Working Adults Have a Need

Education has a profound impact on life. It sets direction, trains the mind, and cultivates discipline. Adults should be given access to this kind of education. The benefits of a college education go beyond just direction-setting, mind-training, and discipline-cultivating qualities. In fact, for adults, the benefits of a college education can be far greater than they are for younger adults. Especially if you are taking classes in the career you are currently working, a college degree will only help put you in the front of the pack. They can also improve their position within their present organization. A college degree is a great leverage tool when wanting to improve their salary. There are so many advantages involved in keeping your mind sharp and developing new interests.

But Working Adults Face Challenges

For all its possible glories, though, adults face a challenge in earning a college degree. Full time work is, after all, full time. Talk of earning a degree or going back to school is just about as ethereal and unrealistic as winning the lottery. Time? Money? It’s just not available. Besides, who can fit an unwieldy college class schedule into the 9-5 work day of most American adults?

For Working Adults, There Is a Solution

Finally, in our digital age, we’ve reached a point where many schools are realizing that there is a solution. Colleges are answering the call of those looking for alternatives and online degree completion programs are fitting that need. Through an online degree completion program, working adults can watch lectures, participate in class discussion, work on class projects, take tests, and gain the whole-package education experience—all online. The main problem that faces adults wanting to return to school is their schedule.

Online programs allow their dream of a college degree to come true by giving them the opportunity to work around that schedule. Not only is the time benefit huge, there is also an upside in the area of tuition costs. By not having to travel to the campus and already having access to the Internet, you are cutting down hugely on overall costs. Online degree completion programs allow students to to as many courses or few as they can handle. You are able to work at your own pace, take the classes you can afford, and finish on your time table.

Many more working adults are experiencing the benefits of college educations due largely in part to online degree completion programs. It allows them to “go” to class while still providing for their families.

Johney Maron, part time author, is interested in college student ministries and education. Colorado Christian University provides students with the education they need to make it in today’s world by arming them with the proper tools. From Adult Degree Completion to Graduate Degree Programs, CCU makes every effort for students to obtain the education they need.

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One of the most common concerns is that adults with real world experience who are used to working with people their own age don’t want to be surrounded by people who aren’t “on their level”. They assume everyone is significantly younger than them, and can’t relate to their experience. On the contrary, colleges are filled with students from diverse age backgrounds. According to Sallie Mae, the nation’s largest college student loan company, students 22 and older make up 58% of the college population. It’s not hard to find adults returning to college who are working on the same goals as you. Even as an adult, you will learn new facts that will help you in your life.

Many adults returning to college know the benefits of completing their education. Yet, they still hold themselves back from enrolling in college courses. They reason that they are too busy, they have a family, and they already have a full-time job.

Professional adults and people who are trying to open up new opportunities for themselves can take advantage of the flexibility of course schedules that are making the college experience more convenient for adults returning to college. They can take an online, evening or weekend class. They don’t have to take more than one class at a time if they don’t want to. They are encouraged to move at their own pace. After all, the point is to take time to really study and learn as much as you can, not just to get it over with.

The ultimate reason from keeping anyone from doing anything extraordinary like seeing the ancient pyramids, starting their own business, or getting a college degree is the money issue. Everything costs money, so why not use it for something that will enrich your life or make you more money in the long run?

Non-traditional students, like adults returning to school or starting a new career, can find money in federal, state, and community programs that have free money set aside for adult learners who meet certain requirements. The admissions and financial aid process can be a confusing and frustrating experience; there are counselors and people available to guide you through the process.

Are you going to be taking courses in anything relating to your current job or industry? Ask your employer if they have tuition reimbursement programs that you can use to help ease your college money woes.

Dave Freeman is a staff writer at GetRetrained.com. GetRetrained.com is linked with hundreds of schools throughout the nation. After you have chosen a new career path to begin, we connect you with training programs in your area. Our exhaustive list allows you to view several schools and review what they have to offer. From helping you select another career path, to linking you with a school in your area, to helping you find a job, we at GetRetrained.com are here for you every step of the way.

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And also a little scary! When you were in college or high school, fads and fashions were much different. Kids dressed differently and spoke differently. When you were in school no one was texting, much less Twittering. The music was different and so were the television shows. You may have the feeling that setting foot on a college campus will be like going to a foreign country, or that there will be culture shock and you’ll feel like an old fossil.

