Abstract Book of the 9th International Conference on Research in Education
Year: 2025
DOI:
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Back to School, Again! The Experience of Working Adult Students at Kuwait University
Alanoud Alrashidi and Eissa Alansari
ABSTRACT:
The aim of this research was to explore the experience of working adult students at Kuwait University who returned to classrooms to continue their studies while having other responsibilities and roles. We conducted semi-structured interviews with a total of (37) working adult students at the College of Education, Kuwait University with a median age of (31.8) years old. Interviews were audio-recorded, and each lasted around (50) minutes. We used descriptive statistics and thematic analysis approach to analyze the data collected. Results showed that the participants’ main motive for returning to school was financial (n = 26, 70.3%). However, most female participants wanted to enroll in teaching profession to improve their incomes, while most males planned to continue in their current profession. Furthermore, results revealed that participants encountered several educational challenges such as: The shortage in offering evening classes (n = 34, 91.9%), technology-related learning requirements (n = 21, 56.8%), and the great reliance on written examinations (n = 19, 51.4%). Participants also encountered several social obstacles such as: Difficulties in making friendships with younger students (n = 35, 94.6%), difficulties in social adjustment (n = 28, 75.7%), and increased responsibilities toward their families (n = 26, 70.3%). The result of this research highlighted the importance of assessing the quality of education offered to working adult students in higher education institutions. Recommendations included: Offering academic and social support services, offering intensive weekend classes, and implementing online learning for working students.
keywords: adult education, college students, continuing education, lifelong learning