As opposed to a traditional, "right out of high school" college student, an adult learner has well-defined and clear objectives with regard to the education process. An adult learner knows what opportunities he/she will be exposed to after obtaining a college degree and in what other ways he/she will benefit from obtaining it. Speaking in terms of career, typical "right out of high school" college students do not know what they want to pursue in their lives, while an adult learner views college as an opportunity for personal and professional; development. In actual fact, the combination of the above-mentioned factors is what makes the course of studies for an adult learner truly purposeful and meaningful.
One of the most fundamental advantages of learning at an older age is that study becomes purposeful and education is view as an opportunity for professional development, not a typical necessity. What is more, it no secret that “traditional students usually don’t start full-time work until after graduation, and many leave school under a mountain of debt” (qtd. in Distance-education.org). On the contrary, adult learners have better chances of getting their employers help with tuition or other forms of financial aid for educational purposes. Another major advantage of adult learning is the increased chances of finding a good job right after graduation. As opposed to young graduates, adult learners already have the required experience and qualifications.
Nevertheless, adult learning is also associated with several drawbacks. In the first place, adult learners are likely to feel like a fish out of water on college campus due to the age gap and different interests with their peers. Furthermore, adult learners tend to be more resistant to change because of some hardened personal beliefs, which might negatively affect their academic performance.
When I was younger, I used to think of studying in college and obtaining a degree as of another stage in life I have to pull through without any purpose. Nowadays, I completely realize the importance of pursuing a college education and a full range of opportunities, which opens in front of an individual after graduation. When people, even those who have been out for a while, come to this understanding, they are likely to come back to college at this particular time
Speaking from the perspective of acquiring knowledge, I will definitely gain from attending class through the Degree Completion Program as my studying g process is more informative, substantial and purposeful. However, it should be noted that, as opposed to taking classes on campus, a considerable element of communication and socialization is lost within the frames of the Degree Completion Program.
Works Cited
Williamson, Jennifer. "Benefits to Being an Adult Learner." Distance Education. Education.org, 5 May 2009. Web. 08 Feb. 2016. <http://www.distance-education.org/Articles/Benefits-to-Being-an-Adult-Learner-129.html>.
