Virtual learning environments have become prevalent in the workplace to improve talent development. However, because there are so many different types of design options, not all learners are finding success in the virtual learning environment. This mismatch can negatively impact employees' motivation and learning outcomes. The purpose of this study was to explore how design features of a virtual learning environment impacted adult learners' motivation in the workplace. Constructivist and self-determination theories were used as theoretical frameworks. The research question in this study explored how social and external contextual factors influence an adult learner's motivation to learn in a virtual learning environment. A qualitative case study was used to explore the data collected from 8 federal employees who used a virtual learning environment for professional development. Data were collected from interviews, surveys, and direct observations and analyzed using inductive coding to determined patterns and themes for study. The results from the study indicated the participants viewed visual learning, learner control, ease of use, technical competence, instructor support, and technical support as critical factors that must be addressed when using a virtual learning environment to improve talent development. The findings from the study can provide insights that could be used by training developers for how to design virtual learning environments to provide a positive environment. The social change impact will be to improve the virtual learning environments for the federal workforce to improve motivation and create a culture of talent development for individual growth and organizational capabilities.

The retention of adult learners in rural educational settings throughout the United States is challenging for adult education instructors. Adult learners in rural areas encounter internal and external barriers, including lack of self-efficacy and minimal transportation. Research exists regarding the retention of adult learners, but little is known about the barriers to persistence among adult learners in rural areas, or the motivations experienced by students and instructors. The purpose of this qualitative case study was to identify perceived barriers to retention at a rural adult learning center in Georgia and to provide suggestions to improve adult education and literacy initiatives. Knowles' theory of andragogy was used to guide this investigation. The research questions examined instructors' and students' perceived and experienced barriers, motivations, and recommendations for better strategies. Responses were recorded from semistructured interviews with 3 instructors and 9 adult students who represented the various levels of Adult Basic Education or General Educational Development within the rural setting. Data were coded and sorted by themes using inductive thematic analysis. The participants' detailed narratives indicated that situational hardships were a perceived barrier and personal investment was a motivator. Based on participants' recommendations to improve time management and incorporate technology-based instruction, a professional development training program for learning center instructors was created. The training may promote positive social change by providing research based techniques, which may increase retention and graduation rates at the local site.

MyMathLab, an online interactive and educational system by Pearson Publisher, was implemented in 2 lower-level, traditional in-seat algebra courses to provide supplemental, instructional support to students in the fall of 2015 at the college under study. After the first year of use, no significant change in student success was reported, although more students passed intermediate algebra without first taking elementary algebra. The problem addressed in this study was that student results suggested there might be benefits to using MyMathLab that should be investigated. Knowles' theory of andragogy was used in this qualitative case study to gather perceptions of 7 2016-2017 faculty selected through stratified purposeful sampling. The research questions explored the benefits and challenges of using MyMathLab to support students in understanding math concepts and the effect on classroom time for instruction. The 3 major themes that resulted from analysis of the data collected through semistructured interviews were additional practice, immediate feedback, and ownership. Student data were used to triangulate and substantiate the findings. The resulting project was a professional development program for faculty using available resources in MyMathLab. Formative and summative evaluations were recommended to collect feedback from participants. The project contributes to positive social change by increasing faculty confidence in using the product to improve student success and increase student graduation rates. The findings of this study may also contribute to positive social change by supporting existing results from previous studies on the use of digital technology in traditional, in-seat math courses.

The number of adult learners has grown significantly since World War II, and workplace environments have expanded to embrace many new areas of expertise and knowledge. The expectations of these learners in terms of the courses offered by career universities have become increasingly diverse. University personnel need to find ways that optimize and align courses offered with those expectations. The purpose of this correlational study was to understand the relationships between outcome variables in adult education programs and students' perceptions of the quality of their educational programs. Five historically tracked variables were examined: program GPA, job placement rate, program completion rate, Net Promoter Scores, and student satisfaction. The study was underpinned by 3 andragogical areas as understood through the lenses of Mezirow and Knowles: adult student perceptions of educational experiences (as measured through student-completed evaluations), adult learner motivation, and content and curriculum design. The research question addressed relationships between and among the 5 variables for each of the 14 specialized MBA programs at a career university in the northwestern United States. Data for 400 adult students from the years 2008 to 2014 were used. Spearman's Rho correlations revealed no consistently significant relationships between the variables. Other metrics may be more useful to assess the overall effectiveness of programs. Possible future research can explore different variables so that university staff will have better data to address the demands of adult students, which will contribute to their educational and social wellbeing and to the needs of their present and future employers.

A need exists to gain a better understanding of how the online learning environment found in higher education is perceived by students of color. The research completed for this dissertation explored student participation in the online learning environment in higher education by examining the observations and perceptions of students of color. Along the way, the process of the research journey drew attention to the lack of inclusion of students of color in the literature and data collected about online learning, and pointed to the existence of the digital divide and its impact on graduate students of color and their participation in online learning. In this study, no significant relationships were found in the examination of the nature of the relationship between ethnicity and the variables of gender, age, and self-reported computer experience. The online learning environment was not conclusively found to be an environment where opinions or critiques could be expressed more easily than in a face to face classroom, and the importance to students of having the opportunity to challenge white norms in the online learning environment was not found to be significant. Advice is offered from students and instructors of color providing examples of ways in which an online course environment may more fully consider the voices and experiences of persons of color.

