A Conceptual Model for Meeting the Needs of Adult Learners in Distance Education

More than 40% of undergraduate students are 24 years of age or older [1], and over half of these students are enrolled in distance education [2]. Yet, adults do not fare as well as traditional-aged college students who are four times as likely to graduate [3]. Understanding the needs of the adult learner in distance education is important for improving their experience and outcomes. By combining cognitive, social, and emotional factors, sensitive to the impact of context, we can develop programming that meets the needs of the whole learner. Drawing from the science of learning, I will outline the components of my conceptual model for meeting the needs of adult learners in distance education. There is a diverse body of evidence-based instructional practices to support each of the factors in this model, but additional research may show significant interaction effects that may be especially beneficial for adult learners in distance education.