Cypriot Journal of Educational Sciences

Yazarlar: Ana Vitoria Baptista

Konular:-

Anahtar Kelimeler:Higher Education,Non-Traditional Adult Students,Lifelong Learning.

Özet: With this paper, the author aims two main things: (i) to systematise the main characteristics of NTAS, based on a theoretical background and a research that was run at a Portuguese Higher Education institution, and (ii) to reflect on possible implications the growing presence of NTAS may have to HE institutions and, thus, possible strategies to put into practice to answer this ‘public’ profile, particularly from a pedagogical perspective. This reflection is even more important to be considered since many countries are starting to deal with an increasing number of non-traditional adult students entering for the first time in Higher Education, namely at undergraduate level. This is in fact the case of Portugal. Regarding the main characteristics of NTAS we observe a congruence and semantic dialogue between the theoretical background it has been followed and the results that emerged from the investigation – from social, demographic, professional, academic and motivation perspectives. This reinforces the importance of discussing the impact non-tradition ‘publics’ has to the Higher Education system. Therefore, it is drawn some recommendations that institutions should reflect on, particularly when assuming and facing diversity and heterogeneity.  

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