Provoking Reflection: A Photovoice Exploration of Non-Traditional Adult Learners’ Challenges in a Jamaican Higher Education Context

Abstract

The demand for higher education has been increasing in Jamaica as in many other Caribbean countries. Those who respond to such demands, pursuing further studies in higher education, will need to navigate many obligations and challenges. Additionally, some individuals may be First Generation (FG) adult learners and may lack the tacit knowledge and emotional sustenance to help them succeed. Consequently, adult learners pursuing postgraduate studies will need support in understanding themselves as learners and how to succeed. This study reports findings on challenges that non-traditional adult learners in a Jamaican higher education context face in pursuing postgraduate studies. Using the photovoice research method, qualitative data were collected from 10 adult learners through photographed representations of prompts, photovoice focus group discussions, and participants’ reflections. The main findings revealed that the adult learners experienced multiple conflicting emotions as they engaged in their postgraduate programmes of study; experienced challenges balancing their multiple roles and responsibilities, some of which were linked to their status as FG adult learners; and characterised the COVID-19 pandemic as having a dualistic nature, one that exacerbated challenges whilst also offering them opportunities to focus on their studies as well as themselves. The article makes recommendations for supporting these adult learners at the institutional and personal levels as they pursue their studies.

Keywords:

• Higher education
• adult learners
• photovoice
• First Generation
• Caribbean

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Carmel Roofe

Carmel Roofe is a Senior Lecturer and the programme co-ordinator for masters and doctoral programmes in Curriculum Studies at The University of the West Indies, Mona. She is also the co-founder and current president of the Caribbean Association for the Advancement of Curriculum Studies and the Chair of the Taskforce on the Internationalization of Curriculum Studies for the American Association for the Advancement of Curriculum Studies.

Therese Ferguson

Therese Ferguson is a Senior Lecturer in Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) in the School of Education (SOE) at The University of the West Indies (Mona Campus, Jamaica). Dr. Ferguson serves as the Programme Leader for Change from Within, a school-based initiative in Jamaica that addresses violence and indiscipline. She is also the Coordinator of the ESD Working Group within the SOE.

Saran Stewart

Saran Stewart is an Associate Professor of Higher Education and Student Affairs and Director of Global Education at the Neag School of Education, as well as Faculty Director for the Global House Living and Learning Community at the University of Connecticut in the USA. She was formerly a Senior Lecturer and Deputy Dean at the University of the West Indies in Jamaica.

Neveta Roberts

Neveta Roberts is a graduate of the University of the West Indies and Shortwood Teachers’ College in Jamaica. She holds a masters degree in Language Education and currently lectures in the department of Language, Literacy and Literature at the Mico University College.