In today’s educational landscape, adult learners face unique challenges that can hinder their academic success. Unlike their younger counterparts, these individuals often juggle multiple responsibilities, such as work and family, which can lead to lower retention rates in higher education. Understanding these challenges is crucial for institutions aiming to foster a supportive learning environment.
Understanding the Needs of Adult Learners
Adult learners, often characterized as nontraditional students, typically have different educational needs compared to traditional students. Many are balancing full-time jobs and family responsibilities, making it essential for educational programs to adapt to their lifestyles. Recognizing these factors, a new health and wellness course was developed to address the specific needs of adult online learners, focusing on the hidden challenges they face in higher education.
Course Design and Its Impact
A recent study highlighted the positive effects of this newly designed course on student performance. The findings indicated that students who participated in the health and wellness course demonstrated improved success rates in subsequent classes compared to those who did not. This prompted a reevaluation of the course sequence within the College of General Studies, aiming to enhance student persistence and overall success.
Creating a Supportive Learning Environment
The College of General Studies primarily serves adult learners, with an average student age of 38. Many of these students are first-generation college attendees, often lacking the social support networks that can facilitate their educational journey. To accommodate these learners, the university offers flexible start dates for online programs, allowing students to progress at their own pace rather than adhering to traditional semester schedules.
Revised Course Sequence for Improved Outcomes
In the first year, students typically engage in a structured six-course progression, beginning with foundational courses. Data revealed that a significant percentage of new students successfully completed their second course. To further enhance these outcomes, administrators decided to introduce the health and wellness course earlier in the sequence, hypothesizing that this change would lead to better performance in subsequent classes.
Course Content and Its Relevance
The health and wellness course covers essential topics such as stress management, nutrition, and the importance of sleep. It also encourages students to seek help and utilize university resources, fostering a culture of support and proactive engagement. However, researchers noted that the timing of the course delivery could impact its effectiveness, suggesting that earlier intervention might yield even better results.
Research Findings and Implications
The study involved two testing phases, collecting data from students to assess the impact of the revised course sequence. Results showed a high pass rate for students enrolled in the health and wellness course, along with increased satisfaction levels. Additionally, students who took this course as their second class were more likely to continue their studies and achieve higher pass rates in subsequent courses.
Recommendations for Future Course Structure
Based on the findings, college administrators recommended adopting the health and wellness course as the preferred second course for first-year students. To facilitate this change, a less critical finance course was removed from the curriculum, allowing for a more effective course sequence that aligns with the needs of adult learners.
Ongoing Monitoring and Future Enhancements
The university is committed to continuously monitoring student performance data to identify further opportunities for improvement. This includes exploring the effects of the hidden curriculum on students’ willingness to seek help and the potential benefits of integrating innovative tools, such as AI, to support their educational journey.