This article describes the findings of a constructivist qualitative research study focused on students' perceptions of the learning experience and student communication in two cohorts of doctoral students. We also capture student perceptions of taking a merged course--that is, two previously closed cohorts taking a course together for the…

This study involves nontraditional students attending a community college in west Texas. The purpose of this study was to report initial attitudes of nontraditional students required to enroll in an Effective Learning/Student Success course. Participants included four nontraditional students from the researchers' Effective Learning/Student…

While a range of research has been done on hybrid learning and online discussions, few studies have examined the voice of students in regard to their perceptions of these types of learning experiences. This article presents current research findings gathered from part-time graduate students enrolled in a hybrid course. The students' perceptions…

This study investigated learning outcomes in both traditional and accelerated degree populations. Using the National Survey of Student Engagement, outcomes were examined relating to critical thinking, oral and written communication, and cultural and global understanding. Literature from life stage development and degree delivery mode areas were…

Fonseca and Bird (2007) ask an intriguing question that relates to university branch campuses: "What happened to all the people who thought online learning would drive traditional education out of the market? Just when "click" is supposed to be replacing "brick," branch campuses are proliferating around the country." These authors believe this…

During the last issue of this journal (Volume 60, Number 2), readers were introduced to Dr. Kelly McGyver. Her department head asked her to teach the 820 course when a colleague faced unexpected medical issues. The department head also requested her to redesign the biennial graduate-level course as an online course two months before the beginning…

This study examined 718 adult students' perceptions of long-functioning cooperative study teams in accelerated associate's, bachelor's, and master's business degree programs. Six factors were examined: attraction toward team, alignment of performance expectations, intrateam conflict, workload sharing, preference for teamwork, and impact on…

This article examines stress experienced by graduate management students in an online learning environment. I use qualitative methodology to examine data collected from 32 students in 2 sections of a graduate online course. Findings identify 6 categories of stressors experienced by the students as well as 6 categories of stress relief agents.…

Today, more than any other time in history, student demographics of college and university students in the United States are experiencing rapid and profound changes. Along with these increases in nontraditional student enrollment comes an increasing percentage of working nontraditional college students with a multitude of commitments that serve to…

Of the many barriers that prevent adults from continuing their education, psychological barriers are least often addressed by educators. This is an important area of concern because psychological factors influence how prospective students respond to other barriers. This qualitative study was conducted to describe how adults negotiate…

Program evaluations in the literature for evening classes generally fail to examine impact-related questions and focus instead on satisfaction with services and curricular offerings. This study examined the consequences for students if evening classes were not available. All student groups reported negative impacts on degree completion and…

A survey of 343 adult students in 7 universities identified barriers and facilitators. Many perceived their institutions as uninterested in their needs for services and scheduling. Students lacked awareness of policies and services, and institutions failed to assess their needs and communicate service availability. (Contains 50 references.) (SK)

Surveys and interviews of 50 entering master of business administration (MBA) students, 10 MBA graduates, and 10 employers showed that graduates perceived their business skills and knowledge as significantly stronger than students did. Employers felt that graduates possessed needed skills but thought the program needed less textbook emphasis and…

A survey of 395 returning adult male students enrolled in undergraduate degree programs found their primary motivations to be career related; 85% felt able to balance roles; some had child care issues and most felt they had social and family support networks. Major concerns involved scheduling difficulties, financial aid, and juggling family and…

A study of the attitudes of 29 graduate students enrolled in their first Web-based class indicated a high degree of student-to-teacher and student-to-student interaction and high levels of satisfaction. (JOW)