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ERIC Number: EJ932717
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2011
Pages: 9
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0737-7363
EISSN: N/A
From Consideration to Commitment: Factors in Adults' Decisions to Enroll in a Higher Education Degree Program
Stein, David S.; Wanstreet, Constance; Trinko, Lynn A.
Journal of Continuing Higher Education, v59 n2 p68-76 2011
This study identified factors associated with the decision to enroll in a higher education degree program. In the context of predicting enrollment in a workforce development credentialing program, this study identified six variables that are strongly related to the likelihood to enroll: time out of school; possibilities for intellectual, personal, and career opportunities; institutional support; synchronizing learning and earning; reflective learner; and match with an academic reputation. Results suggest that enrollment is the result of an interaction among situational, occupational, and institutional factors rather than primarily a desire or need to acquire knowledge as a commodity. The decision to enroll in a long-term commitment is a negotiated activity in which self-interests are balanced among various other interests, including the employer, family, friends, and identity as a learner. This study contributes to the literature by suggesting that time out of school is strongly related to the decision to enroll. (Contains 1 table and 2 figures.)
Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 325 Chestnut Street Suite 800, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Fax: 215-625-2940; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Adult Education; Higher Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A