Education Commons^™

Whatever Works: Teaching Adults With Learning Difficulties In Adult Basic Education Programs: A Dissertation, Susan Noyes Spear

Educational Studies Dissertations

Research indicates that significant numbers of adult learners who attend adult basic education (ABE) programs have learning difficulties and/or learning disabilities. However, most ABE teachers have not been trained to teach students with these complex learning needs. This qualitative study, conducted through an interpretivist/constructivist lens, used in-depth individual interviews to garner the voices and experiences of ten ABE teachers as they described how they identify and manage the learning needs of their students. Results showed that ABE teachers described their practice in terms of how they identified their students' learning difficulties; their perceptions of their identity and role as an …

The Relationship Between Statistics Self-Efficacy, Statistics Anxiety, And Performance In An Introductory Graduate Statistics Course, William Ray Schneider

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between statistics self-efficacy, statistics anxiety, and performance in introductory graduate statistics courses. The study design compared two statistics self-efficacy measures developed by Finney and Schraw (2003), a statistics anxiety measure developed by Cruise and Wilkins (1980), and a course performance measure. To view self-efficacy from two perspectives, the Current Statistics Self-Efficacy (CSSE) assessed student confidence in their ability to complete specific statistics tasks in the present, whereas Self-Efficacy to Learn Statistics (SELS) assessed student confidence in their ability to learn statistics in the future. The performance measure was the combined …

Retention Issues Of Mature Students: A Comparative Higher Education Analysis Of Programs In The United States And Ireland, Kim Bullington Sibson, Dr. Dennis Gregory, Brian-Patrick D. Kurisky

Educational Foundations & Leadership Faculty Publications

Retention of students is an issue that challenges colleges and universities around the world and South Africa is no exception. A comparative look at Ireland and the United States shows that there are many similar tools used to retain mature students, and, at the same time, many different ones are used depending on particular situations. A brief retention literature review dealing with mature students is provided as well as examples of retention strategies used in both countries. While these strategies may not fit for South Africa, they may serve as a point of departure for similar activities there.

Older Adults And A Writing Workshop: A Phenomenological Study, Jennifer Lynn Alex

Dissertations

This study examines how older adults experience the phenomenon of participating in a writing workshop and how older adults interpret their experiences, understandings, and realities of writing. Ten older adults, ranging in age from 62 to 83 with varying degrees of experiences in writing, participated in this study. Through a semi-structured interview, each participant related his or her experience first as a writer and then as a member of a writing workshop offered through a Community Literacy Center in a mid-sized Appalachian city.

A phenomenological analysis method was used to identify and analyze themes of meaning that emerged in the …

An Empirical Study Of Kirkpatrick’S Evaluation Model In The Hospitality Industry, Ya-Hui Elegance Chang

FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study examined Kirkpatrick’s training evaluation model (Kirkpatrick & Kirkpatrick, 2006) by assessing a sales training program conducted at an organization in the hospitality industry. The study assessed the employees’ training outcomes of knowledge and skills, job performance, and the impact of the training upon the organization. By assessing these training outcomes and their relationships, the study demonstrated whether Kirkpatrick’s theories are supported and the lower evaluation levels can be used to predict organizational impact. The population for this study was a group of reservations sales agents from a leading luxury hotel chain’s reservations center. During the study period from …

How Employees With Different National Identities Experience A Geocentric Organizational Culture Of A Global Corporation: A Phenomenological Study, Maria S. Plakhotnik

FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations

A global corporation values both profitability and social acceptance; its units mutually negotiate governance and represent a highly interdependent network where centers of excellence and high-potential employees are identified regardless of geographic locations. These companies try to build geocentric, or “world oriented” (Marquardt, 1999, p. 20), organizational cultures. Such culture “transcends cultural differences and establishes ‘beacons’ – values and attitudes – that are comprehensive and compelling” (Kets de Vries & Florent-Treacy, 2002, p. 299) for all employees, regardless of their national origins. Creating a geocentric organizational culture involves transforming each employee’s mindset, beliefs, and behaviors so that he/she can become …

Oral History Interview With John Yip Soon Kwong: Conceptualising Smu, Soon Kwong John Yip

Oral History Collection

The interview covered: first involvement with SMU, future needs of university education in Singapore, business education, third university, Singapore Institute of Management, achievements.

