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Adult Learner Success Series: Meeting the Programming Needs of Adult Learners

Development of ALSS. Penn State Lehigh Valley. Approximately 850 students enrolledFive Bachelor degree programsThree Associate degree programsTwo minorsAdult Learner population of approx. 22%. Adult Development Theories. Erickson : 3/8 stages of psychosocial development focus on adulthoodIntimacy vs. Isolation, Generativity vs. Stagnation, Integrity vs. DespairSchlossberg: transitions

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Adult Learner Success Series: Meeting the Programming Needs of Adult Learners

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    1. Adult Learner Success Series: Meeting the Programming Needs of Adult Learners Jessica L. Kirkwood, Coordinator of Career & Internship Services Debra Mynar, Adult Learner Penn State Lehigh Valley Welcome and thank you for attending our session – ALSS: Meeting the Programming Needs of Adult Learners Welcome and thank you for attending our session – ALSS: Meeting the Programming Needs of Adult Learners

    2. Development of ALSS

    3. Penn State Lehigh Valley Approximately 850 students enrolled Five Bachelor degree programs Three Associate degree programs Two minors Adult Learner population of approx. 22% 5 Bachelor degrees: Business, Applied Psych, IST, Elem & Kindergarten Educ, OLEAD 3 Associate degrees: Business, IST, Letters Arts & Sciences 2 minors: Business, Civic & Community Engagement (new Fall 2009) 5 Bachelor degrees: Business, Applied Psych, IST, Elem & Kindergarten Educ, OLEAD 3 Associate degrees: Business, IST, Letters Arts & Sciences 2 minors: Business, Civic & Community Engagement (new Fall 2009)

    4. Adult Development Theories Erickson : 3/8 stages of psychosocial development focus on adulthood Intimacy vs. Isolation, Generativity vs. Stagnation, Integrity vs. Despair Schlossberg: transitions & adult development Belenky, Clichy, Goldberger, & Tarule (1986): women finding a “voice” Reeves, P.M. (1999) Submitted a proposal for ALSS & rewarded an Incentive Grant in the amount of $1200 for Adult Learner programs/services from the Commission for Adult Learners Campus contribution of $600 Developed the proposal for ALSS & formulated my ideas based on 3 adult development theories: Erickson – adults master these stages by forming genuine relationships, supporting the next generation, & acquiring wisdom respectively (Reeves, 1999) Schlossberg – theory focuses on importance of transitions and how it relates to adult development. Transitions help people to understand behavior & provide opportunities for learning & growth (Reeves, 1999). Belenky, Clichy, Goldberger, & Tarule (1986): talks about women finding a “voice” for successful intellectual & personal development (Reeves, 1999). Submitted a proposal for ALSS & rewarded an Incentive Grant in the amount of $1200 for Adult Learner programs/services from the Commission for Adult Learners Campus contribution of $600 Developed the proposal for ALSS & formulated my ideas based on 3 adult development theories: Erickson – adults master these stages by forming genuine relationships, supporting the next generation, & acquiring wisdom respectively (Reeves, 1999) Schlossberg – theory focuses on importance of transitions and how it relates to adult development. Transitions help people to understand behavior & provide opportunities for learning & growth (Reeves, 1999). Belenky, Clichy, Goldberger, & Tarule (1986): talks about women finding a “voice” for successful intellectual & personal development (Reeves, 1999).

    5. Programming Topics & Adult Development Theories Financial Planning Generativity vs. Stagnation, Integrity vs. Despair Technology Schlossberg Networking/Mentoring Intimacy vs. Isolation Empowerment of Women Belenky, Clichy, Goldberger, & Tarule (1986) Will talk about how the adult development theories relate to the programming topics pre-selected in the proposal Financial Planning: relates to Erikson’s Generativity vs. Stagnation & Integrity vs. Despair since the program will provide students with the knowledge and resources to become financially secure & support themselves & their families Technology: relates to Schlossberg’s theory in that it can be considered a “transition” of sorts since it is constantly evolving & changing. Providing programs that teach adults how to utilize current and emerging technologies will enable them to better function academically and in the workplace. This will ultimately make them more marketable to employers. Networking/Mentoring: relates to Erikson’s Intimacy vs. Isolation because relationships will help adult feel more connected to the campus community. If adult students feel supported and connected from early on, they may be more likely to become actively involved & remain at PSLV. Empowerment of Women: relates to Belenky et al. since providing services targeted to supporting & empowering female adult learners, who may have had to overcome multiple obstacles, will contribute to their academic & personal success. Will talk about how the adult development theories relate to the programming topics pre-selected in the proposal Financial Planning: relates to Erikson’s Generativity vs. Stagnation & Integrity vs. Despair since the program will provide students with the knowledge and resources to become financially secure & support themselves & their families Technology: relates to Schlossberg’s theory in that it can be considered a “transition” of sorts since it is constantly evolving & changing. Providing programs that teach adults how to utilize current and emerging technologies will enable them to better function academically and in the workplace. This will ultimately make them more marketable to employers. Networking/Mentoring: relates to Erikson’s Intimacy vs. Isolation because relationships will help adult feel more connected to the campus community. If adult students feel supported and connected from early on, they may be more likely to become actively involved & remain at PSLV. Empowerment of Women: relates to Belenky et al. since providing services targeted to supporting & empowering female adult learners, who may have had to overcome multiple obstacles, will contribute to their academic & personal success.

