ERIC Number: EJ1460664
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2025-Feb
Pages: 21
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0742-5627
EISSN: EISSN-1573-1758
Available Date: 2024-06-21
The Five Ps of the Adult Learner Journey through the Community College: A Conceptual Framework
Innovative Higher Education, v50 n1 p85-105 2025
A significant demographic shift in community colleges reveals that more than half of enrolled students are adults aged 25 and older. In response, states are instituting reconnect programs aimed at recruiting and reengaging adult learners. Despite these initiatives, existing processes and practices within community colleges often inadequately address the unique needs of adult students. This qualitative work employs focus groups and individual interviews involving community college presidents, faculty, staff, and adult learners to formulate a robust conceptual framework meant to guide community colleges toward positive adult learner outcomes. Termed the "Five P Framework," it strategically poses critical questions that align with the five areas of the adult learner journey: public messaging, partnerships, processes, pathways, and proximity. Acknowledging the distinct characteristics and diverse backgrounds of adult students, the framework incorporates essential theoretical perspectives. It sheds light on the intricate interplay among personal, social, and institutional factors influencing adult learners' educational experiences. Serving as a practical guide, the framework is intended for administrators, educators, and policymakers facilitating the development of targeted policies and practices to elevate educational outcomes and overall well-being for adult learners in community college settings. The research concludes by offering implications for practice, policy enhancements, and directions for future research to support adult learners.
Descriptors: Community College Students, Community Colleges, Adult Learning, College Presidents, College Faculty, Social Media, Partnerships in Education, Learning Processes, Guided Pathways, Proximity, School Location, Student Diversity, Academic Achievement, Well Being, Educational Policy, Educational Practices
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education; Two Year Colleges; Adult Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: 1The Belk Center for Community College Leadership and Research, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, USA; 2Durham Technical Community College, The Center for Workforce Engagement, Durham, USA