The strategies employed by adult online graduate learners to balance multiple role stressors are the focus of this study. A basic qualitative research design was chosen because it allowed the research to explore the experiences of participants; its key characteristics include being rooted in social sciences, defining a process or phenomenon,…

Studies on the role of digital technology in teaching and learning English tend to focus on secondary or higher education contexts and/or with literate or educated students. The recent global pandemic has highlighted the urgent need to advance digital equity and inclusion for adult learners with limited education and literacy. Despite their basic…

This mixed-methods case study examines how an online extensive reading project impacted the 11 participants' motivation, habits, and linguistic abilities regarding L2 English reading. The participants engaged in extensive reading for one year on Xreading (an online extensive reading website). They were all female Japanese nationals aged between 30…

This study sought to respond to the increased number of mature students in social work education and the understudied topic of their experiences. The research deployed semi- structured interviews and thematic analysis to explore the benefits, challenges, and needs of mature students (N = 19) over the age of 30 in a Canadian Bachelor of Social Work…

As the movement to tap and grow the talents of working adults continues to gain momentum, CAEL continues its thought leadership by spearheading a research partnership with Stanford Pathways Network (pathways.stanford.edu) and Strada Education Foundation. In this joint initiative, "Designing Opportunity for Working Adult Learners," the…

This reflective paper describes insights gained in the process of seeking to enhance disability and access services for adult disabled learners in Open Distance and Flexible Learning (ODFL) in Aotearoa New Zealand. This paper explores the question: What would make the biggest difference to disabled learners' experience in ODFL? It presents brief…

Since 2021, North Carolina has made extraordinary progress to close gaps in educational attainment. A focus on supporting the adult learner population has gained considerable attention and support from leaders in education, policy, community, and research. The need for collaborative efforts among these stakeholders continues to be essential as…

Adult learning facilitators in any setting (ALFAS) seek to facilitate learning that is lifelong and meaningful. The purpose of this interpretive research study was to explore how instructional designers (IDs) construct knowledge when preparing graduate faculty to develop and teach courses online. The study involved five IDs and their perceptions…

In recent years, both policymakers and practitioners working to increase postsecondary attainment rates in the United States have shifted their focus from college access to college success. At the same time, they have recognized that the prevalence of 36 million adults with some college education but no postsecondary credential is an important…

In New Zealand, te reo Maori (or just te reo) is currently being learned as a second language by record numbers of non-Maori, many of whom are increasingly able to access it through language courses offered by their employing organisations. Considering recent research and policy advocating the value of te reo for all New Zealanders, workplace…

Situated in the northwestern corner of Ohio, Bowling Green State University (BGSU) is reengaging adult students with "some college, but no degree" (SCND), promoting equitable attainment, and improving students' workforce outcomes. BGSU is a residential four-year university with a vibrant campus culture, NCAA Athletics, and over 200…

The Commission on International Adult Education (CIAE) of the American Association for Adult and Continuing Education (AAACE) provides a forum for the discussion of international issues related to adult education in general, as well as adult education in various countries around the globe. These "Proceedings" are from the Commission of…

Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) is a term for various methods by which universities accredit student experiential learning. One such method is the academic portfolio, a written reflective process in which students demonstrate that their personal or professional learning fulfills university outcomes. Proponents of academic portfolios claim that…

This paper draws on the qualitative findings of a PhD study which focused on the lived experiences of adult learners with dyslexia in Ireland. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 14 adult learners with dyslexia in 2014 and these findings, with particular relevance to adult learning in the recently restructured Further Education and…

Working with adult students with special needs always means working within larger systems that are created to serve populations that may not be identified as disabled. This chapter discusses the elements of the postsecondary service "system" and lessons learned by successful practitioners who help young adults negotiate it.