    6. Goals of ALSS Increase recruitment, retention, and satisfaction of adult learners at Penn State Lehigh Valley Connect adult learners to the campus community through the development of relationships with each other Help adult learners develop their own “identity” and support system on campus Provide programs of interest that will increase learning (knowledge) & participation of adult learners in out-of-class (co-curricular) activities Deb will now discuss program planning and the 4 ALSS events Deb will now discuss program planning and the 4 ALSS events

    7. Program Planning

    8. Adult Learner Advisory Council Developed to provide feedback and suggestions for the ALSS program Requirements: Attend two meetings each semester Attend one ALSS event each semester Promoted through LV adult newsletter, opportunity to selfishly influence direction of sessions AND provide the adult learner perspective that might increase program success, personal goals: help to establish a support resource for present and future adult learners, build relationships with other adult learners, staff and faculty (social capital), socialize & feel connected to PSUPromoted through LV adult newsletter, opportunity to selfishly influence direction of sessions AND provide the adult learner perspective that might increase program success, personal goals: help to establish a support resource for present and future adult learners, build relationships with other adult learners, staff and faculty (social capital), socialize & feel connected to PSU

    9. ALAC Membership 16 adult learners 5 faculty 4 staff members Population diversity - challenge of meeting varied availability needs for meetings resulted in multiple sessions of the same meeting = smaller groups might have hindered “brainstorming” and were difficult to coordinate and chair Population diversity - challenge of meeting varied availability needs for meetings resulted in multiple sessions of the same meeting = smaller groups might have hindered “brainstorming” and were difficult to coordinate and chair

    10. Collaborations & Support University Relations Digital Commons Alumni Relations Penn State Alumni Career Services Student Affairs Faculty/staff Area professionals/community members Success of ALSS dependent upon the contribution of talents and resources from many PSU departments, as well as students and groups within the surrounding communities. Talk about how LV Career Services, LV Alumni Society and PSU Alumni Career Services collaborated on networking event.Success of ALSS dependent upon the contribution of talents and resources from many PSU departments, as well as students and groups within the surrounding communities. Talk about how LV Career Services, LV Alumni Society and PSU Alumni Career Services collaborated on networking event.

    11. Marketing, Advertising, Promotion Invitations sent via postal mail to all PSLV adult learners (Fall 160, Spring 142) Invitations emailed to all PSLV adult learners Active participation of adult learners in programs (presenters) 14” X 8.5” colored posters PSLV Newswire PSLV News & Events on homepage PSLV online campus calendar Career Services website (Events page) Table tents PSU LV Adult Learner group on Facebook Student Affairs emails to students regarding campus events Emails to faculty & staff to promote events Word of mouth Promotion by Adult Learner Advisory Council Variety of efforts necessary to reach adult learner populationVariety of efforts necessary to reach adult learner population

    12. ALSS Programs

    13. Financial Planning for the Future First Event ALAC narrowed “financial” topic down to money management tips b/c AL frequently juggle multiple commitments like supporting families, funding education for themselves and children, debt, retirement Buffet dinner @ PSU LV = more social, informal atmosphere Speakers with audio-visual presentations also available for one-on-one discussions or personal appts Michael Miller, Merrill Lynch, specializing in families with special needs children or adults available for investment consultation Attendance = 50 AL, F & S, evening business class First Event ALAC narrowed “financial” topic down to money management tips b/c AL frequently juggle multiple commitments like supporting families, funding education for themselves and children, debt, retirement Buffet dinner @ PSU LV = more social, informal atmosphere Speakers with audio-visual presentations also available for one-on-one discussions or personal appts Michael Miller, Merrill Lynch, specializing in families with special needs children or adults available for investment consultation Attendance = 50 AL, F & S, evening business class

