Adult learners’ perceptions of an undergraduate HRD degree completion programme: reasons for entering, attitudes towards programme and impact of programme

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to evaluate an undergraduate distance education (DE) programme based upon adult learners’ perceptions. The study investigated the value of the Human Resource Development programme at the University of Arkansas by examining the students’ reasons for returning to college, their attitudes towards the programme and the impact that the programme has had upon their lives. The respondents viewed DE as the best opportunity for adult students to complete their degrees. Female participants had significantly more positive attitudes towards DE than male participants did. The respondents had positive attitudes towards the learning environment, the instructors in the programme, the cohort design of the programme and the content of the programme. However, there were mixed opinions concerning the economic benefit of participation in the programme.

Keywords:

• non-traditional university students
• distance education
• Human Resource Development
• adult learners

Notes on contributors

Dan Dwyer is a lead trainer for Kraft Foods in Northwest Arkansas.

Dale Edward Thompson is an associate professor in Workforce Development Education at the University of Arkansas.

Cecelia K. Thompson is a professor in Curriculum & Instruction at the University of Arkansas.