This research was in the area of self-directed learning, largely resulting from the researcher's experience with it whilst in Australia. However, the intent of this study was to consider factors which would affect the implementation of self-directed learning principles into the Philippine context. Education in the Philippines can be described as primarily engaged in the transmission of knowledge. The structure and culture of education in the Philippines is one that largely supports a teacher-directed learning environment. Students are conditioned to be dependent on teachers and are used to studying with the security of a clear structural plan with very limited opportunities to apply self-directed learning principles. This approach to education produces static knowledge and denies the expression and cultivation of the learner. Hence, there is a need to promote self-directed learning as part of the curriculum. In attempting to introduce self-directed learning (SDL) in the Philippines, it is important to analyse student and instructor characteristics which could influence the extent to which it is applied in the undergraduate university curriculum. This research project gathers in-depth information on the conduciveness of integrating self-directed learning in the undergraduate curriculum of De La Salle University (DLSU) in the Philippines. This exploratory study aimed to respond to the statement "What is the level of readiness for self-directed learning of undergraduate students from De La Salle University? What are the student's perceptions of education, their role in the educational process, the role of peers and the role of their instructors? What is the instructor's education orientation? What are the perception of instructors on the purpose of education, the nature of learners, characteristics of learning experiences, management of learning experiences, evaluation and the relationship between the educators and learners and between learners themselves? Are these perceptions similar and would it be possible to introduce self-directed learning principles to an undergraduate curriculum for traditional students in De La Salle University?" The response to these questions could be used in determining whether self-directed learning principles could in fact be applied in the Philippines, as well as determine the appropriate balance of pedagogical and andragogical instruction techniques. Twenty-three instructors and one hundred students from De La Salle University in the Philippines participated in the study. Instructors completed the Educational Orientation Questionnaire and students completed the Self-Directed Learning Readiness Survey. Follow up intewiews were also conducted to confirm findings resulting from the survey. Findings indicate that instructors have an orientation that is a combination of both pedagogical and andragogical techniques and that students perceive themselves as having self-directed learning readiness. As a number of learning situations already utilise andragogical and self-directed learning principles, the challenge is to promote and encourage SDL and implement it on a wider scope. Some recommendations have been included in this research on how to implement it in De La Salle University.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess certified athletic trainers' knowledge acquisition, knowledge retention, and satisfaction, following a continuing professional education (CPE) program offered in either a traditional, lecture-oriented format or an interactive format addressing adult learning strategy preferences. Design: We used a pre-test, post-test experimental design with comparison groups utilizing stratified randomization. Setting: The CPE program was held in the University wellness center classrooms. Subjects: Forty-six certified athletic trainers participated. Measurements: After determination of learning strategy preferences, a 30 item multiple-choice exam was administered prior to, immediately after, and one-month following the CPE program to determine level of knowledge acquisition and retention. Participant self-reported level of satisfaction was assessed with a questionnaire immediately following the CPE program. Results: A significant main effect for treatment (F2,70 = 6.02, p < 0.004) was observed indicating that subjects in the lecture format CPE program acquired and retained more knowledge than subjects in the interactive format regardless of learning strategy preference. There was no significant loss in knowledge observed one-month following the CPE program regardless of learning strategy preference or treatment (lecture or interactive CPE format). No significant differences in level of satisfaction by treatment (lecture or interactive CPE format) or by learning strategy preference (navigators, problem-solvers, or navigators) were noted; however, 13 (28.3%) reported an excellent level of satisfaction (mean satisfaction score of 4.0) and 31 (67.4%) reported an above average level of satisfaction (mean satisfaction scores of 3.0 to 3.88). Conclusions: Our data indicate that lecture format CPE programs may be optimal for knowledge acquisition and retention, independent of learning strategy preference. Knowledge retention did not decrease regardless of learning strategy preference or CPE format and actually demonstrated a further increase using the lecture format. Although our data suggest that participant satisfaction is independent of learning strategy preference and CPE format, the homogeneity of responses made it difficult to detect any relationship with regard to learning style preference and satisfaction.

This qualitative study examined the perceived barriers to the principalship by prepared principal candidates as a means of understanding why some candidates are unsuccessful in acquiring a principalship. The use of a questionnaire, interviews, and reflection postcards served as the data collection methods concerning their lack of success in achieving a principal position. Portraitures were used to illuminate the journey of these candidates as they completed the necessary requirements, developed the skill vital to becoming a principal, and interviewed for prospective openings. The findings revealed that the barrier to the principalship for these candidates is their own lack of awareness regarding who they are and what they know as it pertains to the principalship and their lack of self reflection and self correction skills. Implications for further study include, a study of principal candidates who have acquired principalship after a significant length of time and their perceptions of what corrections they made that advanced their career; comparison study of the preparation experiences of principal candidates who were successful in getting a principalship in contrast to principal candidates who were unable to advance to the role; and a repeat of this study using male candidates.