    14. Investing, Budgeting & Decreasing Debt Kevin Brosious, CFP, CPA, PFS Founder & President of Wealth Management, Inc., a financial planning and registered investment advisory firm Adjunct professor at both Penn State Lehigh Valley and DeSales Universities teaching personal finance, investments and other business courses Cash Flow Questionnaire importance of monthly and annual budgeting = being aware of the money coming in and where it is going better judgment and informed spending decisions = knowing where to cut the fat = $$$ in your pocketCash Flow Questionnaire importance of monthly and annual budgeting = being aware of the money coming in and where it is going better judgment and informed spending decisions = knowing where to cut the fat = $$$ in your pocket

    15. Saving Strategies & Finding the “Right” Financial Planner Ray Hitti Marketing Manager for Pfizer Pharmaceuticals 10 years with John Hancock Mutual Life Adjunct business professor at Penn State Lehigh Valley Set financial priorities and realistic goals – set a plan and stick to it Put $$ where it will do the most good like paying off high % rate credit cards first Find a financial planner that understands your plan and priorities and will work to help you attain them Set financial priorities and realistic goals – set a plan and stick to it Put $$ where it will do the most good like paying off high % rate credit cards first Find a financial planner that understands your plan and priorities and will work to help you attain them

    16. Empowering Adult Learners through Technology Combining technology and networking to increase community identity among adult learners by providing alternative methods of connecting. ATTENDANCE: 16 adult learners, faculty and staff

    17. Empowering Adult Learners through Technology PSU-LV Adult Learners on Facebook Tricia Clark – Instructional Designer Eileen Grodziak – Digital Commons Jessica Kirkwood – Coordinator, Career Services Debra Mynar – a student’s perspective Second Event @ PSU LV with light refreshments ALAC narrowed topic from “technology” to networking through technology – little need for tech instruction b/c MIS class requirements – desire to use technology to increase community identity by providing alternative methods of connecting ALAC – AL mentoring AL, showcase AL skills and achievements by encouraging them to present in sessions Facebook: basic tour, setup, features, privacy settings PSU Lehigh Valley Adult Learner Group on Facebook - specifically for adult learners and alumni at Penn State Lehigh Valley as a forum for social and professional networking, discussions, and lasting connections to PSLV. Written tutorial handout on how to create an account Benefits from a student’s perspective: connect with & support other AL despite geographic barriers, book swap, event notification/promotion, pictures Second Event @ PSU LV with light refreshments ALAC narrowed topic from “technology” to networking through technology – little need for tech instruction b/c MIS class requirements – desire to use technology to increase community identity by providing alternative methods of connecting ALAC – AL mentoring AL, showcase AL skills and achievements by encouraging them to present in sessions Facebook: basic tour, setup, features, privacy settings PSU Lehigh Valley Adult Learner Group on Facebook - specifically for adult learners and alumni at Penn State Lehigh Valley as a forum for social and professional networking, discussions, and lasting connections to PSLV. Written tutorial handout on how to create an account Benefits from a student’s perspective: connect with & support other AL despite geographic barriers, book swap, event notification/promotion, pictures

    18. Empowering Adult Learners through Technology LionLink Professional networking program for PSU students and alumni offered through Alumni Career Services Connects and establishes relationships with alumni for career information, advice and more connections Networking etiquette Networking resources available to PSU students – learn from other students and alum Communicating with people who may already be established in fields of interest to you can serve as a source of information about the field, about specific opportunities within it, and about ways to market yourself effectively to others. Networking is not asking someone for a job. It is about establishing relationships with people that will provide you with access to information that is crucial to a successful job or career search.Networking resources available to PSU students – learn from other students and alum Communicating with people who may already be established in fields of interest to you can serve as a source of information about the field, about specific opportunities within it, and about ways to market yourself effectively to others. Networking is not asking someone for a job. It is about establishing relationships with people that will provide you with access to information that is crucial to a successful job or career search.