Biography:

Executive Director and CEO, Singapore Institute of Management, 1997–2003
Director of Education, MOE, 1987–1996

Dr John Yip Soon Kwong played a major role in developing the concept for Singapore’s third university, Singapore Management University. With his first-hand knowledge of international universities as well as his knowledge of Singapore’s education system, he was part of the early effort to define the scope of Singapore’s third university and to identify an overseas university partner for this new institution. …

Comparing The Pedagogical Thinking Of More Successful And Less Successful Adult Esl Instructors Using Stimulated Recall, Jason Paul Roberts

Theses and Dissertations

This paper reports a study that examined the pedagogical knowledge (knowledge and beliefs related to the act of teaching) of two more successful and two less successful adult ESL instructors during planning teaching and post teaching reflection. The verbal reports of their teaching were compared to previous studies (Gatbonton, 2000, 2008; Mullock, 2006) that used stimulated recall to categorize adult ESL instructors' pedagogical thoughts during their instruction. The comparison showed that the previous categories were inadequate to cover the data. Additional codes were added in order to codify all the data after which patterns and themes emerged that overarched the …

Examining The Indian Farmer Suicides Through The Social And Environmental Justice Lens, Yogita Abichandani, Juanita Johnson-Bailey

Adult Education Research Conference

Approximately 200,000 farmers have committed suicide in India over the last decade. A majority of them are the ones who have been failed by the non- yield of genetically modified cotton per hectare and are dependent on these crops for their daily livelihood. The GM cottonseeds represent the hegemony and oppression of the farmers propelled by the globalization movement. This paper provides an understanding that the social movements against the GM seeds are in fact movements pointing towards the social and environmental injustices and seeks to understand the role adult education can play in addressing the social and environmental injustice.

Fostering A Literate U.S. Workforce: Perspectives Of Adult Educators In Human Resource Development, Merlissa C. Alfred

Adult Education Research Conference

Organizations are faced with increasing demands for a highly literate and skilled workforce. Investments in basic literacy and skills training are required to effectively address these organizational needs. The purpose of this study was to investigate Human Resource Development’s role in investing in and developing the segment of the US workforce that lacks the basic literacy and skills needed to participate in the employment arena.

Cultural Diversity In The Workplace: A Guide For Effective Instruction For All Adult Learning Styles, Lauren M. Barela

Regis University Student Publications (comprehensive collection)

The makeup of the United States work force is changing. An increased number of immigrants in the work force have significantly affected the corporate atmosphere creating the need for a new approach to employee training. All adult learners have different learning styles which are culturally influenced and which impact training in the workplace. By applying educational theory and methods to workplace training, corporations can more effectively train employees with diverse learning style preferences. This project provides a guide to corporate educators who work with culturally diverse employees and provides an educational foundation for effective workplace training based upon analysis of: …

Text And Texture: An Arts-Based Exploration Of Transformation In Adult Learning: A Dissertation, Enid E. Larsen

Educational Studies Dissertations

This research explored the transformational and co-transformational potential of collage, assemblage and mixed media in an accelerated undergraduate adult course on imagination and creativity. The methods were qualitative and arts-based artist-teacher inquiry within a constructivist art class for ten, female adult learners. Informed by the researcher's living inquiry through visual auto-ethnography, a collagist methodology shaped the research, including syllabus construction, course delivery and data gathering. Process was an emergent and interpretative analytic tool, drawn from multiple perspectives of artwork and reflections by the students, and the multiple identities inherent to the artist-teacher researcher.

Discovering The Leadership Skills Of Alumni Who Participated In An Adult Agricultural Leadership Development Program: A Case Study, Terence A. Hejny

College of Education and Human Sciences: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

This qualitative instrumental case study identified the leadership skills and concepts learned by participants of an adult agricultural leadership development program. Structured interviews were conducted with 15 men and women who were past participants of the Nebraska LEAD Program. Triangulation was used to verify the findings.

