Examining Enrollment Decisions and Life Challenges of Adult Learners in Engineering Technology

• In Event: 54.054 - Transition Factors Bridging Secondary and Postsecondary Career and Technical Education

Abstract

The majority of students completing engineering technology coursework, certifications, and AS/AAS degree programs within two-year colleges are adults with complex lives. They have to balance an array of challenges including health, children, and work. These school-work-life challenges can be informed by a body of knowledge related to adult decision-making patterns. The purpose of this roundtable discussion will be to discuss the development of an instrument to identify characteristics of engineering technology community college students, their academic pathways, career goals, and school-work-life balance issues that impact their decisions to enroll in courses, return for further engineering technology coursework, and/or pursue a certificate or degree.

Authors

• Edward Charles Fletcher, University of South Florida

• Will Tyson, University of South Florida