ERIC Number: EJ1127598
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2012
Pages: 8
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-2159-0281
EISSN: N/A
Learning Together: Perceived Cognitive and Behavioral Outcomes of Learners in a Nontraditional, Professional Doctoral Program
Radda, Hank; Cross, Ted; Holbeck, Rick
Journal of Instructional Research, v1 p3-10 2012
In recent years nontraditional professional doctoral programs have been on the rise. Fueled by the demand of the new "knowledge-based" economy, these doctoral programs are becoming increasingly important in training professionals to become experts in their fields. As such, data on the learning outcomes of nontraditional programs becomes useful in understanding educational effectiveness as well as creating feedback for future program design. In this study over 500 doctoral learners in an online doctoral program with residency requirements participated in structured discussions about the perceived outcomes of their doctoral journey. Qualitative analysis using grounded theory suggests that students perceived certain behavioral and cognitive dispositions during the doctoral program. Discussion reveals that there is a fertile area for ongoing investigation on the perceived outcomes of nontraditional doctoral programs in terms of both academic learning and social-emotional development.
Descriptors: Nontraditional Education, Doctoral Programs, Outcomes of Education, Social Development, Emotional Development, Knowledge Economy, Program Design, Program Effectiveness, Qualitative Research, Grounded Theory, Graduate Students, Student Attitudes, Academic Education, Distance Education, Christianity, Church Related Colleges, Time Management, Interpersonal Competence, Leadership, Writing Skills, Research Skills, Critical Thinking, Focus Groups
Center for Innovation in Research and Teaching at Grand Canyon University. 3300 West Camelback Road, Phoenix, AZ 85017. Tel: 602-639-6729; e-mail: cirt@gcu.edu; Web site: http://www.instructionalresearch.com
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A