International organisations have measured adult learning participation since the 1990s, using surveys like the Adult Education Survey (AES) and the Programme for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC). These surveys employ a 'triadic' classification of learning activities -- formal (FAE), non-formal (NFE) and informal learning…

Older adults have unique learning needs that require distinct approaches, particularly in non-formal education settings, which are flexible, systematic, and less bureaucratic. Seeking methods to support these needs, this study explores agile culture--a people-centered, adaptable approach originally from software development that emphasizes…

Educational attainment is associated with good health and well-being in a variety of domains. Some students seeking to further their education are adult learners who present to adult basic education (ABE) centers. One factor that may be important for ABE students' success is emotion regulation--the ability to regulate or modify one's emotional…

Do U.S. adult learners really "get what they came for" in adult foundational education programs -- and how do we measure the value of what they get? A pressing need exists to conduct return-on-investment research to make clear the benefits of learner investments in adult foundational education to funders and prospective partners. As U.S.…

In response to recent shifts in the global economy, there has been a growing academic interest in adult education and training (AET), enabling adults to meet the ever-changing demands of the workforce. However, empirical findings offer nuanced evidence on the most influential factors among various aspects. This study aims to reexamine the…

In recent decades, higher education has undergone a profound transformation with the increased enrollment of non-traditional students, representing a diverse cohort pursuing education later in life. The purpose of this comprehensive qualitative meta-analysis of existing literature is to meticulously examine the multifaceted challenges and barriers…

In many Western societies, earning a degree is considered an ultimate educational achievement. Second chance education (SCE) serves as a distinct pathway for those who have dropped out of school, allowing them to re-enter the educational system. Understanding the specific obstacles and needs of students in SCE is crucial for providing…

This action research, qualitative case study examined how nontraditional student teachers experience virtual supervision. The bounded case included three adult candidates in an Illinois alternative certification program. Data were collected through four semi-structured Zoom interviews per participant across the semester, supplemented by lesson…

This paper examines the impact and relevance of the use of case studies as a teaching and learning tool in Montessori leadership programs. Frequently used as learning tools in educational leadership preparation programs, selected case studies were limited to those in Montessori leadership and language. Surveys and interviews with graduate students…

This study investigated adult learners' experiences with the language of their new living environment. Migrants and refugees' personal goals for language learning in their specific life situations were captured in in-depth interviews conducted as part of ethnographically oriented field studies in Finland and Germany. Interpretative…

Pre-university mathematics enabling courses can potentially change adult learners' perceptions and beliefs around mathematics, enhance self-efficacy, personal confidence, motivation, and enable achievements that support future study and career goals. Enabling courses, however, often require highly individualised curricula and approaches that can…

Across the country, policymakers, postsecondary leaders, and students themselves are engaged in questions about the purpose and value of college. Learners are trying to reconcile concerns about the cost and relevance of postsecondary education with the increasing importance of postsecondary training and credentials for attaining good jobs. Many of…

The landscape of higher education is rapidly evolving, presenting both new opportunities and significant challenges. In our interconnected world, institutions of higher learning must not only transmit knowledge but also actively address the social, economic, and cultural issues arising from diverse and dynamic societies. This book offers a…

Social and systemic barriers contribute to students' attrition from K-12 education and enrollment in adult basic education (ABE) via the reduction of available resources. Informed by Conservation of Resources Theory, the current study assessed the impact of stress-related risk factors, including trauma and COVID-19-related stress, on ABE students'…

Purpose: Mental ill health is on the rise amongst undergraduate students and has been investigated using both positivist/quantitative and exploratory/qualitative research methods. However, the lived experiences of mature students who have mental ill health have not been directly investigated. A limited research literature suggests that challenges…