    19. Empowering Adult Learners through Technology Nittany Lion Recruiting PSU on-line internship and job posting system Create a profile Post a resume Search for internships Search for part-time and full-time employment opportunities

    20. Empowering Adult Learners through Technology Blogging Kate Morgan - Director, University Relations Sharin Crivellaro – a student’s perspective The blogs at Penn State Alex Burdine – a student’s perspective Blogging for $ overview, purpose, content, examples Instructional handouts of additional how-to resources. Sharin and Alex, PSU LV AL, talked about their different experiences with blogging Attendance: 16 AL, F & Soverview, purpose, content, examples Instructional handouts of additional how-to resources. Sharin and Alex, PSU LV AL, talked about their different experiences with blogging Attendance: 16 AL, F & S

    21. Nittany Networking Event WE ARE PENN STATE! Bringing adult learners and alumni together to build a bridge for mentoring and networking ATTENDANCE: 68 adult learners, faculty, staff, alumni and guests

    22. Nittany Networking Event A joint effort of: PSU-LV Career Services PSU-LV Alumni Society PSU Alumni Career Services Tips on effective networking Jennifer Wetzel & Misty Pavlic, PSU Alumni Career Services Third Event Introduce AL to Alum Off-campus restaurant w/ appetizers and cash bar, drawing for door prizes – fun, informal, social atmosphere Reduced cost for AL attend this event if you are looking for a new job, seeking to grow your business, develop professionally, are seeking to hire talent, want to grow your network, or are looking at connecting with other alumni in LV Importance of building social capital – take time to build relationships - differentiate yourself from everyone else Attendance = 68 AL, F&S, Alum & guests Third Event Introduce AL to Alum Off-campus restaurant w/ appetizers and cash bar, drawing for door prizes – fun, informal, social atmosphere Reduced cost for AL attend this event if you are looking for a new job, seeking to grow your business, develop professionally, are seeking to hire talent, want to grow your network, or are looking at connecting with other alumni in LV Importance of building social capital – take time to build relationships - differentiate yourself from everyone else Attendance = 68 AL, F&S, Alum & guests

    23. Nittany Networking Event William Baker – Owner, Dunderbak’s Cafe Director of National Restaurant Association Dunderbak’s – in LV since 1970’s Shared how his PS connections helped contribute to his success – financing banker was PSU alum PSU on his resume gave associates the impression that he had the “tools” necessary for succeed Time before and after presentation to mingle with Alum and ALDunderbak’s – in LV since 1970’s Shared how his PS connections helped contribute to his success – financing banker was PSU alum PSU on his resume gave associates the impression that he had the “tools” necessary for succeed Time before and after presentation to mingle with Alum and AL

    24. Women & Work Developing an understanding of women as leaders and learning about opportunities for women in local organizations ATTENDANCE: 14 adult learners, faculty, staff and organization representatives

    25. Women & Work Dr. David Livert Asst. Professor of Psychology Lorraine McClure – a student’s perspective Asst. to Director of Student Affairs May B.S. Business graduate Fourth Event Buffet dinner @ PSU LV Learned about women’s leadership in the workplace Research statistics on the advancement of women Evolution of “glass ceiling” to “labyrinth”, transactional vs. transformational leadership How perspectives need to change in order to overcome the bias about women in leadership Lorraine spoke about how she has balanced multiple roles on the way to earning her degree, including working on Wall Street, raising a family, learning as an adult, and achievement of goals at any age Fourth Event Buffet dinner @ PSU LV Learned about women’s leadership in the workplace Research statistics on the advancement of women Evolution of “glass ceiling” to “labyrinth”, transactional vs. transformational leadership How perspectives need to change in order to overcome the bias about women in leadership Lorraine spoke about how she has balanced multiple roles on the way to earning her degree, including working on Wall Street, raising a family, learning as an adult, and achievement of goals at any age

    26. Women’s Organizations Business & Professional Women’s Club of the Lehigh Valley To achieve equity for all women in the workplace through advocacy, education, and information League of Women Voters A nonpartisan political organization, encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy CareerLink Connects communities, organizations and individuals to new ideas, technologies, talent, jobs, and opportunities Handout of local organizations, including description and contact info Attendance = 14 AL, F & S, repsHandout of local organizations, including description and contact info Attendance = 14 AL, F & S, reps

