Adult Learners in Focus 2008

“Over 26 million adults in the U.S. currently have no high school diploma, more than 3 million have not attended college and are earning less than a living wage, and over 8 million have not attended college and speak little or no English.” (7)

The part of the quote that strikes me the most is of the population that is earning less than a living wage. That is to say that not only are these group of people not living a comfortable lifestyle but their chances of economic mobility seem almost impossible. As we discussed in our last class session, economic stability ripples onto other facets of life like social opportunities, location of living and healthy habits.
The population that speaks little or no English faces the difficulties of language barriers and the potential of not fully understanding their rights. I have encountered this personally with family members who were afraid to speak up at work due to their limited ability to speak English. It is apparent that education in any form (college, ESL classes. job training courses) enriches the lives of adults and creates the bridge to a stronger future. But how can adults with families find the time and the resources to attain an education?

“The good news is that adults are making up an ever larger share of the total enrollment in postsecondary institutions. By 2004, adults made up approximately 43 percent of total enrollment at community colleges (includes full-time and part-time).” (7)

The population of college students is changing. The traditional right out of high school student is now accompanied by adults who are hoping to acquire the educational tools to improve their lives. For this very reason post secondary education should be made more accessible to adults wishing to enter colleges. There are obstacles including the cost of education, which keeps rising and the eligibility of financial aid to part time students (most aid is given to full time students). This quote also raises the issue of more funding for community colleges and the types of programs provided there which will relate more closely to the lives of adult learners.

“Nontraditional students—for example,  those who have  delayed enrollment in postsecondary education, work full-time while enrolled, or have dependents other than a spouse—were more likely than traditional students both to participate in distance education and to be in programs available entirely through distance education” (8)

For adult learners time is of the essence. With a busy schedule between work and family it makes it difficult for them to attend college in a traditional manner. It makes sense that a large number of them would opt for online classes as these are more accomadating to their lives. The question that arises for me is, are online classes just as beneficial as standard classes that meet? What is being lost or gained by distance education?

 

“States vary significantly in their success in moving students through this traditional educational pipeline. . . . But reliance on and attention to the traditional educational pipeline alone will not be enough.” (22)

As the type of students entering colleges is changing so should the programs and institutions that provide secondary education to adult learners. Focusing on the traditional methods of teaching to tradtional students leaves out a large population of adult students hoping to gain an education.

This quote drew me back Brief Guide For Teaching Adult Learners which states that adult learners bring with them different levels of experiences and prefer that their learning connect to their lives. Does the traditional educational pipeline provide that.