innovative practices to engage and retain adult learners
TRANSCRIPT
Innovative Practices to Engage and Retain Adult Learners Johnna Evans & Paul Nardone
This presentation is “in the cloud.” Access PowerPoint slides and other presentation materials at:
www.misericordia.edu/consulting
Presenters
Johnna Evans Student Services Coordinator, Center for Adult & Continuing Education, Misericordia University
Paul Nardone Interim Director, Center for Adult & Continuing Education and Adjunct Faculty Member, Misericordia University
This Session Will Explore • Creating a culture that considers the adult learner. • Innovative approaches to student services. • Academic advising for the adult learner. • The importance of communication with the adult
learner. • Opportunities for adult students inside and outside
the classroom.
About Misericordia • Founded: 1924 by the Religious Sisters of Mercy. • Total Enrollment: 3,196, 69% women, 31% men. • Full-time Enrollment: 1,958, 65% women, 35% men. • Part-time Undergraduate Enrollment: 692, 76% women,
24% men. • Part-time Graduate Enrollment: 546, 76% women, 24%
men.
About Misericordia • Academic Programs: 34 degree programs in three Academic
Colleges: Arts and Sciences; Health Sciences; and Professional Studies and Social Sciences.
• Graduate Education: Master's degrees in nursing, education, business, and organizational management. Master’s and doctoral degrees in occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, and physical therapy.
About Expressway
• An accelerated degree program that provides the quickest route to a bachelor's degree.
• Designed for highly motivated adults who want to earn their degree in a timely manner, have prior college credits, and have work or relevant life experience.
• Students have the ability to enroll eight different times during the year, not just in the fall and spring.
About Expressway
• Take up to four three-credit courses per semester. • Earn a bachelor's degree in as little as two and one-half
years. • Convenient, predictable scheduling. • Highly qualified faculty members who practice
professionally in their field. • Personal attention and supportive adult learning
environment .
About Expressway
Expressway is available in three formats to work with an adult learner’s busy schedule: • One night a week, 6-10:15 p.m.
• Every third Saturday
• Online
Non-Traditional Students • Financially independent • Delayed enrollment in college • Work full-time • Attend college part-time • Have children • Not having attained a standard high school diploma • Single parents
Source: 1997 NCES Longitudinal Study on Student Persistence
Adult Student Characteristics • Trigger life event prompted a return to school. • Want learning to be relevant. • Bring knowledge and experience to the classroom. • Are busy with work and family. • Want to be good role models for their children. • Are motivated to earn a degree. • Are anxious about getting good grades.
Source: The College Board’s Office of Adult Learning Services
Adult Student Characteristics • Are uncertain about their academic skills, especially math &
writing. • Want credit for life learning. • Want their education to pay off in a better life situation. • Like helping their peers. • Are unsure of how to act in an academic environment. • Are worried about their financial situation. • Are anxious about being in class with younger students.
Source: The College Board’s Office of Adult Learning Services
Why Adult Learners Drop Out
• Anxiety and stress over college-related expenses: 71.3%
• Anxiety about not spending time with loved ones and friends: 58.5%
• Worrying about intellectual ability to complete coursework: 51.5%
Source: The Apollo Research Institute survey of 4,500 non-traditional students
Why Adult Learners Drop Out
• Stress caused when classes interfere with normal routine: 49.1%
• Stress caused by a fear that a degree is needed to prove competence to others: 42.0%
• Resentment over doing coursework over something else: 40.4%
Source: The Apollo Research Institute survey of 4,500 non-traditional students
Services New student orientation
• Offered every semester
• Online and in-person sessions
• Follow-up sessions and continuing support
Services • Personalized Education Plan (PEP)
• CACE page on MU portal
• Classroom visits
• Workshops and guides
Services • Student Success Center
• Writing Center
• Insalaco Center for Career Development
• Women with Children Program
Support Networks • Adult Student Council
• Peer Mentors
Communication • Regular email updates and reminders
• Reminders to visit CACE page • Availability to answer calls and meet with
students
Communication • Proactive call outreach
• Positive reinforcement • Other correspondence
Communication • Student surveys
• Informal student feedback • Focus groups
• Referral Program
Communication
“The art of conversation lies in listening."
~Malcolm Forbes
Advising
• One size does not fit all
• Extended office hours
• One stop shop
• Going above & beyond
• Adobe Connect sessions
Making Learning Relevant
• Practical Applications
• Service Learning
• Internships
Campus Events
• Adult Student Dinner Dance
• Adult Student Picnic
• Potluck Dinner
Campus Events • Bunny Brunch & Easter Egg Hunt
• Halloween
• Santa Brunch
Campus Events • Summer Concerts
• Football Tailgates
Recognition • Alpha Sigma Lambda Honor Society
• Phi Beta Delta Honor Society
• Outstanding Adult Learner Award
• Grace Andrews Award
• Commencement
Staff Support • Administration
• Colleagues
• Family
Our Story
Helping adult students to realize their dreams and learn to succeed.
What’s your story?
Johnna Evans [email protected], 570-674-3021
Paul Nardone
[email protected], 570-674-8130
www.misericordia.edu/consulting