations in Adult Education The workforce today is in desperate need of well qualified and educated individuals. These individuals are important, and are needed in order for companies to advance and keep up with...
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...Developmental Readings Log Philosophy of Adult Education Course Objectives Burns, R. 2002, The adult learner at work the challenges of lifelong education in the new millennium, 2nd edition. Crows Nest, New South Wales. Allen & Unwin. 1. p. 229 (Additive - Objective # 2) These goals are possible only where individuality is an asset, where belonging and acceptance are supreme, where there are opportunities to explore and gain self-understanding, where there is trust, dignity and security and where self-confidence, self-reliance, originality, responsibility and independence are encouraged. It is only in this sort of learning that a person is open to experience and therefore capable of maximal utilisation of their potentialities and environmental opportunities for self-development, learning how to learn and developing the curiosity, enjoyment and intrinsic satisfaction from learning that will draw them back again and again to lifelong learning. 2. p. 231 (Variant - Objective # 2) The learner has to adjust themselves to an established curriculum and teaching method. As self-direction and self-responsibility are not encouraged, the growing maturity of young people creates a gap between the need and ability to be self-directing and the opportunity to do so. Hence the tension, resentment and even rebellion that is common in secondary schools today. The child's experience is not counted of worth. Learners only learn what is in the syllabus or what they must pass...
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...on 26 August 2002 by the Right Honorable Dato Seri Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, the then Prime Minister of Malaysia. OUM is the seventh private university in Malaysia. Although incorporated as a private university under the Private Higher Education Institutions Act 1996, the University leverages on the quality, prestige and capabilities of its strategic partners - a consortium of the 11 public universities. OUM adopts the motto “University for All" which is consistent with its philosophy on democratization of education. This philosophy underlies the belief that education should be made available to all, regardless of time, place, age and social economic background. The open and distance learning (ODL) mode is specifically targeted at working adults who need to take care of their families as well as manage their careers while pursuing higher education. Under the able stewardship of the then founder and President/Vice-Chancellor, the late Tan Sri...
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...Running head: Differing definitions of critical thought Differing Definitions of Critical Thought Victor M. Fraser Capitol College Abstract This paper attempts to compare and contrast the differing definitions of critical thinking as defined by various writers on different publications. It appears that no matter how critical thinking is defined, the same components are standard, and the conclusions are somewhat similar and hold true. A true definition of critical thinking is by no feat an easy task. It is a complex and controversial notion difficult to define and also to study. Many definitions have been proposed by several experts. One high profile definition states, “We understand critical thinking to be purposeful, self regulatory judgment which results in interpretation, analysis, evaluation, and inference, as well as explanation of the evidential, conceptual, methodological, criteriological, or contextual considerations upon which that judgment is based ….. The ideal critical thinker is habitually inquisitive, well informed, trustful of reason, open minded, flexible, fair minded in evaluation, honest in facing personal biases, prudent in making judgments, willing to reconsider and persistent in seeking results which are as precise as the subject and the circumstances of inquiry permit.” (Facione, 1990a, p.3). As can be seen from the all encompassing definition a lot goes into determining the...
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...Approaches to Equity in Policy for Lifelong Learning Ben Levin1 A paper commissioned by the Education and Training Policy Division, OECD, for the Equity in Education Thematic Review August 2003 EQUITY IN EDUCATION The opinions expressed in this paper are the sole responsibility of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of the OECD or of the governments of its Member countries. 1 . Ben Levin, Ph D, The University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada. TABLE OF CONTENTS TABLE OF CONTENTS................................................................................................................................ 2 APPROACHES TO EQUITY IN POLICY FOR LIFELONG LEARNING ................................................. 3 Origins of this report ................................................................................................................................... 3 Summary of the report................................................................................................................................. 3 PART 1 – THINKING ABOUT EQUITY IN LIFELONG LEARNING ...................................................... 5 A definition of equity? ................................................................................................................................ 5 The importance of equity ............................................................................................................................ 5 Current status of equity...