    27. Assessment

    28. ALSS Program Survey Likert 4 point scale = 5 questions Assessed knowledge, interaction, connectedness, and likelihood of future participation One open-ended question One multiple choice question 30 surveys completed Survey included 7 questions & was distributed after each ALSS program Likert 4 point scale which consisted of 5 questions which assessed knowledge gained, the ability to meet & interact with other adult learners, the feeling of connectedness to PSLV, & the likelihood for future participation Example survey passed out: Strongly Disagree (1 point) Disagree (2 points) Agree (3 points) Strongly Agree (4 points) Exception for Question # 4 – reversed scored to check reliability of the survey (Question # 1) 1 open-ended question (#6) which asks “How can PSLV enhance the out-of-class experience & help adult learners feel more invested in the campus community?” 1 multiple choice (check all that apply) question (#7) which asks “What additional programs, services, & events do you feel would increase satisfaction levels of adult learners on campus?” Given some choices. Survey included 7 questions & was distributed after each ALSS program Likert 4 point scale which consisted of 5 questions which assessed knowledge gained, the ability to meet & interact with other adult learners, the feeling of connectedness to PSLV, & the likelihood for future participation Example survey passed out: Strongly Disagree (1 point) Disagree (2 points) Agree (3 points) Strongly Agree (4 points) Exception for Question # 4 – reversed scored to check reliability of the survey (Question # 1) 1 open-ended question (#6) which asks “How can PSLV enhance the out-of-class experience & help adult learners feel more invested in the campus community?” 1 multiple choice (check all that apply) question (#7) which asks “What additional programs, services, & events do you feel would increase satisfaction levels of adult learners on campus?” Given some choices.

    29. ALSS Survey RESULTS Results proved favorable All of the ALSS programs scored above a 3.0/4.0. The overall average for the four programs is a 3.41/4.0. Results proved favorable All of the ALSS programs scored above a 3.0/4.0. The overall average for the four programs is a 3.41/4.0.

    30. ALSS Survey RESULTS What programs/services/events will increase satisfaction levels? (multiple choice) Adult learner organization (23) Professional development (17) Lecture series (16) Family-friendly activities (7) Other (1 – mentoring)

    31. ALSS Survey RESULTS How can PSLV enhance the co-curricular experience & increase investment in campus community? “These workshops and discussions are a great beginning.” “By continuing to build relationships on the level of an adult learner and offer them more programs which will be helpful to them in their everyday lives.” “I’ve enjoyed hearing the personal stories that have been shared through these sessions. Thank you.” Specific topic suggestions: more detailed & active Facebook group, time management, Second Life, direct mentoring Examples of student statements Examples of student statements

    32. Future of ALSS Deb will now talk about the future of the ALSS initiative Deb will now talk about the future of the ALSS initiative

    33. Group Discussion What programs or activities are most likely to attract a large percentage of such a diverse population of adult learners?

    34. Suggested Improvements Actively utilizing adult learners and/or Adult Learner Advisory Council to plan & implement programs Participation in SGA Development of Adult Learner Organization Collaboration with departments Student Development Team (Student Affairs) Alumni Relations Faculty buy-in Adult Learner – break into subcommittees & assign tasks to be completed. This will help them feel more invested in programs. SGA – adult learners need to become more active & involved in SGA. SGA meetings - great way to express their needs and interests Incoming SGA president is an adult learner that is open to ideas Alternative methods of delivery (video conferencing, conference calls, SGA wiki for feedback) Adult Learner Organization – must be student initiated & driven and go through SGA & Student Affairs channels, supported by staff/faculty Collaboration Student Dev. Team headed by Student Affairs and includes Financial Aid, Student Support Services, Alumni Relations, and University Relations to promote the development needs of all students as PSLV. This group can develop and implement programming specific to adult learner needs. Alumni Relations – many adults don’t know that they can attend alum events. Promoting events to adult learners at reduced costs Faculty Buy-in – see if programs can be incorporated into course curriculum if related – guarantees attendance at events Adult Learner – break into subcommittees & assign tasks to be completed. This will help them feel more invested in programs. SGA – adult learners need to become more active & involved in SGA. SGA meetings - great way to express their needs and interests Incoming SGA president is an adult learner that is open to ideas Alternative methods of delivery (video conferencing, conference calls, SGA wiki for feedback) Adult Learner Organization – must be student initiated & driven and go through SGA & Student Affairs channels, supported by staff/faculty Collaboration Student Dev. Team headed by Student Affairs and includes Financial Aid, Student Support Services, Alumni Relations, and University Relations to promote the development needs of all students as PSLV. This group can develop and implement programming specific to adult learner needs. Alumni Relations – many adults don’t know that they can attend alum events. Promoting events to adult learners at reduced costs Faculty Buy-in – see if programs can be incorporated into course curriculum if related – guarantees attendance at events

    35. References Reeves, P. M. (1999). Psychological Development. In M. C. Clark & R. S. Caffarella (Eds.), New directions for adult and continuing education: Number 84. An update on adult development theory: New ways of thinking about the life course (pp. 19-27). San Francisco, CA: Jossey Bass Publishers.  

    36. Questions???

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