ERIC Number: EJ1407558
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2024
Pages: 19
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0741-7136
EISSN: EISSN-1552-3047
Available Date: N/A
Not Alone When I'm Feeling Stressed: Online Adult Learner Connection and Retention
Adult Education Quarterly: A Journal of Research and Theory, v74 n1 p43-61 2024
Increasingly, nontraditional students (over age 25, employed, parenting) are enrolling in universities offering online options. Online programs appeal to those needing flexible educational options, yet attrition remains high for adult learners and students enrolled in online education. Building on previous research, this study examines relationships between social location, role identity, social connectedness, and academic perseverance among online adult learners. Survey results from students (n = 254) enrolled in online programs were analyzed, examining relationships between social connectedness and self-reported academic outcomes. Results showed that participants were confident in their ability to navigate school and competing priorities but recognized peer connection's value in supporting better academic outcomes; as perceptions about social connection's value increased, so too did the perception that connection fostered better academic outcomes. Implications for fostering nontraditional student social connectedness in online learning are discussed.
Descriptors: Adult Learning, Electronic Learning, Nontraditional Students, Geographic Location, Role, Social Environment, Academic Persistence, Peer Relationship, Interaction, Academic Achievement, Student Satisfaction, Stress Variables, Student Participation, Private Colleges, Catholic Schools, College Students
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Adult Education; Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A