Post-pandemic education : a look at mature student enrolment at ITS

Abstract

Adult learners decide to apply at higher education institutions for various reasons, some of which are to change their career, increase their job opportunities, gain knowledge, achieve personal goals, increase their social circle, and/or have a sense of purpose or commitment (Tam, 2014; Swain and Hammond, 2011; Kember et al., 2008; Leger, 1996). Therefore, higher education institutions need to look at both the potential and the benefits brought by mature students. Mature students bring experience and knowledge of the real world. They are motivated to learn and tend to provide more commitment to their studies than younger students (Fragoso et al. 2013; Duay and Bryan, 2008; Leger, 1996). Tam (2014) also points out that adult learners approach learning differently. This means that looking into the reasons for continuing their education will allow the institution to provide better tailored courses to reach mature students since they have different strategies for learning, different motivations, and different learning needs. [excerpt]