This research was conducted to determine the difficulties faced by adult students in a
Midwest community college as they reenter a formal learning environment, after being absent
from an educational setting for a period of time. The intention was to identify the obstacles, and
fears encountered by adult students and use this information to assist instructors, faculty and
administration to better serve adult students.
To complete this study, a demographic survey was initially distributed to all students
enrolled at Terra Community College (TCC). Based on the survey responses, individuals were
chosen and invited to participate in a one on one interview.
The majority of participants agreed that time management was the biggest obstruction as
adult students. Many adult students have a difficult time balancing their various outside
responsibilities with school work.
Recommendations for working with adult students and suggestions for further study are
offered. Appendices include survey and interview questions, email correspondence to students,
letters of participation to students, budget, and calendar of events