Studijų kontekste ryškus nuolatinis studijų kokybės užtikrinimas, kurių viena reikšmingų sudedamųjų dalių – studijų kokybės vertinimas. Vienas iš pagrindinių tikslų yra suaugusiųjų mokymo kokybės užtikrinimas, nes dėl prastos kokybės suaugusiųjų mokymo paslaugų sulaukiama menkų mokymosi rezultatų. Nors itin plačiai diskutuojama studijų kokybės klausimais tačiau stokojama platesnių mokslinių diskusijų andragogų rengimo kokybės parametrų modeliavimo aspektu. Būtina aprūpinti darbo rinką profesionaliai parengtais andragogais, kurie gebėtų teikti kokybiškas švietimo paslaugas, o jų poreikis yra didelis. Mokslinė problema - kokie aukštojo mokslo kokybės parametrai laiduoja sėkmingą andragogo profesionalo rengimą? Tyrimo tikslas - teoriškai išanalizuoti ir empiriškai pagrįsti andragogų rengimo kokybės parametrus modeliavimo aspektu. Tyrimo objektas - Andragogų rengimo kokybės parametrai. Tyrimo uždaviniai: • Atlikti teorinę analizę aukštojo mokslo, andragogų rengimo kokybės modeliavimo aspektu. • Išanalizuoti švietimo dokumentus (europiniu, nacionaliniu instituciniu lygmenimis) andragogų rengimo kokybės klausimais. • Atlikti andragogų bakalaurų rengimo kokybės KU TSI analizę. • Ištirti besimokančiųjų ir baigusių studijas požiūrį į andragogų rengimo kokybę Tyrimo metodai: teorinė analizė, modeliavimas, dokumentų analizė, atvejo analizė, ilgalaikis stebėjimas, dokumentų analizė, pokalbis, anketavimas. Apibendrinta teorinio ir empirinio tyrimo analizė patvirtino tyrimo hipotezę -... [toliau žr. visą tekstą] / Studies in the context of striking a continuous study of quality assurance, with one significant components - Studies quality assessment. One of the main objectives of adult education quality assurance, because the poor quality of adult learning leads to poor learning outcomes. Although the widely-discussed study quality issues but lack the broader scientific debate andragogues training quality parametric modeling aspect. It is necessary to supply the labor market professionally prepared andragogues who are able to provide a quality education, and the need for them is great. The scientific problem - what higher education quality parameters ensures the successful andragogue professional preparation? The aim - to analyze theoretically and empirically based andragogues training aspect of quality parameters. The object of investigation - Andragogs training quality settings. Objectives of the study: • To perform a theoretical analysis of the higher education and training andragogues quality modeling perspective. • Analyze the educational documents (European, national institutional levels) andragogues training on quality issues. • Perform quality andragogues undergraduate training at KU TSI analysis. • Investigate and trainees who have completed their studies approach to training quality andragogues. Research methods: a theoretical analysis, simulation, analysis of documents, case studies, long-term observation, document analysis, interviews, questionnaires. Summary of... [to full text]

abstract: ABSTRACT Professional Development (PD) is an important tool in the field of education. Successful PD programs are those that include adult learning methods and opportunities for experiential learning and discussion. The university where this action research was conducted does not offer formal training to adjunct instructors. The adjunct instructors are hired based primarily on their content knowledge. This research was conducted to understand, if the application of a blended training model for adjuncts influences the adjunct's perception of meeting their student's educational needs and the student's perception that their personal education needs are met. The blended learning included the delivery of a framework that incorporated Andragogy, Content Knowledge and Technology (ACKT). The purpose of the ACKT framework is to supplement adjunct's content knowledge expertise with adult learning methods and technology. The effectiveness of the framework was measured by using a quasi-experimental, pre to post intervention assessment. The treatment group and control group each contained twenty-two adjunct instructors from the university. The treatment group received training on the framework prior to commencing the class and participated in two focus groups during the semester. In addition, the treatment group was observed teaching in their classroom. The control group did not receive training, or participate in focus groups; however they were observed teaching in their classroom. The results of the action research showed significant improvement for the adjunct instructors in the treatment group. Specifically, knowledge of and application of andragogy showed a large improvement. In addition, the social influence of the adjuncts in the treatment group showed a large improvement. Less significant was the improvement in the efficacy of the students in the treatment group classes compared to those in the control group classes. However, the data suggests that the students in the treatment group better applied the content learned and they were more aware of other's educational needs than their peers in the control group. The study supports the need for adjunct instructor PD. Through a PD program adjunct instructors increase their own efficacy and this improvement translates into increased content transfer for the students in the classroom. Based on the strong evidence for adjunct instructor improvement this research will continue by expanding the blended learning model to more of the adjunct instructors at the university, and continuing to evaluate the effectiveness of the model in meeting student's educational needs. / Dissertation/Thesis / Ed.D. Leadership and Innovation 2012