Marilyn Gardner Milton discusses how adult students are helping higher education grow.

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How Adult Students are Growing Higher
Education
by Marilyn Gardner Milton | Aug 10, 2021 | college, Education, higher education, Marilyn
Gardner Milton, university
A USA Today interview with the VP of New Partner Development at the Wiley Education
Services, Gene Murray revealed adult learners have different needs from teenagers, who
were the bulk of traditional students in the past years. They are prompting higher
institutions of education to change their models.
Below are the key points from Murray’s interview.
Provision of Learner Tailored Program
The method of instruction at institutions develops with time. Specialization to provide
prompts information and is one of the ways how adult students are growing higher
education. Higher education providers have tremendous expertise in subject matters,
placing them as designated institutions for learners who want to progress academically.
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The current adult learning population does not focus on broader knowledge but specific
skills that advance their career.
The main focus of these learners is to attain ongoing education that instills specific skills to
advance in technology, healthcare, teaching, or other professions. Today’s adult learners
focus on finding opportunities matching their specific careers because of commitments
that limit time and flexibility. Institutions that provide learning opportunities were
challenged to align their programs with their adult learners’ personal responsibilities and
career paths.
Customization of Programs to Suit Learner Preferences
Adult learners have deviated from studying for an undergraduate then a master’s to gain a
full degree. Institutions have been forced to rethink their models to accommodate this
class that requires ongoing education for professional career advancement certification.
Traditional learning experiences that did not address the unique needs of learners
compelled higher education institutions to change their delivery and meet the following
requirements:
Flexibility to accommodative work or family responsibilities
Allow faster completion (with cost consideration in place)
Deliver specific skills that contribute to career advancement
Introduction of Remote Learning Technology
Traditional learning requires in-person attendance for students and instructors. The need
to personalize lessons for today’s adult learners led to the introduction of technology in
classrooms. The change came to be since many adult learners are frequently away from
campus, and their needs are different from a conventional 18-year-old. It is harder to
engage them. Higher education institutions are adopting technology tools like behavioral
analytics. The tools have information and means to facilitate institutions to communicate
better with adult learners on their terms to improve persistence.
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