The interview transcripts were coded and analyzed for possible themes. Five themes emerged: (a) Personal Understanding of Leadership—definitions of leadership, skills of successful leaders, and thoughts on identifying leaders; (b) Leadership Lessons Learned—experiences in the Nebraska LEAD Program; (c) Leadership Encounters—experiences in leadership before and after their participation in the program, as well as …

Where Adults Go : A Multiple Case Study Of Adult Serving Undergraduate Colleges And Universities, Shelley B. Dixon-Williams

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

This research is an exploratory multiple case study of adult serving undergraduate colleges and universities. Using the Council of Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL) Principles of Effective Practice for Serving Adult Learners, this study examines the differences of adult serving undergraduate colleges across the three sectors of higher education--public, private not-for-profit and private for-profit. This study also seeks to determine if the presence of an adult-specific mission makes a difference in the extent to which a college may be aligned with the CAEL Principles.

In Quest Of Walter Smith: The Past, Present, And Future Impact Of Visual Art In Adult Education, Meredith Amanda Cole

Dissertations

Walter Smith is a relatively unknown historical figure in the art world, but he is essential to defining adult education's past, present, and future in the area of visual art. His artistic endeavors in America sparked facets of the way art education is practiced today. However, along the way we have lost the tenets of social change which he sought but never accomplished. In chapter one, I introduce the purpose of the research. In chapter two, I explain the position Walter Smith entered when coming to America. I also detail Smith's Herculean social reform efforts for adult education and why …

Community College Student Participation In Undergraduate Research: An Explanatory Case Study For Faculty And Research Mentors, Dana L. Peterson

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study adapted the current model of science undergraduate research experiences (URE's) and applied this novel modification to include community college students. Numerous researchers have examined the efficacy of URE's in improving undergraduate retention and graduation rates, as well as matriculation rates for graduate programs. However, none have detailed the experience for community college students, and few have employed qualitative methodologies to gather relevant descriptive data from URE participants. This study included perspectives elicited from both non-traditional student participants and the established laboratory community. The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of the traditional model for a …

Massachusetts Adult Basic Education And Esol Distance Learning Programs: How To Assess Student Readiness For Distance Learning?, Berna Kahraman, Amelia Mallona, Donna H. Friedman, Sarah Kuck Jalbert

Center for Social Policy Publications

This report presents the findings from the pilot screening process prepared by the Center for Social Policy (CSP) and implemented during December 2008-March 2009 by the adult basic education (ABE) online learning programs in MA which are funded by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (ESE). The purposes of the pilot process were:

• To determine the effectiveness of screening tools in assessing participant characteristics, such as the skills, demographics, and life circumstances that are associated with success in online learning;
• To identify supports and interventions which students need in order to persist and succeed in online learning.

At the …

The Enactment Of Hegemony Through Identity Construction: Insights From Thepresentation Of Self In Everyday Life, Brendaly Drayton, Esther Prins

Adult Education Research Conference

This paper uses Goffman’s dramaturgical analysis to examine how hegemony maintains its power and influence in the life of the individual. The analysis reveals that the power of hegemony lies in the construction of particular identities that shape our interactions and limit our imagined futures.

Metacognitive Awareness And Strategy Use In Academic English Reading Among Adult English As A Second Language (Esl) Students, Yuko Iwai

Dissertations

This mixed method research study explored the role of metacognitive awareness in reading among adult English as a Second Language (ESL) students of various academic levels enrolled in a university in the southeastern part of the United States of America while engaged in academic reading. In addition, this study examined metacognitive reading strategies employed by those students.

In the quantitative portion of the study, 98 students responded to the Survey of Reading Strategies (SORS) instrument and a background information questionnaire. The SORS measured metacognitive awareness and use of reading strategies. In the qualitative portion of the study, six students (two …

Doc 6 Research Forum Abstracts, Tom Heaney

Doctoral Research Forums

This document provides titles and abstracts of doctoral students critical engagement projects held at a Research Forum April 17-19, 2009 in Chicago. These students are Cohort 6 in the Adult and Continuing Education program in the College of Arts and Sciences at National-Louis University.

