Monday, January 25, 2010

Highlight a Program

The Commission of Accelerated Programs is a resource for higher education institutions concerning definitions and best practices. When I say "accelerated program," many people look at me in bewilderment. Raymond Wlodkowski (2003) defined accelerated learning programs as a structure for students to take less time than conventional (traditional, sometimes referred to as "Carnegie Hours") programs to attain university credits, certificates, or degrees. However, these programs hold to high standard of learning. They are designed to help the adult population who have fulltime jobs, yet need to further their education in order to obtain higher wage employment or personal fulfillment. These working adults cannot afford to quit their jobs in order to attend a higher education institution during the day, nor can they "afford" to take 10 years to complete a degree. Adult learners must have flexibility, convenience, and a quick way to earn a quality degree. The State of Louisiana recognized that issue and put together "A Center for Adult Learning in Louisiana". I recommend reading their booklet: "CALL: Investing in Louisiana's Adult Learners."
Perhaps, you will be inspired or you might gain an idea you can apply to your institution.

Wlodkowski, R. & Kasworm, C. (Eds.) (2003). Accelerated learning for adults: The promise and practice of intensive educational formats. New Directions for Adult and Continuing Education, 97. San Francisco: Jossey Bass.

No comments:

Post a Comment

Please post any comments