Adult Student Center Newsletter, Issue 17

Welcome to the Learning Circle! Issue No. 17, April 3, 2001

The Learning Circle biweekly newsletter, published by the Adult Student Center, provides information and inspiration for adults returning to college. To subscribe to the Learning Circle, please visit http://www.adultstudentcenter.com/register.htm. If you no longer need this information, you may unsubscribe by forwarding this entire message to unsub@adultstudentcenter.com

IN THIS ISSUE:

Editor's Note
Feature Story: Challenges of the "Mature Student"
Feature Article: Working Together
New Resources: Mind Mapping
Spotlight: Iowa State University, We Can!

EDITOR'S NOTE

You are invited to share adult student survival tips, experiences, stories and even articles through the Forum at the Adult Student Center. http://www.normandaviesgroup.com/wwwboard

FEATURE STORY

Challenges of the "Mature Student" - Candida Hemsley

"Most adults who have gone back to school after many years and have graduated will tell you that it was very difficult. They will recount the numerous obstacles they had to face and the tireless commitment it took to finish. But they will also tell you that it is probably one of the most rewarding experiences of their life, and that the sense of accomplishment is unparalleled. Being a student at this stage of my life is a wonderful journey that I decided to embark on. I have totally changed directions. I was an International Trade Specialist in a bank for over 15 years. However, I have returned to school to get a degree in music. I don't necessarily know exactly what I am going to be &when I grow up", but if I face the challenges of student-hood with the confidence, experience, and maturity that my years have given me, and tackle my fears head on, I know I will succeed." Read Candida's story at: http://www.adultstudentcenter.com/story2.htm

FEATURE ARTICLE

Working together

Typically, "non-traditional" refers to students over 25 who have been away from school for several years. Used in this sense, about 47%* of all college students are non-traditional students. But the definition of a non-traditional student keeps expanding. Now "non-traditional" or "neo-non-traditional" is also used to refer to students of any age who don't fit the mold of the typical college student. These students may be single parents, they may work full time, or they may commute rather than live on campus. Used in this broader sense, non-traditional students are now the majority in U.S. colleges, with over 60%** of the student population.

However you want to use the term "non-traditional," there's an organization that wears the non-traditional badge with honor: ANTSHE - the Association for Non-Traditional Students in Higher Education. There are a few organizations working with schools to improve the college experience of adult learners. ANTSHE is one of these. The ANTSHE mission is to "encourage and coordinate support, education and advocacy for the adult learning community." Its greatest strength is in its dedication to providing a forum for students as well as to influencing institutional policies.

ANTSHE holds regional conferences and one national conference each year. Just a few weeks ago, Iowa State University co-sponsored and hosted the 4th annual ANTSHE conference which attracted students and administrators from all over the country and even abroad. There were presentations on study skills for adults, new programs and services, and distance education. And many important issues affecting adult students were raised. Briefly here are just a few of the issues discussed:

Variety of adult students Non-traditional students are less defined as a group: their age range is broad; they have many reasons for returning to school; some have families while others don't. And they usually have more needs, making them harder to serve.
Need more faculty participation We're beginning to see more adults programs and services, but more attention must still be given to preparing instructors to meet the needs of adult students.
Need for peer support It's more difficult for returning students to feel like they belong, but the isolation can be alleviated through peer mentoring, study groups, social events, support groups, student newsletters.
Lack of financial aid While some adult students get tuition credit from employers, many must pay their own way. Unfortunately, there are still limited resources for part-time students, a barrier that must be addressed by every institution serving adult students.
Lack of involvement Many students still don't know about services available to them. Even if they do, they often don't get involved. They may be too busy, they're often not on campus, or they don't think it will help.

But it's only as a group, working together, and working with faculty and administrators, that we can effect change. So check ANTSHE*** out. Or get together with your classmates and administrators to set up your own services. Whatever you do, get involved! As ANTSHE's tagline says: "Together we can make a difference!"

References:
* ANTSHE, NCES
*** http://www.antshe.org

NEW RESOURCES

Mind Mapping

Many adult learners swear by the technique known as "mind mapping" to help them study, develop essays, and spark their creativity. You'll find an introduction to this useful learning and thinking tool at the James Cook University (Australia) website: http://www.tsd.jcu.edu.au/netshare/learn/mindmap/
If you're interested in more in-depth study, the developer of the mind mapping concept, Tony Buzan, has published several books on the subject: The Mind Map Book, Use Both Sides of Your Brain, and Make the Most of Your Mind.
You can also purchase computer software that can guide you through the mapping process. Take a look at Inspiration Software. You can even download a 30-day free trial of the software. http://www.inspiration.com

SPOTLIGHT -- Iowa State University's We Can! Program http://www.ocass.iastate.edu

It's not easy returning to school. And it can be especially difficult for students with young children. There's little time and often little money. Sometimes you just need some quiet time or a chance to join a study group to prepare for your next big exam. Now more and more colleges are facilitating not just the study groups, but also the childcare needed to free your time.

A prime example of this type of program is the We Can! learning community at Iowa State University. Short for Women Exploring Careers, Academics, and Networks!, We Can! offers a progressive, adult-friendly environment for returning students. Although the services are most accessible to full-time resident students, they can ease the path of any adult student attending Iowa State University (including men, despite the name!).

We Can! helps students meet, study together, compare notes, share experiences - even relax. (We can do that, too, now and then!) Parents can coop childcare with each other. There are regular study nights and even a "Mom's Night Out" with free childcare services. Once a week the Single Parent Support Network (SPSN) meets for discussion and information exchange. There are informal exercise sessions several times a week; peer mentoring; and even a computer loan program for single mothers.

If you're not in Iowa, talk to your advisor, dean of students, or other students to find out if there are similar services in your school. If not, you just might want to get some started.

THE ADULT STUDENT CENTER

http://www.adultstudentcenter.com For more information, contact:
Norman Davies Group, Inc.
info@adultstudentcenter.com