Tag: university

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Adult learning and recognition of prior learning: The “white elephant” in Australian universities

Author: Tricia A Fox, Faculty of Education, Queensland University of Technology

Edition: Volume 45, Number 3, November 2005

Summary:  Adult learners are being attracted to university programs based on the granting of either academic credit or the recognition of prior learning (RPL). Typically, this attraction is being aligned to fast-tracking degree attainment or student cost effectiveness. It appears from the literature that there are varied interpretations and application of RPL within Australian universities. This can be problematic for adult learners with diverse experiences and expectations. Given the uniqueness of university learning, the future political changes to occur in Australian universities, and the problems with RPL that adult learners experience in university learning, it is timely for Australian universities to establish RPL practices that are transparent and consistent.

Keywords: RPL, university, adult learners

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Time, money, leisure and guilt – the gendered challenges of higher education for mature-age students

Author: Cathy Stone: Open Universities Australia and The University of Newcastle, Australia

Edition: Volume 53, Number 1, April 2013

Summary: Two qualitative research projects examined the impact of university study on two cohorts of mature-age students at a regional university in Australia. All the students interviewed had entered university via non-traditional pathways and had faced significant hurdles in gaining university entrance and continuing with their studies. The influence of gender on their experiences of managing home, family and work responsibilities in combination with their responsibilities as students is examined. Issues such as lack of time and money, self-sacrifice and guilt emerged strongly from the stories of these students as they struggled to manage their multiple responsibilities. The gendered nature of these struggles is explored.

Keywords: university, mature-age, regional, non-traditional, pathway, student, hurdle

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This article is part of AJAL, Volume 53_1. The entire volume is available in .pdf for purchase here.