Summary: Campus Climate For Adult Learners

During web based instructional design (WBID) and development, formative evaluation will occur from school experts including the schools technology manager, assistant principal of curriculum, and the business department chair. They will review the materials presented in the WBI (web based instruction) elements for design, content, graphics, structure, message, and technical specifications. Formative of the final WBI prototype will take place as a small group of students (one section) field test the WBI over a term. Test and assignment scores, student participation, surveys, and discussions with students will assist with determining the relative successes and failures of the program as well as areas that need improvement.

With an abundance of individuals who are eager to learn and create their moment in life, are moving away from the traditional classroom to a learning environment that is more conducive to their lifestyle. UMUC provides the means,

Traditionally adult learners are students who are pursuing education in either, college (undergraduate or graduate degrees), vocational or occupational programs, continuing education or noncredit courses, correspondence courses and tutoring, as well as courses and other educational activities provided by employers, community groups, and other providers ("Adult Learner," 2012). The average age of an adult learner is 25 years or older, it usually is a diverse group of people ("Adult Learner," 2012). These adult learners can be an independent student, employed full time, a person with dependents,

The vast majority of employees seeking upward mobility within the workplace often pursue education as the most effective means of achieving these goals. (Kim and Baker, 2015). The adult student does not receive the same benefits as a traditional student on campus. The adult students apply for financial aid and qualify for student loans. The traditional students qualify for scholarships and grants. The adult student gave that the majority of adult learners are likely employed, their opportunity costs compared to those of a traditional student have substantially different aspects. (Kim and Baker, 2015). Adult learners’ educational pursuits are largely job-related, while conversely, traditional students’ jobs are not related to their field of study. (Kim and Baker,

This chapter was very interesting explaining how exploring foundation knowledge of program planning is evaluated. Program planning is examined in five ways, adult learning, cultural differences, relationship building, power and interests, and technology. Knowing how adults learn and how to operate a constructed program that will connect with all adults. Adult programs consist of continuing education, psychology, sociology, anthropology, neurosciences, and cultural studies (Caffarella & Daffron, 2013). Adult education is a field that mature students returns to college and choose as a major. Adult learning discusses different programs that adult learners may be interested in continuing their education. Today there is many programs that adults can experience and learn about to help them decided how to continue their education in life.

ABSTRACT In this qualitative research study, we sought to better understand the experiences of adult learners in adult education centers. We conducted eight focus groups with 104 adult education students from 25 adult learning centers. Five groups were made up of English-speaking ABE students; learners in the three ESL groups spoke Spanish. We used an iterative content analysis method. Strategic Analysis of Representations Approach (SARA), to explore data gathered from the tocus groups. Six themes emerged:

Knowles posits that adult learners are self directed and autonomous. They are goal oriented, practical and must see and understand the relevance of any training. Adults bring an abundance of experience and knowledge, experiential learning, with them. Most importantly, “…adults need to be shown respect.” (Lieb)

According to Lundberg (2003), “adult students are one of the most rapidly growing segments of today’s college student population, making up approximately 40% of all college students” (665).

Today's workers need to prepare with continuous job training, growth and development. Given the increased age, experiences and diverse lifestyles of the working population, it is understandable that adult education practices must move beyond the traditional model of teachers and learners, while new skills, working with local companies to match their needs and sending staff into factories and other workplaces to spread the word about state and federal retraining assistance. While trying to decide how to rebuild your life after loss of employment and lack of job opportunities following the current recession, or devastated from a divorce? Adult students faced with other struggles; studies have shown that older adult students face different hurdles, family problems, and poor self-image. These along with poor time management, weaker academic preparation and a need for remediation an increased focus on adult learners and their needs can help. (armour)

The learning material should be relevant to their social positions and lifestyle, and because the learning material directly concerns their lives, they would want to be involved in the whole process – from the introduction of information to the outcome. Adult learners zero in to the elements that are of most relevance to their immediate needs and conditions. Those aspects that well give them the necessary knowledge and skill to resolve life-centered or problem-centered learning experiences.

Computer-based instruction, or CBI, is widely used to deliver content to learners of all ages. Although this form of instructional delivery has become nearly ubiquitous, levels of effectiveness of CBI vary, particularly when considering computer-based instruction for adults. In 2005, researchers Janis Lowe and Elwood Holton, III developed a theory regarding the elements necessary for an effective CBI experience with adult learners and then drew five conclusions based on their investigation. Lowe and Holton (2005) acknowledged a need for both external support and instructional support if an adult learner’s CBI experience will be deemed positive. Of their five conclusions, this one was of particular interest to me based on the different computer-based instruction experiences I have had.

This week’s assignment focused on my experience exploring both the academic success center and the dissertation center via the NCU website. I began with the academic success center (ASC) and was pleased to find an easily accessible link on my NCU homepage just below the “center for teaching and learning” tab. One of the first features I noticed was a link on the right hand side for accessing a live chat. This site features the ability to ask quick questions as needed any time after 3 PM, pacific standard time. Although I did not actually try out the live chat since I was exploring earlier in the morning, it was reassuring to know that this is available. In today’s world of technology I find myself frustrated with automated systems and

My impression of adult education has changed immensely. First and foremost, the first lesson learned that teaching adults are a separate, intensive, and long debated process. Portions of certain theories learned illustrated below. I have extended knowledge about Meizrow (Transformational Learning) and Knowles (Andragogy). The six key features of Adult Learners are:

I believe that the purpose of adult education programs is to foster the growth of the non-traditional student population. Students who have either been displaced or chosen to return to college for a variety of reasons. It is critical that we, as instructors and administrators, realize that each of these students may learn in a different manner. We must take into account known strategies such as Gardner’s Multiple Intelligences as we design and deliver courses within our chosen fields. I for one am primarily a very kinesthetic learner, and learn

Basically, this article by Malcolm Knowles is a conglomerate of all aspects of adult learning. It outlines aspects of adult learning, theories of adult learning, and expands on them. The main idea of this article is to create awareness on the existence of adult learning, and to help instructors of adult learning to know how to go about it successfully. Additionally, the article is of help to adult learners to enable them to learn the most they can (Knowles, 2007).