Understanding the Needs of Returning Adult Students: A Case Study Approach

skyexch win, world777 com id, goldbet7 com:Returning adult students often have unique needs and challenges that differ from those of traditional college students. These students are typically older, have families and jobs, and may have been out of school for several years. Understanding the needs of returning adult students is crucial for colleges and universities to provide the necessary support and resources to help these students succeed in their academic endeavors.

In this article, we will explore the needs of returning adult students through a case study approach. By examining the experiences of actual adult students who have returned to school, we can gain valuable insights into the challenges they face and the support they require to be successful.

Case Study 1: Jessica

Jessica is a 35-year-old mother of two who decided to return to school to pursue a degree in nursing. After working as a nurse’s aide for several years, she realized that she wanted to advance her career and become a registered nurse. However, juggling coursework, clinical rotations, and family responsibilities has been a major challenge for Jessica. She often struggles to find time to study and complete assignments while also taking care of her children and working part-time.

Key Needs:
– Flexible class schedules: Jessica needs classes that fit around her other commitments, such as work and family responsibilities.
– Childcare support: Having access to affordable childcare services would greatly alleviate Jessica’s stress and allow her to focus on her studies.
– Academic support: Jessica would benefit from tutoring services and academic counseling to help her succeed in her coursework.

Case Study 2: Mark

Mark is a 45-year-old military veteran who returned to school after serving in the armed forces for 20 years. He is pursuing a degree in business administration with the goal of starting his own consulting business. However, Mark struggles with adjusting to the academic environment after being out of school for so long. He also experiences symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) that impact his concentration and focus.

Key Needs:
– Veteran support services: Mark would benefit from specialized support for veterans, including counseling services and peer support groups.
– Disability services: Access to accommodations for his PTSD symptoms, such as extended testing time and quiet study spaces, would help Mark succeed academically.
– Career counseling: Mark needs guidance on how to translate his military experience into skills that are marketable in the business world.

Case Study 3: Sarah

Sarah is a 50-year-old professional who decided to return to school to pursue a degree in education. She has worked in the corporate world for over 25 years but now wants to make a career change and become a teacher. Sarah faces challenges in adjusting to the academic environment and keeping up with the latest teaching methodologies and technologies.

Key Needs:
– Professional development: Sarah would benefit from workshops and seminars on teaching methods and technology integration to help her stay current in her field.
– Networking opportunities: Connecting with other students, faculty, and school administrators would help Sarah build relationships and explore career opportunities in the education sector.
– Mentoring support: Having a mentor to provide guidance and support as she transitions into the field of education would be invaluable for Sarah.

By examining the needs of returning adult students through these case studies, we can see that these students require a range of support services to help them succeed in their academic pursuits. Colleges and universities can tailor their programs and resources to meet the unique needs of adult learners, such as flexible class schedules, childcare support, academic counseling, veteran services, disability accommodations, career counseling, professional development, networking opportunities, and mentoring support.

In conclusion, understanding the needs of returning adult students is essential for higher education institutions to effectively support these students in achieving their academic and career goals. By providing the necessary resources and services, colleges and universities can help adult learners overcome the challenges they face and succeed in their educational endeavors.

FAQs

Q: How can colleges and universities support returning adult students?
A: Colleges and universities can support returning adult students by offering flexible class schedules, childcare support, academic counseling, veteran services, disability accommodations, career counseling, professional development, networking opportunities, and mentoring support.

Q: What are some common challenges faced by returning adult students?
A: Common challenges faced by returning adult students include juggling work, family, and school responsibilities, adjusting to the academic environment after being out of school for a long time, and balancing personal commitments with coursework.

Q: Why is it important to understand the needs of returning adult students?
A: Understanding the needs of returning adult students is important because it allows colleges and universities to provide the necessary support and resources to help these students succeed in their academic endeavors. By addressing the unique challenges faced by adult learners, institutions can improve retention and graduation rates among this population.