ERIC Number: EJ1220933
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2019-Aug
Pages: 23
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0741-7136
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Unleashing the Value of Lifelong Learning Institutes: Research and Practice Insights from a National Survey of Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes
Talmage, Craig A.; Hansen, Robert Jack; Knopf, Richard C.; Thaxton, Steven P.; McTague, Riley; Moore, David Bennett
Adult Education Quarterly: A Journal of Research and Theory, v69 n3 p184-206 Aug 2019
Lifelong learning as a field has leapt forward, but work remains to inform the structuring and practice of lifelong learning institutes. This study furthers the field of institution-based lifelong learning by utilizing cross-institutional research regarding the value of lifelong learning to older adults. A content analysis coding approach is undertaken to categorize and organize 4,400 lifelong learners' responses to the question: "What about your Osher Institute has been valuable/important to you?" Responses came from 12 institutes across the United States. The organization and interpretation of the themes fell along four dimensions: (a) learning experience, (b) community environment, (c) learning quality, and (d) learning access. Subthemes within each of the four broad themes are identified and discussed. Slight demographic differences regarding codes assigned are highlighted. Institutional differences were more notable demonstrating that the structures and practices of institutes warrant more research.
Descriptors: Lifelong Learning, Older Adults, Role of Education, Student Attitudes, Value Judgment, Sense of Community, Learning Experience, Educational Quality, Access to Education, Institutional Characteristics, Adult Education
SAGE Publications. 2455 Teller Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320. Tel: 800-818-7243; Tel: 805-499-9774; Fax: 800-583-2665; e-mail: journals@sagepub.com; Web site: http://sagepub.com
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Adult Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Idaho (Boise); South Carolina; Illinois (Chicago)
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A

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