ERIC Number: EJ1403379
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2024
Pages: 19
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0884-1233
EISSN: EISSN-1540-7349
Undergrad and Over 30: Perceptions of Mature Students in a Canadian Bachelor of Social Work Program
Tufford, Lea; Thieu, Vivian; Zhao, Rose; Jenney, Angelique
Journal of Teaching in Social Work, v44 n1 p30-48 2024
This study sought to respond to the increased number of mature students in social work education and the understudied topic of their experiences. The research deployed semi- structured interviews and thematic analysis to explore the benefits, challenges, and needs of mature students (N = 19) over the age of 30 in a Canadian Bachelor of Social Work program. Participant responses revealed multiple, intersecting factors that impacted their experiences. Pertinent themes included the decision to return to school, enhanced engagement, and motivation in the pursuit of their degrees as well as their personal challenges, strategies, and perceptions of ageism within the classroom and curriculum. The study found that mature students would benefit from the development of institutional resources specific to their needs including flexible scheduling, assistance with technology, and clearer guidelines for group activities.
Descriptors: Social Work, Counselor Training, Flexible Scheduling, Guidelines, Technical Assistance, Adult Students, Student Characteristics, Undergraduate Students, Barriers, Educational Benefits, Student Attitudes, Foreign Countries, Stopouts, Decision Making, Age Differences, Social Bias, Student Motivation, Student Needs, Group Activities
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research; Tests/Questionnaires
Education Level: Adult Education; Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Canada
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A