In current Western societies, the number of students dropping out of school is high. At the same time, the importance of education leads to an increase in Second Chance Education (SCE) initiatives as an alternative way to obtain a degree. Little is known about the roles SCE can play as a learning environment for students "'dropping in'"…

In Germany about half of the adult learners who start second chance education drop out before graduation. In this paper we aim to contribute to an explanation for this low success rate. We focus on the normative expectations of learners: What are their expectations concerning teachers' attention to their personal abilities, teacher support and the…

The transition into a post-industrial economy changed the nature of the Australian labour market extinguishing jobs in traditional industries and creating jobs in new industries. Workers displaced from the manufacturing sector and women seeking to re-enter the labour market after taking time out for family reasons need to retrain in order to…

In the past few years there has been an increase in the number of adult students in higher education courses, many of whom have returned to school after a break. Most of these students do not intend to continue their studies from the point where they stopped; rather, they want to prepare for specific tests in order to have direct access to higher…

This study aims to analyse low-skilled adults' motivation for formal adult education. The study examines how adults' motivation for formal education is affected by educational level, age, gender, employment status and citizenship. Survey data were collected from adults enrolled in formal educational programmes at different educational levels. Of…

Data from Scottish adults (41 new participants in further education, 15 continuing participants, 33 nonparticipants) illustrate the complex process of reengaging in learning. The data demonstrate the influence of social milieu (Bourdieu's notion of habitus)--the personal, institutional, and structural factors that support or limit an individual's…

In Britain, 25 adults returning to formal education conducted analytical reflection on their life and work. Results were sued to support the argument that vocational institutions should attempt to develop broader student interests rather than trying to improve the relevance of vocational knowledge. (SK)

Responses from 1,233 (of 2,278) Australian high school dropouts aged 15-24 who reentered school found most enrolled in innovative schools that they attended full time. They believe they are performing well, are confident of success, and are moderately positive about their school's support, services, and facilities. (SK)

Analysis of data on adults who left school before age 17 and later enrolled in university (New Zealand, n=953; England, n=762) identified factors that influenced reentry. A typology emerged: (1) academically able with financial or other constraints; (2) those uncertain about academic abilities or usefulness of schooling; and (3) alienated,…

Research in Canada and New Zealand examined the experience of adults returning to secondary education. The study uncovered a dynamic process in which the adult is both integrated into school culture and differentiated as part of adult student subculture. (SK)

Data from 72 adults in British university preparation (access) courses showed extreme levels of trait anxiety associated with lower final examination performance. Certain study and coping methods were correlated with final exam scores. Test anxiety was significantly correlated with trait anxiety but not with exam performance. (SK)

Study of 1,233 Australian dropouts who reentered high school showed that unsuccessful reentrants were often homeless and unemployed, were more likely to be at traditional rather than innovative schools, and had practical, interpersonal, or discipline-related problems at school. Three best predictors of repeat dropout were extent of interpersonal…

Hong Kong college students (425 responses from 754) identified family role and social position as significant influences on their motivation for reentering school. Those with less favorable class positions were more career motivated; those with more family responsibilities were more motivated by family concerns. (SK)

Interviews with 43 mature women students were followed 10 years later by interviews with 23 of them. The experience of education provided them a means of self-evaluation. Most worked in teaching, social work, or the public sector, which reduced potential dilemmas about self-perception and enabled an expressive rather than an instrumental view of…

Outlines three possible futures for higher education: "nonuniversities" that modify courses and offer distance learning to adult reentry students; increasing involvement of business/industry in postsecondary education delivery; and technologically delivered nontraditional and nonsponsored education. (SK)