Who are Non-Traditional Students?
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.55707/ds-po.v41i1.219Keywords:
non-traditional students, tertiary education, study, adults, SloveniaAbstract
Non-traditional students, representing the fastest-growing segment of the student population in many educational systems, differ from traditional students who continue their studies immediately after completing high school. Due to social changes and globalization, the concept of non-traditional students is continually evolving, necessitating a new approach to its definition and understanding. This article examines the concept of non-traditional students within the context of tertiary education in Slovenia, where this term is relatively new. This article presents a research on the existing definitions of non-traditional students and critically assesses their relevance, particularly within the Slovenian context. It considers characteristics such as age, work experience, family responsibilities, and other specific circumstances that influence the participation of non-traditional students in tertiary education. The focus is on the challenges and opportunities associated with their inclusion in higher education, as well as the strategies aimed at enhancing their educational experiences.
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