Assessing the Educationally Related Needs of Adults PDF Download

Author: Sandra C. Grady
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Adult education
Languages : en
Pages : 53

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Book Description
The purpose of this study was to develop and test a practical, low cost approach to the needs assessment process, that would produce data to assist in planning programs and services for adults living in a newly established service area of a community college. Designed to encourage agency participation, the assessment was conducted in cooperation with Broward County's community college, and public school system. Methodology: A trained team of 25 community college and public school employees, and volunteers from the community completed the survey process within a two-week period. Respondents were interviewed by telephone, through the use of a questionnaire form designed to enable interviewers to: (1) read questions and record responses with speed and ease, and (2) code directly for data processing. Supportive materials were developed to assist the survey team. Results: The 385 survey interviews were most often conducted on weekdays, 5 P.M. to 9 P.M., with half (50.9 percent) of the respondents indicating educational interests and preferences. Selected data were presented by frequency distribution percentages, and cross-tabulations, according to five required information areas: 1. Personal Background Information. The sex and race of respondents were pre-determined according to quota sampling criteria. The age composition was comparable to data from 1970 U.S. Census Bureau reports, with the exception of the 60 and over age category which represented a 10 percent increase, or 36.9 percent of all respondents. 2. Current Occupational and Educational Status. Of those persons employed (46.5 percent), the services and retail trade areas were most evident. Over half the adults (53.5 percent), were not employed, and consisted primarily of retired persons and housewives. 3. Educational Program Interest and Goals. Interest centered in the non-credit, continuing education program area (29.6 percent), with emphasis on cultural enrichment, recreation and leisure time, or two-year college transfer program (10.9 percent) in the areas of liberal arts, law, art, and engineering. 4. Preferred Conditions for Learning. Respondents preferred programs and services that employed a lecture or group discussion method held in the morning, 9 A.M. to noon, or evening, 5 P.M. to 9 P.M., for two hours, twice a week, for eight weeks, at a community college, or an adult or vocational center. 5. Perceived Barriers to Programs and Services. Nearly four out of ten adults reported barriers. The most significant problems expressed were job responsibilities, lack of time, child care, poor health, and lack of transportation.