The Pursuit of Higher Education as an Adult Learner

The pursuit of higher education is both a privilege and a challenge. First, it is a privilege as it requires a certain amount of finances, ability, motivation, and personal choice. Yet, this privilege is not always available to all persons who may desire to engage due to factors including: cultural biases in standardized testing, geographical location or distance, lack of exposure to such opportunities, inadequate educational facilities and lack of teachers for grades k-12, and institutional forms of discrimination. In addition to such societal barriers are personal life challenges that may impede the pursuit of higher education. Second, it is also a challenge as it requires a good level of personal discipline, focus, organization, and ability to problem solve.

As I reflect on my education, I have found that approximately 22 years of my life have included participating in a classroom, purchasing textbooks, and preparing a lunch that can be packed and easily reheated when I have a break from class. Those 22 years of education from kindergarten to the pursuit of my doctorate degree have been well worth while. Furthermore, as an adult student, pursuing higher education requires a certain amount of responsibility to self-educate rather than having a sole reliance on the instructor. For example, the instructor will provide guidance as far as the text to purchase, in-class activities, and the foundational information for which the course was designed to provide. In addition, the instructor will provide feedback that will enable student growth, self-awareness, and change. Yet, as a student, I feel I carry the responsibility to engage in methods that will help me to further understand and apply the class information. Therefore, the following includes certain steps I have taken to do so:

1. Seek the Answer

I have learned that outside of the classroom, if I have a question regarding certain textbook content or how to complete an activity, it is important for me to apply critical thinking and problem solving skills prior to asking the instructor. This is a skill that is necessary in daily life therefore why not practice this with my education as well. I have recognized that the textbooks include a considerable amount of resources at the end of each chapter (i.e. internet links, book titles, etc.) that will provide me with a further understanding of the information. In addition, the college or university also provides departments that are available to help students (i.e. online library, writing center, internet technology department, trainings, etc.). Furthermore, my classmates are a rich source of information and may be able to guide me in certain areas. Therefore, as an adult learner, it is important for me to seek resolution to my questions rather than using the instructor as an immediate crutch but as an alternative when I am unable to locate the answer.

2. Prepare for Class

Okay, honestly, I rarely complete all the reading assignments prior to class. Yet, I compromise by at least skimming the opening and closing paragraphs of each section within the chapter. These paragraphs often provide a brief overview and summary of the information in the section. In doing this, I will not feel like a complete "deer in headlights" when the instructor is discussing a topic or asks for feedback from the class. In addition, I may jot down thoughts or questions so I may contribute to the class discussion. Oftentimes, I have noticed that certain classmates tend to carry the weight of the class discussions while others seem to reap the benefits. Therefore, it is important for me to fulfill my role and express my voice.

3. Self-Evaluate

As I transition through courses, I take time to self-reflect and determine what I may have done better to be more successful in a course. Could I have increased my level of participation? Could I have read additional materials related to the course to increase my understanding? Could I have connected with a classmate for discussion so we could share our understanding? Overall, it is critical for me to take steps to learn and grow in my profession beyond the expectations identified in the syllabus.