A Different Kind of Freshman: Adult Learners

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A Different Kind of FreshmanAdult Learners

• Cynthia Zafft, Senior Advisor
• National College Transition Network at
• World Education
• czafft_at_worlded.org

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Greetings from the NCTN

• What do adults want?
• What do adults need?

www.collegetransition.org
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• This is a test

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• 1. What percent of undergraduates are
  considered traditional?
• a. 18
• b. 27
• c. 47
• d. 62

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• 1. What percent of undergraduates are
  considered traditional?
• b. 27

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• 2. What portion of our 2020 workforce is
  beyond the reach of K-12 educational reform?
• a. One quarter
• b. One third
• c. One half
• d. Two thirds

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• 2. What portion of our 2020 workforce is
  beyond the reach of K-12 educational reform?
• d. Two thirds

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• 3. What percent of GED holders report they
  are taking the test to further their education?
• a. 23
• b. 35
• c. 47
• d. 62

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• 3. What percent of GED holders report they
  are taking the test to further their education?
• d. 62

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• 4. What percent of GED holders actually go on
  to enroll?
• a. 23
• b. 35
• c. 47
• d. 62

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• 4. What percent of GED holders actually go on
  to enroll?
• b. 35

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• 5. What percent of GED holders obtain at
  least a year of postsecondary education?
• a. 10
• b. 35
• c. 47
• d. 62

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• 5. What percent of GED holders obtain at
  least a year of postsecondary education?
• a. 10

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• 6. A GED will have an economic benefit for all
  recipients?
• True
• False

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• 6. A GED will have an economic benefit for
  all recipients?
• False, unless it is used to access
  postsecondary education

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• 7. In the next 20 years, what percent of the
  growth in the American labor force is expected to
  come from native-born workers?
• a. zero
• b. 15
• c. 35
• d. 50

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• 7. In the next 20 years, what percent of the
  growth in the American labor force is expected to
  come from native-born workers?
• a. zero

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What are the obstacles?

• Academic gaps
• Financial concerns
• Multiple responsibilities childcare
• Few role models
• Inadequate or out-dated information on the skills
  needed in todays job market

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And theres more

• Difficulty navigating the college system
• New to technology
• Unfamiliar with placement testing
• Personal concerns about ability to succeed in
  college

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And theres much more