You Are Not Alone

Yes, it’s true that kids today have their own style and attitude. But here’s the inside scoop: the fact is that you will not be the only adult in class. Over the past ten years there has been an explosion of adults returning to college. Adults are enrolled in every conceivable way: as full-time and part-time students, on campus, off-campus, and in growing numbers through online or distance learning. This year more than six million adults will attend college in the United States.

Who Are Adult Learners?

o The average age of the college student continues to rise. Data from the recent Community College Survey of Student Engagement (CCSSE) shows that students at U.S. institutions of higher education cover nearly every over-18 age group.

o Adult students (also called re-entry students) range in age from 25 to 70 or even higher.

o Adult learners are often female, but the numbers of men returning to college are climbing as they seek to enhance their professional skills.

o Some adult learners went to work right after they graduated from high school, or they started college and then left school because of financial, family, or other reasons. Others earned a certificate or undergraduate degree and now want to earn a higher degree such as a master’s degree or doctorate.

o Department of Education figures indicate that 13 percent of students who are now enrolled in college are single parents, an increase from 7.6 percent in 1993.

o An increasing number of adult students are retirees, and many have spent time raising a family, in the workforce, or in the military, and want to go back to fulfill lifelong dreams or advance their career potential.

The reasons for the growing numbers of adult learners or re-entries are numerous. These include a desire to pursue a new career path; changing demands in the workforce; employer requirements to secure licensure or certification; the need to update existing job skills or secure new ones; or simply a desire to engage in learning.

For many adult learners, financial aid and flexible schedules are major considerations. Fortunately, the U.S. government provides a wide range of financial aid programs to qualified moms and dads who want to return to school. With family and career responsibilities to juggle, adults need weekend and evening classes and the option to learn online. The best way to choose a college or program is to log onto a reputable directory website such as www.Education-For-Careers.com, where you can find career schools that fit your expectations, compare what they have to offer, and make the best choice.

So fear not! Go boldly back to college-and you will find that you have plenty of company.

Thinking about training for a new career? To make the best decision, you need the right information. Log onto http://www.Education-For-Careers.com and compare colleges. Get information about career training programs, degrees, online education, financial aid opportunities, job placement services, and much more.

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Often published articles about music instruction and playing refer to children and their psychological and educational development compared to students that do not study music. How an adult learns is an important issue to consider while formulating music instruction.

Some areas to contemplate if you are studying music or teach music to adults are:

Self-Direction

Adults generally assume independence and expect to take part in the process of developing instruction as well as an active position in the evaluation of their performance. They prefer to work at their own pace in the areas they choose and feel that their “grade” or result should match their expectations of what they should receive.

The best avenue of instruction for an adult then is not a large classroom with an authoritative instructor but either through independent study, where they in a sense act as the student and the instructor themselves, or one-on-one with a respectful tutor that facilitates the attainment of knowledge.

Level of Physical Comfort

Kindergarten students may sit around in a circle on the floor or a high school student may concede to sit in a small desk with a hard wooden seat, but adults prefer and demand comfort. Some adults are set in their ways so to speak, they “like it how they like it,”period.

To address the desired comfort level of adults either the classroom accommodates, or they choose to hire a tutor to instruct in their home or they learn through an independent course at home. They might also want to consider the instrument they choose in relation to how it is played. For example, a smoker that gets winded quickly might have more success learning the guitar or piano as opposed to a wind instrument like a saxophone or trombone.

Insecurity or Embarassment

Some adults are uncomfortable learning new things or not knowing how to do things. In their employment or at home, they may feel confident about their abilities and problem solving skills but in a new situation, they may feel inadequate or awkward. To counteract these feelings of insecurity, embarrassment or inadequacy adults usually overcompensate by trying to do everything perfectly, they ask the instructor many probing questions to try to focus information and requirements, and take their time to accomplish tasks in order to avoid mistakes.

In music instruction, the adult wants all the information they can get a hold of, they are less inclined to try things without some kind of knowledge base. Whereas a child may blow into a trumpet and not worry about how badly it sounds, whether they know how to read the music or where to put their fingers, they do it just for fun, adults want to master it and not “make a fool of themselves.”

