On the Characteristics of Higher Education for Adults

The development of the information-based society and globalization processes have led to an unprecedented openness and diversity in education. As a result, the role of continuing education has risen significantly. More people must engage in learning throughout their lives, gaining both new and updated knowledge. The importance of continuing education is particularly important for adults who either have not been able to acquire the kind of education necessary for their current occupation or need to go through requalification or upgrade their qualifications because the conditions of their lives have changed. The authors conducted a study of ways to determine what motivates adults to go to school, and the influence of their practical experience on their attitudes toward acquiring knowledge. Two groups of respondents representing substantially different educational systems were selected: 109 students from the Northern California Division of the University of Phoenix and 102 students from the Tiumen State University of Petroleum and Gas. Although there were some differences in ranking of individual components, both groups were found to cite inability to attend classes every day or evening, loss of learning skills, gaps in basic knowledge, and lack of confidence as obstacles to continuing education. Both groups also cited as important the acquisition of practical knowledge and skills in order to deal with management problems, and a preference for theoretical lectures accompanied by discussion and a problem-based approached to instruction. (Contains 3 tables.)