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...ABSTRACT This research work was carried out to examine the consequences of domestic violence on the performance of school children. The research methodology utilizes descriptive statistics with simple numbers and percentages in the analysis and synthesizing of primary sources of data collected via questionnaire, as well as diverse literature on the area of study. However, the findings revealed that commitment by parents; caregivers and teachers in carrying out their responsibilities seem to be on the decline. The study further exposes some inherent challenges and abuses faced by learners in unsuitable living conditions. The implications of such situations are that learning institution should ascertain possible ways of liberating the affected learner and educate the parents, caregivers and teachers on the negative effects of perpetuating domestic violence. It is therefore, recommended that, Government should establish and fund counselling centres at the community, and Local Government levels and employ professional counsellors to help victims and perpetrators of domestic violence. CHAPTER ONE BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY 1.1 Background of the Study Domestic violence is assuming national and international attention (Amnesty International 1995). It is a type of violence that is prevalent in many homes, and the World over. It is a form of violence that occurs in the form of defilement, assault, sexual harassment, and rape or battering, child abuse, for example denial of right, necessities...
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...Today’s students are no longer the people our educational system was designed to teach. Today’s students have not just changed incrementally from those of the past, nor simply changed their slang, clothes, body adornments, or styles, as has happened between generations previously. A really big discontinuity has taken place. One might even call it a “singularity” – an event which changes things so fundamentally that there is absolutely no going back. This so-called “singularity” is the arrival and rapid dissemination of digital technology in the last decades of the 20th century. Today’s students – K through college – represent the first generations to grow up with this new technology. They have spent their entire lives surrounded by and using computers, videogames, digital music players, video cams, cell phones, and all the other toys and tools of the digital age. Today’s average college grads have spent less than 5,000 hours of their lives reading, but over 10,000 hours playing video games (not to mention 20,000 hours watching TV). Computer games, email, the Internet, cell phones and instant messaging are integral parts of their lives. It is now clear that as a result of this ubiquitous environment and the sheer volume of their interaction with it, today’s students think and process information fundamentally differently from their predecessors. These differences go far further and deeper...
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...ABSTRACT This research work was carried out to examine the consequences of domestic violence on the performance of school children. The research methodology utilizes descriptive statistics with simple numbers and percentages in the analysis and synthesizing of primary sources of data collected via questionnaire, as well as diverse literature on the area of study. However, the findings revealed that commitment by parents; caregivers and teachers in carrying out their responsibilities seem to be on the decline. The study further exposes some inherent challenges and abuses faced by learners in unsuitable living conditions. The implications of such situations are that learning institution should ascertain possible ways of liberating the affected learner and educate the parents, caregivers and teachers on the negative effects of perpetuating domestic violence. It is therefore, recommended that, Government should establish and fund counselling centres at the community, and Local Government levels and employ professional counsellors to help victims and perpetrators of domestic violence. CHAPTER ONE BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY 1.1 Background of the Study Domestic violence is assuming national and international attention (Amnesty International 1995). It is a type of violence that is prevalent in many homes, and the World over. It is a form of violence that occurs in the form of defilement, assault, sexual harassment, and rape or battering, child abuse, for example denial of right, necessities...
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...CHAPTER 3 SELECTING AND USING ASSESSMENTS Introduction This chapter will address three issues: (a) the institutional assessment needs of workforce development organizations, (b) the assessment needs of individual youth to help make informed choices about their careers, and (c) the practical needs of practitioners for information about how to select and use different assessment tools. At the end of this chapter, Exhibit 3.1 contains information that can be used to help with the selection and use of assessments, including a directory of commonly used published tests. Meeting Institutional Assessment Needs Agencies and organizations in the workforce system use assessments to meet institutional needs in two ways-to determine a youth's eligibility for services and to document achievement of program goals by assessing the progress of program participants. The number of participants served and achievement of program goals can impact the amount of funding an organization receives. Funding for the youth programs considered in this guide may come from the Department of Education, the Department of Labor, other federal agencies, states, local governmental agencies, or a combination of these. Table 1.2 in Chapter 1 summarizes the eligibility and assessment requirements of IDEA, WIA Title I, and the Rehabilitation Act. More specific information on assessments mandated or permitted by several federal funding sources may be found in Appendix A. (Mandated assessments are...
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