ERIC Number: EJ1188377
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2017
Pages: 11
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-2150-8240
EISSN: N/A
Innovations in Experiential Learning for Adult Learners
Sisselman-Borgia, Amanda G.; Torino, Gina C.
Journal of Applied Learning in Higher Education, v7 p3-13 Spr 2017
While there is no single profile of the adult learner in the 21st century, there exists a common desire to obtain a degree in higher education. Adult learners as a group are comprised of a large number of women and individuals from various racial/ethnic groups. In addition, they often possess varied learning styles and maintain multiple roles and responsibilities. Many learners may be interested in gaining entrance to the workforce for the first time, may be seeking a career change, or may be looking to advance one's current career status. Thus, as students learn, it becomes important for them to gain valuable experiential learning opportunities, apply prior knowledge, gain new knowledge, and increase career opportunities upon graduation. One valuable vehicle to achieve these goals is participation in internships. This article will discuss a case study and will describe a pilot program designed to provide adult learners with an experiential learning opportunity in the community for college credit. Issues involved in creating such opportunities for adult learners will be addressed, as will successes and barriers to success. Use of theory related to the scholarship of teaching and adult development, in particular the work of Mezirow, Brookfield, and Boyer, will be used to connect adult education to the need for experiential learning, as distinguished from prior life experience. Recommendations for internship development for adult learners will be discussed.
Descriptors: Adult Learning, Adult Students, Higher Education, Experiential Learning, Community Programs, College Credits, Internship Programs, Access to Education, Program Effectiveness, Student Attitudes
Missouri Western State University. 4525 Downs Drive, Saint Joseph, Missouri 64507. Tel: 816-261-5993; e-mail: appliedlearning@missouriwestern.edu; Web site: https://www.missouriwestern.edu/appliedlearning/journal
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: Adult Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A