Attracting and Retaining Adult Learners. Summary Report of a Nationwide Survey.

The American College Testing Program, P.O. Box 168, Iowa City, IA 52243 ($2.00).

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Practitioners

Academic Advising; Academic Persistence; Adult Students; Ancillary School Services; Curriculum Development; Higher Education; Marketing; Prior Learning; Program Descriptions; Program Effectiveness; Questionnaires; School Holding Power; School Orientation; School Schedules; School Surveys; Skill Development; Student Financial Aid; Student Recruitment

Results of a national survey, "Attracting and Retaining Adult Learners" (ARAL), by the American College Testing Program are summarized. Attention is focused on programs and services that have been successful with adult learners. ARAL respondents were from three types of institutions: (1) those for whom adult learners represent a primary thrust of their institutions; (2) those for whom adult learners represent a new but growing clientele and who are interested in providing or expanding adult-focused programs; and (3) those who have little experience with adult learners but are interested in adults as potential students, and who plan to modify, expand, or create programs and services in order to attract this population. Data for each type of institution are provided on: mean adult and total enrollments; definitions of adults; reasons adults drop out; programs, services, and activities for adults; number and percent of program categories ranked most essential; number of program description forms returned; mean ranked satisfaction of program category; mean ranked effectiveness of program category; mean ranked effectiveness for target group. Information is also provided on stratification and sample sizes for the general sample. The ARAL questionnaire is appended. (SW)

1985

ED256261