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ERIC Number: ED576287
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2017
Pages: 170
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: 978-1-3697-0574-4
ISSN: EISSN-
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Adult Learners and Spiritual Formation: Exploring Outcomes at Christ-Centered Universities
Barkley, Heather R.
ProQuest LLC, Ed.D. Dissertation, Regent University
The limited research on adult learners and spiritual formation has created a knowledge gap regarding whether bachelor's degree-completion students value the faith aspects of their education at Christian colleges. As this population grows, so does the need to better understand if the spiritual components of adult programs are having an impact and to what extent. A number of theories describe adult students' needs and challenges: holistic education, transformational learning theory, online learning theory, student development theory, moral development theory, faith development theory, and attachment theory as it pertains to one's relationship with God. This mixed-methods study involved adult students enrolled in bachelor's degree-completion programs at five Christian colleges. The quantitative portion of this research entailed surveying 67 students using the Spiritual Transformation Inventory designed by Dr. Todd Hall of Biola University. The qualitative tactic was comprised of 18 phone interviews. The survey results showed the majority of the sample values the spiritual formation built into their education. In all but two of the 33 scales on the Spiritual Transformation Inventory, participants were "growing steadily." The two areas of weakness were developing spiritual friendships/mentoring relationships and the frequency of spiritual practices. The phone interviews affirmed that these students appreciate the faith component of their programs and that faculty and peers are major spiritual influencers. All 18 interviewees described personal goals for spiritual growth, and most were open to assistance from their institutions. The primary recommendation for future research is to repeat their study with a larger group, specifically because this effort was meant to be an introductory, exploratory study so the results cannot be applied to a broader population. A number of subtopics are suggested for additional research or action steps and include faculty and peer influence, the relationship of the local church to Christian institutions, and life events that affect spirituality. In summary, this research affirms the value of spiritual formation for this group of adult students enrolled in bachelor's degree-completion programs at Christ-centered colleges, but a more comprehensive effort would determine whether these institutions should be used as models for others or if this is an across-the-board trend. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com.bibliotheek.ehb.be/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]
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Publication Type: Dissertations/Theses - Doctoral Dissertations
Education Level: Higher Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A