Reintegration Into College, A Lot To Consider For The “Boomer.”
The mid-life learner, or “Boomer,” faces many challenges and unfamiliar options when making the decision to pursue a degree. Then why are they returning to school in such large numbers? What are the factors they consider when making this important decision? What are the methods to attend school as they decide their best choice? The challenges are significant; the format can be unknown, the rewards may be considered diminishing. Additionally, the costs are high in both time and money, yet they return. The adult learner may have to balance family, a paid job with time constraints, and other needs. If they return to school, they may encounter an emotionally uncomfortable environment. The returning learner will have defined the payoff for themselves and determined their definition of academic success.
Who are these older returnees to a college education? Statistically speaking they are over 40 years old and make up the second largest …show more content…
This freedom allows for the balancing of a full life. There are several teaching modalities provided by different, accredited, online programs. Usually, the classes are taught in a format that includes weekly assignments and test that are due on certain dates. In this case, no actual attendance is required in class. For the self-disciplined student, this can allow for setting aside blocks of time that will allow for juggling studies, work and family. Another version of online education is a University such as Western Governors that charges a fixed amount for a given period. The student takes as many credits as they can during this time, and whether or not the work is done, they pay another fee at a set time (Western Governors University, 2016). There are no due dates, and you can take as long as you want to finish your work, but you must finish the work to progress