ED469013 - Adult Learning and Learners. PREL Briefing Paper - ERIC-ED469013 | Content Details

ED469013 - Adult Learning and Learners. PREL Briefing Paper

Summary

Category: Executive Agency Publications

Collection: Education Reports from ERIC

SuDoc Class Number: ED 1.615:

Date Issued: July 1, 2002

Author: Timarong, Alvina; Temaungil, Marianne; Sukrad, Wilma

Source Institution: Pacific Resources for Education and Learning, Honolulu, HI

Sponsoring Agency: Department of Education, Washington, DC

Publication Type: Information Analyses, Tests/Questionnaires

Subject: Access to Education, Adult Learning, Adult Students, Ancillary School Services, Community Colleges, Demography, Educational History, Educational Research, Literature Reviews, Needs Assessment, Nontraditional Students, Reentry Students, Stopouts, Student Interests, Student Motivation, Student Surveys, Two Year Colleges

Identifiers: Barriers to Participation

Abstract: A survey of literature on adult learning and learners conducted for Palau Community College (PCC), Koror, Palau, found a lack of literature specific to the United States-affiliated Pacific region. Background information was compiled on development of formal education in Palau. A survey was administered in fall 2001 to adult learners working toward formal degrees or certificates at PCC. To compare adult learners generally with PCC counterparts, the literature review and PCC study covered statistics on adult learners, reasons adults return to school, field of study, barriers, and recommendations for coping with barriers. The literature synthesis indicated increasing numbers of adult learners. Reasons for return to school were demographic, societal, economic, and technological changes; changing market needs; and changed interests. Fields of study were computer training, quality control, human services, and social work. Barriers were lack of time, money, motivation, support, and counseling. Recommendations were to make changes to accommodate adult learners' needs, to revise policies to increase flexibility, and to increase employer support. Study data indicated mass retirement of public school teachers led to a sudden influx of nontraditional learners. PCC learners returned to school for voluntary professional development, personal development, and employer-mandated upgrade. Barriers included lack of child care, money, employer support and inconvenient location. Recommendations were for creation of a child care center, payment plan, and car- and boat-pooling. (Appendixes include background information and survey.).