ERIC Number: ED251619
Record Type: RIE
Publication Date: 1984
Pages: 15
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
The Gap between Needs and Services for Adult Students in Higher Education.
Thiel, Kathleen K.
A literature review examined the roles of institutions of higher education as they relate to access, response to expectations, and adaptation to the uniqueness of the adult learner. It was hypothesized that adult students have needs differing from those of traditional college students. Other hypotheses were that barriers exist that discourage matriculation of adults and higher education can better serve adults by refocusing and modifying its structures. The literature review indicated that adults do differ from the traditional students in age, motivation for attending college, style of learning, family responsibilities, experiential background, and shifting personal circumstances. The literature substantiated that adults face situational and dispositional barriers and that higher education imposes institutional barriers--all of which frustrate and discourage adults from enrolling. The literature indicated that higher education can enhance adult access by identifying and defining its role in regard to the clientele and by restructuring and redesigning administrative, curricular, and service functions. All hypotheses were accepted. Institutions of higher education were recommended to provide increased and more flexible support services, establish inservice for faculty and administrators, adjust class schedules and locations, and provide creative options for financial aid. (YLB)
Publication Type: Information Analyses
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A