Understanding the Experiences of Adult Learners: Content Analysis of Focus Group Data

Autor/inn/en	Zacharakis, Jeff; Steichen, Marie; Diaz de Sabates, Gabriela; Glass, Dianne
Titel	Understanding the Experiences of Adult Learners: Content Analysis of Focus Group Data
Quelle	In: Adult Basic Education and Literacy Journal, 5 (2011) 2, S.84-95 (12 Seiten) PDF als Volltext Verfügbarkeit
Sprache	englisch
Dokumenttyp	gedruckt; online; Zeitschriftenaufsatz
ISSN	1934-2322
Schlagwörter	Qualitative Research; Focus Groups; Adult Basic Education; Adult Education; Adult Learning; Adult Students; Content Analysis; School Holding Power; English (Second Language); Spanish; Data; Academic Achievement; Success; General Educational Development Tests + Suchen Sie Ihr Suchwort? Qualitative Forschung; Adult; Adults; Education; Adult education; Erwachsenenbildung; Adult basic education; Adult training; Adulte education; Student; Students; Erwachsenenalter; Studentin; Schüler; Schülerin; Inhaltsanalyse; English as second language; English; Second Language; Englisch als Zweitsprache; Spanisch; Daten; Schulleistung; Erfolg
Abstract	In this qualitative research study, we sought to better understand the experiences of adult learners in adult education centers. We conducted eight focus groups with 104 adult education students from 25 adult learning centers. Five groups were made up of English-speaking ABE students; learners in the three ESL groups spoke Spanish. We used an iterative content analysis method, Strategic Analysis of Representations Approach (SARA), to explore data gathered from the focus groups. Six themes emerged: empowerment/agency/energy, exigence, personal barriers, program challenges, program strengths, and self-perception. This research adds to and supports the growing body of knowledge on the role of adult learning in the lives of adult learners. It also can inform development of programmatic and strategic changes in individual adult learning centers to increase student retention, persistence, and success. (Contains 3 tables.) (As Provided).
Anmerkungen	Commission on Adult Basic Education and ProLiteracy America. 1320 Jamesville Avenue, Syracuse, NY 13210. Tel: 888-442-6223; Tel: 315-422-9121; Web site: http://www.coabe.org
Erfasst von	ERIC (Education Resources Information Center), Washington, DC
Update	2017/4/10