AboutCynthia Wolfe Expertise Let me help you with questions about adult education and continuing education programs. If you are looking for a program or have questions about adult education in general, I can guide you. If you are a teacher looking for new ideas or methods, I can help. I have resources and ideas to share. I am a member of the National Business Education Association (NBEA), a professional organization devoted to the recognition that business education competencies are essential for all individuals in today's fast-changing society.
Experience I am an instructor at the University of Phoenix, working in online and classroom modalities. I am also a student at Northcentral University, where I am working on a PhD in Business Administration, with a specialty in Management. My MBA is from Troy University, 2001, and I have a BS, Environmental Science, from Troy University, 1980. Read about my experiences as an online student at my blog thinkPhD.
Question What are some challenges adult student face when they go back to school?
Answer Hi Kathy,
Wow - this is a big question. Adult students face many challenges, most being specific to their life roles. For example, some have children, so we would add "childcare" issues to the list. Some may have a job, so we would add "need space and time for studying." Or, perhaps they are working on an online degree, we would add "technical issues related to computer access."
Generally, adult students face the same issues as other students, plus all the extras that are related to their independent place in life. However, you must remember that adult students are usually more dedicated because they bring the experience of being turned down for a job because they did not have a degree, or they have lost their need to "party" and are much more serious about education. In addition, adult student rarely get scholarships and they are paying their own way. Paying for something yourself is particularly sobering.
If you are an adult considering going back to school, consider the pressures you face every day, and double them. Then weigh your dedication to your list...and sign up for school! You can do it!
