Adult Learner Success in Accelerated Associate Degree Programs at a Regionally Accredited Multi-Campus Proprietary Institution

Abstract

The advent of the global knowledge economy and changing demographics have
 pressured the American postsecondary system to develop flexible alternative educational
 opportunities for adult learners. One of the most widespread institutional responses has
 been the development of accelerated courses and degree programs. Accelerated degree
 programs offer educational opportunities in time frames of less duration than the
 traditional semester or quarter formats. Concerns for maintaining educational quality
 make it imperative to develop best practices for the effective design of time-intensive
 curricula. The study
 found a strong correlation between student experiences rated in terms of Donaldson's and
 Graham's principles and perceptions of the relevance and applicability of their learning in
 their "lifeworlds." No significant correlation was found with GP A. Additionally, no
 significant correlation was found between perceived success in learning and final GP A.
 The graduates of associate degree programs at a regionally accredited multicampus
 proprietary institution in Florida comprised the study sample.

Includes bibliography.

Dissertation (Ph.D.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2007.

College of Education

FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection