Motivations and Experiences of Non-Traditional Adult Students in Slovenia
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.55707/ds-po.v40i2.177Keywords:
non-traditional students, adults, tertiary education, study, lifelong learningAbstract
Non-traditional adult students encounter more challenges than traditional students, and their numbers are steadily increasing. The article presents the results of a qualitative study examining the motives and experiences of non-traditional adult students in Slovenia. The research reveals diverse motives for enrolling in tertiary education. Some students are driven by strong intrinsic motivation, focusing on learning and personal development. In contrast, other students are goal-oriented, aiming to achieve career objectives, with economic motives or motives related to professional development dominating. Most interviewees report positive experiences with the teaching staff, underscoring the importance of support given by educational personnel. Nonetheless, they express dissatisfaction with the monotony of lectures and the lack of practical content, highlighting the need to adapt educational programmes to the requirements of adult students. Balancing academic obligations with other life roles poses a significant challenge, with insufficient time often being a pronounced issue. Financial barriers are often at the forefront as well, especially for students who self-finance their studies. Despite these obstacles, non-traditional adult students exhibit a high level of adaptability and time-optimisation skills.
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