The instructor or teaching method needs to be able to respond to the adults’ intense need for detail and affirmation. While an adult may do well in a formal education setting for a music theory or history class, when in comes to playing an instrument private instruction is a better choice to put the student at ease and allows for plenty of inquiries.

Prior Experience and Application

Young students have few experiences to afford them the ability to imagine a ‘real life’ application of knowledge. Adults may have decades of knowledge and experiences brought into the classroom with them and they can see how information may apply to other aspects of their life or to other areas of study.

When an adult is learning to play music, they want to be able to apply their knowledge and experiences. So many adults do not desire to learn music just for the sake of it, but to be able to play at their church or in a band or to compose their own music. They come to learn music with a goal and prior expectations.

Adults that desire to learn music are goal oriented, exercise autonomy, and require respect and comfort. So if you are planning to learn a new skill, such as playing the piano, or you are a teacher planning your curriculum consider the unique requirements of the adult student.

References:

Kearsley, Greg. Explorations in Learning & Instruction: The Theory into Practice Database Andragogy (M. Knowles). <http://tip.psychology.org/knowles.html>

Lieb, Stephen. Principle of Adult Learning. <http://honolulu.hawaii.edu/intranet/committtees/FacDevCom/guidebk/teachtip/adults-2.htm>

Smith, M. K. planning your curriculum ‘Malcolm Knowles, informal adult education, self-direction and anadragogy’, the encyclopedia of informal education. <http://www.infed.org/thinkers/et-knowl.htm.>

Pamela Stevens

Pamela Stevens writes for TopTenREVIEWS.com, a software and online services review site.

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Today’s jobs may entail the same responsibilities and rely upon the same levels of experience, but the good jobs usually require education and experience. Young people fresh from high school don’t have this combination; and many much older people, while experienced, lack that important piece of paper. For the typical adult in the middle of these categories, golden opportunity exists, but often only for the ones with a degree.

If this is the issue you face, you must decide. Is going back to school to get that paper worth it? Of course it is. It’s the only way to be competitive. But then anxiety sets in. Those nagging questions may plague you day and night. But what you don’t realize is, you’ve got it made before you even step foot through the doors! To help put your mind at ease, here is a rundown of just why there’s really no need to fear. After all, you really are on a whole different level in so many ways.

