Motivations and Barriers for Adult Learner Achievement: Recommendations for Institutions of Higher Education. Issue 1 (February 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bellare, Yamini; Smith, Adam; Cochran, Kelcee; Lopez, Samuel Garcia
• Is Part Of: Adult learning. Volume 34:Issue 1(2023)
• Page Start: 30
• Page End: 39
• Publication Date: 2023-02
• Subjects: adult learners -- higher education -- thematic analysis -- motivation -- barriers; Adult education -- Periodicals; Teaching -- Periodicals; 374.005
• DOI: 10.1177/10451595211059574
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1045-1595

Abstract

Recent trends in higher education indicate a steady increase in the number of adult and non-traditional learners returning to complete college degrees. Though higher education can provide numerous economic and career enhancement opportunities, adult learners experience several challenges when they return to college. The purpose of this qualitative research study was to gather and analyze data from employees from companies in the Midwest to determine the challenges and motivations of adult learners who plan to return to higher education. The results highlight that it is important for institutions of higher education to collaborate with employers to identify ways to modify their student recruitment methods to attract more adult student learners and identify supportive resources to help them complete their degrees successfully.