Nontraditional Adult Students in an Online Graduate Program: A Generic Qualitative Inquiry

Autor/in	Ashley, Travis Earl
Titel	Nontraditional Adult Students in an Online Graduate Program: A Generic Qualitative Inquiry
Quelle	(2022), (111 Seiten) PDF als Volltext Verfügbarkeit Psy.D. Dissertation, Capella University
Sprache	englisch
Dokumenttyp	gedruckt; online; Monographie
ISBN	979-8-2098-7439-3
Schlagwörter	Hochschulschrift; Dissertation; Higher Education; Nontraditional Students; Graduate Students; Online Courses; Student Experience; Educational Experience; Student Attitudes; Masters Programs; Doctoral Programs; Social Isolation; Peer Relationship; School Schedules; Access to Education; Pandemics; COVID-19; Reentry Students + Suchen Sie Ihr Suchwort? Thesis; Dissertations; Academic thesis; Hochschulbildung; Hochschulsystem; Hochschulwesen; Graduate Study; Student; Students; Aufbaustudium; Graduiertenstudium; Hauptstudium; Studentin; Online course; Online-Kurs; Studienerfahrung; Bildungserfahrung; Schülerverhalten; Magister course; Magisterstudiengang; Doktorandenprogramm; Soziale Isolation; Peer-Beziehungen; Schulzeiteinteilung; Education; Access; Bildung; Zugang; Bildungszugang; Zweiter Bildungsweg
Abstract	The purpose of this dissertation study was to research the experience of nontraditional adult learners enrolled in an online program years after completing a degree in a traditional, brick-and-mortar institution. In the context of this study, a nontraditional student was a learner with a delayed start to a terminal degree after undergraduate work. The methodology chosen was a generic qualitative inquiry to better understand students' experience returning to school in a completely different atmosphere. The study's target population consisted of nontraditional, adult online learners enrolled in a Master's or a PhD program and having previously attended a traditional program. Eight participants were selected using a purposeful sampling strategy; they had the shared experience of being motivated to enroll in an online educational program. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with the eight nontraditional students selected for the study. Data were analyzed utilizing thematic analysis as suggested by the article by Percy, Kostere, and Kostere (2015), resulting in data established as units of meaning. The results of the study revealed seven themes supported by patterns suggesting convenience of the program to be a key factor, as well as camaraderie, a regimented schedule, and accessibility to coursework. A mature focus was found to be a popular sentiment as well, along with feelings of isolation, and a strong sense of importance for hindsight. Future research, preferably not performed during a pandemic, is recommended in an effort to find a more diverse sample as well as to conduct more personal interviews. [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/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.] (As Provided).
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Erfasst von	ERIC (Education Resources Information Center), Washington, DC
Update	2024/1/01