1. Can I do it this time? Sure, math seems like Greek these days, but most schools recognize this. When you decide to enroll in college, the school will likely ask you to take a few tests. This is actually a good thing. You won’t get a failing grade on your record and they won’t tell you you’re not good enough. Fact is, the tests are a great tool. If you’re strong in an area, it places you right up in the required courses for your degree. If you’re weak in an area, it lets you take a little developmental coursework to refresh your memory, give you new knowledge, and work you quickly into the curriculum you’ll need to undertake. Either way, you win. So no matter what you may think your abilities are, you can do it this time. Your school will make sure you get exactly what you need to navigate the courses at your speed. Even better, I don’t know of any legitimate school that doesn’t have free tutoring and counseling for students. Short of just ignoring the class altogether, there’s no way you can fail.
2. Can I afford this? The better question is, can you afford not to do this? All accredited, worthy schools have financial aid departments just waiting to help you understand how to finance an education. Financial aid staff are very happy to see you at school because they know you’re serious and are far less likely to do anything that would jeopardize whatever financial aid you get. It’s actually a simple process. You complete one form that every student completes, the “FAFSA” (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). You simply fill in your demographic and financial information and submit, wait a few weeks, and the school goes to work putting together a financial aid package that will work for you. You can even complete this self-explanatory, simple form online in less than an hour. Your award amounts are based on the anticipated cost of education (including books and transportation costs) compared to your family’s previous year’s income. Think you don’t earn enough to go to school? The FAFSA will reflect that and the financial aid department can put together a package that is very fair, often covering everything needed by way of grants, loans, and scholarships. And if you made one amount last year, but don’t expect to make the same this year because you may decide to stop working or decrease your hours, you simply talk to a financial aid counselor, fill out a piece of paper that says just that, and they adjust your award package. Schools are so happy to have you there that they bend over backwards to get you whatever financial aid you may need, so no unexpected or added expenses to strain your household budget. Better yet, many schools have special scholarship funds available, and while they won’t tell you this, you are often first in line to be considered for these because you need it more, you meet certain criteria, or they just want to invest in adult students who won’t let them down. Simply ask or apply for it, because there is always some grant or scholarship money your school is willing and happy to give you. Just be sure to respect deadlines and show initiative. It really is that simple. Bottom line? You can afford this, no matter what your income bracket.
3. What about the kids? Every problem has a solution, and this is no exception. If your kids are still young and you care for them at home, you can either go at night or get part-time child care. After all, for a typical course load of 15 semester hours, you’re only physically in class an average of 3 hours a day. You don’t even have to schedule it so you’re there every day. You could go only 2 or 3 days a week and still be a full-time student; or, you could choose to pace yourself and be a part-time student going only once or twice a week. There are also distance learning, online, and “course in a bag” classes to eliminate this problem. All you need is access to a computer and the internet or a television with a DVD player. Simply get the materials, review at home, and do the assignments. Your professor or tutoring center is only a phone call or visit away if you need help. If your kids aren’t still young and at home, you can work your schedule around theirs. No matter how you look at it, your kids aren’t an impediment to your ability to go. You can work around that the same way you would as if you were going to a job. As an added bonus, you’re setting a great example for kids watching mom or dad get a proper education!
4. How will I work and still go to school? Schools offer day or night classes which you can work around your job schedule. There’s also the convenience of those online and “course-in-a-bag” classes you can do during your off hours. Or, you could consider cutting your hours back and going to school during the hours when you would have been at work anyway. No matter how you look at it, you can keep your job-if you wish-and still get an education because of the flexibility schools offer adult students today. Better yet, many employers value education so much, they will let you work around your school schedule and even offer incentives like helping pay for your classes or giving you a promotion upon completion.
5. Here’s the best part: Professors and traditional students love adult students. While they don’t necessarily view you as peers, they do view you as serious adults. Sometimes when you need special consideration, professors will give it to you because of your circumstances, even when they wouldn’t give it to others. They want you to succeed. They respect you for taking this leap. And they value the perspective and input you bring to the learning environment. They’re happier to see you there than anyone because it makes them feel that there really is somebody in class for whom they are making a difference-and that’s the reason they’re teachers anyway. And those young students? They’re no match for you. You’re on a whole different level. There’s no need to feel inferior or self-conscious because in reality, those kids look up to you. They respect what you’re doing. They want to be like you. If you look closely, you’ll even notice them following your lead or asking your advice.

So if you’re thinking about going back to school, “just do it!” There’s no argument against it that can’t be solved and every argument for it that makes it the best move you will ever make. You’ll be more competitive, feel better about yourself, and win the respect of everyone around you. After all, you truly are on a whole different level.

Shannon Smith Harwell is a former Supermom who now enjoys freelance writing, business consulting, and helping clients plan their cruise vacations. When she’s not bogged down with a million things to do trying to give her kids the best opportunities possible, she loves taking occasional naps (ahh!). She raised and home schooled two successful children singlehandedly while getting her honors degree day and night, working full time, and coaching at least two sports-one for each child-simultaneously year-round. But at the end of the day, she’s just “Mom” and that’s the best title of all.

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The Division of Adult Education and Literacy (DAEL) helps Americans improve their life standards by helping them in giving a high quality of education. It helps people survive in this much competitive society and improves their employment opportunities. National Assessment of Adult Literacy (NAAL) is another center which ensures adults to continue their education at any stage.

Office of Vocational and Adult Education (OVAE) regulates several adult educational programs for adults which provide quality education. The credit diploma program in adult education program is similar to attending the high school. Interactive technology of learning through video-conferencing or online-based learning is also available. Adult education programs are in variety and one can avail different forms and features by accessing social services. Technological and career exploration can be developed through these programs.

In general, adult education program works by providing many features like Adult Basic Education (ABE) which includes computer literacy, numerical study, family literacy, and correctional education with workplace basic skills. The National Association of Manufacturers helps in English fluency for the immigrants along with the Department of Education. NAAL also provides adult education, coordination, and project planning, along with offering intensive technical support to six different states guiding adult education and workforce training.

Adult Education provides detailed information on Adult Education, Adult Education Schools, Adult Continuing Education, Adult Education Online and more. Adult Education is affiliated with Life Centered Career Education [http://www.e-CareerEducation.com].

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