what does research tell us - listening to adult learners

What does the

research tell usEngaging adult learners

Dr Mark Glynn

@glynnmark

National Institute of Digital Learning

Overview

• Background

• Context

• Student engagement

• Next steps

NIDL

National

Institute for

Digital

Learning

Open

Education

Unit

Digital

Learning

Research

Network

Teaching

Enhancement

Unit

Teaching Enhancement Unit

TEACHINGENHANCEMENT

UNIT

Onlineand Blended Learning

Support

Awards and Grants

Credit Earning Modules

Professional Development

Workshops

Context

42% of the 25 to 34 age

cohort have attained

tertiary education

compared to an OECD

average of 33% - only 17%

of the 55 to 64 age cohort

have done so compared

with 19% for the OECD as

a whole (OECD, 2008)

School vs Retiree

66% 14 years or less80% complete 2 level

Adult learners

Student Engagement

Through 20 years of research, it has been identified

that students who are engaged in the life of the

college have a higher quality experiencethan those at institutions where engagement is not

promoted (Kuh, 2001).

As Coates (2010) states, ‘contemporary perspectives

of student engagement now touch on aspects of

teaching, the broader student experience,

learners’ lives beyond University, and institutional

support’.

Indices

Academic Challenge -the extent to which expectations and assessments

challenge students to learn

Active Learning - students’ efforts to actively index knowledge

Student Staff Interactions - the level and nature of students’ contact

and interaction with teaching staff

Enriching Educational Experiences - students’ participation in

broadening educational activities

Supportive Learning Environment - students’ feelings of support

within the University community; and

Work Integrated Learning - integration of employment-focused work

experiences into study.

Student Engagement

Staff student interaction

Enriching Educational Experiences

Technology holds the key

What next

• Further research

• Integrate technology

• Collaborate

• Next steps

National Institute for Digital Learning

Listening,

Linking,

Leading