The Influence Of Career-Technical Student Organizations On Non-Traditional And Traditional Community College Students, Suzanne Lee Johnson

Dissertations

Student organizations have been contributing to adult education for years. The need to recruit non-traditional students and retain them is very important to the financial support of the career and technical program. If a career-technical student organization (CTSO) can encourage retention and completion of traditional and non-traditional students in a field of study, the state might realize the need to increase the funding provided to the advisers/instructors of the CTSO and the financial support of the CTSO. This study investigated what motivates a student to become an active member in a CTSO and to what extent the CTSO contributed to …

Power And Democracy Through Self Governance: Negotiating Landscapes And Minefields In One Adult Education Doctoral Program, Dianne Romdeholl, Mansur Abdullah, Tania Giordani, Tom Heaney, Wendy Yanow

Adult Education Research Conference

In this paper four graduates and a faculty member critically analyze efforts to develop and sustain democratic practice in the context of their doctoral program in higher education.

Negotiating Cultural Values In A Learning Environment, Michael Rowland, Editor, Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, Kentucky

College of Education and Behavioral Sciences Publications

This conference provides a forum for practitioners and researchers to discuss practices, concepts, evaluation, and research studies in order to improve practice in Adult Education. It facilitates dialogue and the initiation and pursuit of projects among individuals and groups working in various fields of Adult Education. Through such discussion and collaboration, participants contribute toward the realization of a more humane and just society through lifelong learning.

An Integrative Model For Transformative Learning, Charity Johansson

Adult Education Research Conference

Transformative learning is a growing focus of study with input from many areas of adult education. This paper presents a model of transformative learning that integrates key scholarly contributions to transformative learning theory, providing a common framework and language for analyzing the transformative learning process.

How Adult Educators Can Forge A Peaceful World, Hsiu-Chu Hsu

Adult Education Research Conference

The purpose of this presentation is to explore some practical ways that adult educators can help to promote peace by including three less-discussed categories of adult education: popular education for critical citizenship, for nonviolence and constructive programs, and for holistic spirituality.

Program Planning Theory In Service-Learning: A Relational Model, Robin S. Grenier, Lorilee R. Sandmann, Richard Kiely

Adult Education Research Conference

This paper introduces the relationship between program planning theory and service-learning in graduate education and the development of a relational program planning model for service-learning. A case will be made regarding the value of the relational program planning model for guiding and enabling more democratic forms of service-learning practice.

Expanding The Contributions Of Bell Hooks: Through The Lens Of Adult Education, Catherine H. Monaghan, Elice E. Rogers, Catherine A.

Adult Education Research Conference

The purpose of this roundtable is to discuss hook’s influence in the field of adult education and her contributions. We will explore four key areas: 1) adult teaching and learning pedagogy, 2) adults and popular culture, 3) feminism and diverse women’s issues, and 4) diversity and liberatory pedagogy.

Shared Governance In An Adult Education Doctoral Program: “Self-Directed Learning Meets Democratic Process” – A Delicate Balance Of Intent, Implementation, And Impact, Diane Novak, Philip Moulden, Elizabeth Peterson, Eugene Rinaldi, Nadira K. Charaniya, Susan Malekpour, Diana Churchill, Jo D. Kostka

Adult Education Research Conference

This symposium explores the governance component offered within a doctoral program in which students were given the opportunity to engage in collective decision-making through democratic process. Panelists, most of whom were research participants for the dissertation upon which this exploration is based, represent cohort groups from 1996 through 2007.

Strategies To Help Subject Matter Experts Become Master Trainers, Molly Everman

Regis University Student Publications (comprehensive collection)

Subject matter experts (SMEs) are often called on in the modern workplace to train other employees in their area of expertise. SMEs often do not have the training or teaching skills needed to perform this task successfully. As a result, SMEs often fall into training traps. In this project, the author attempted to solve this problem by designing a PowerPoint presentation of strategies SMEs can use. This presentation addressed the areas of greatest importance to SMEs who are in a training role. The areas this presentation addresses are adult learning, the role SMEs play, and training solutions.

Keeping The Faith: The Public Library's Commitment To Adult Education, 1950-2006, Brenda Weeks Coleman

Dissertations

This study examines the extent to which the conception and implementation of the public library's educational commitment to adults changed between 1950 and 2006 within the context of the institutional development of the public library and the influences exerted by internal and external forces such as philanthropic organizations, the federal government, the American Library Association, research, the public library planning process, the nontraditional education movement, and changes in public library ideology. Philanthropic organizations such as the Carnegie Corporation and the Ford Foundation's Fund for Adult Education played pivotal roles in the development of the library's liberal adult education programming in …