The Nontraditional Learner’S Guide to Success: Creating an Informal Support Network

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© 2011, 2014 R. Lee Viar IV, PhD. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse   05/05/2014

ISBN: 978-1-4567-6228-5 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4567-6230-8 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-4567-6229-2 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2011907932

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Contents

Preface

Acknowledgments

About the Author

Chapter 1 - Challenges of a Nontraditional Learner

Experiences

Chapter 2 - Educational Situation

Questions Asked of the Nontraditional Learners

Glossary of Terms

The Participants and the Process

Chapter 3 - Is This Really Me?

Bowen Family Systems Theory

The Olson Circumplex Model

Chapter 4 - Research Participants

Participant Profiles

The Presence of an Informal Support Network

How the Presence of the Informal Support Network Impacted the Women

How the Presence of the Informal Support Network Impacted the Men

Impact of Support from a Husband/Wife Perspective

Chapter 5 - Themes and Sub-themes

Theme 1: Participants Experienced their Informal Support Network As Having an Expandable Boundary

Theme 2: Participants Experienced Their Informal Support Network As Varying in Strength and Influence

Theme 3: Participants Experienced Their Informal Support Network as Having the Capacity to Magnify the Qualities for Success They Already Possessed

Theme 4: Participants Experienced Their Informal Support Network as Having the Ability to Expand Their Capacity to Meet the Many Challenges Faced

Theme 5: Participants Experienced Their Informal Support Network as an Evolutionary Process Throughout the Educational Journey

Chapter 6 - Conclusion or…Just the Beginning?

Nontraditional Learner Reference Guide

Summary

References

I thank God for all the strength and blessings that he has bestowed upon me to have given me the opportunity to reach this point in my life and to be able to share what I believe will help others. Without Him nothing would be possible. This book is dedicated to my family who was, and continues to be, a true inspiration to me in all of my endeavors. The chain of love as I call it begins at the top with my grandparents; the late M. Loraine and George P. Rung Sr., my aunts and uncles, Walter L. and the late Andrea Rung, the late Diane R. Mickle, Therese R. and Wolf Kutter, Angela L. Rung, George P. and Lee Ann Rung Jr., Edward J. Rung, Monica R. and Donald Murray, Joseph M. Rung, and Alesia R. and Paul Carey, and of course, my loving and long supportive parents; Roy L. and Elizabeth R. Viar III. The source of my motivation and energy is my children: Alexis, Robertson, Ashley, Loraine, and Justin, the true lights of my life. And my source of love and laughter, my soul mate and best friend, my wife, Lori, the living embodiment of behind every good man is a good woman is verified in her. Thank you all and God Bless!

Preface

Let us think of education as a means of developing our greatest abilities, because in each of us there is a private hope and dream which, fulfilled, can be translated into benefit for everyone and greater strength for our nation.

~John F. Kennedy

This book investigates the influence of an informal support network on the growing population of nontraditional learners and explores the implications of this support network for learner persistence and success. Obviously, the end objective is success for the nontraditional learner. Success can be defined in many different ways and can mean a multitude of different things to each individual. This success can manifest itself in the form of an intrinsic motivational purpose, for career advancement or continuing education. Whatever the reason, education is a precious gift and degree attainment should be encouraged, regardless of the learner’s stage of life.

Who should read this book? Nontraditional learners, instructors of nontraditional learners, the support networks, and the nontraditional learners’ mentors, as well as, counselors who are working with adult learners, will benefit from the insights provided herein. In addition, it is my sincerest hope that this book can act as a guide to assist working adult learners who enter institutions of advanced learning later in life to achieve their goal of earning a degree.

What’s inside of this book? The first chapter of this book establishes a theoretical foundation based on an examination of current trends in education in general. The experiences of the nontraditional learner, both positive and negative, are introduced. The chapter concludes with a discussion of challenges facing the nontraditional learner as they pursue their college education. The context for the book is established in this chapter.

In Chapter Two the current education situation is examined, more specifically, the enrollment and graduation rate of nontraditional learners in higher education. Later in the chapter, I introduce the research methodology that was used and the type of information that was gleaned from my study. A list of questions that eventually became the framework for my study is also discussed. Lastly, a glossary of terms is provided to avoid any confusion with the context of the terms used throughout the text.

Chapters Three and Four focus on the nontraditional learner and the participants of the study. Chapter Three identifies some of the characteristics of the nontraditional learner. A nontraditional learner reading this book can conduct a mini-assessment to determine if they have similar characteristics. Although the experiences of the nontraditional learners presented within this book vary in relation to the types of support received, situations surrounding their experiences, and the informal support networks themselves are commonly shared among other nontraditional learners. Chapter Three helps to highlight some of these commonalities so that the nontraditional learner reading this book can identify with the experience and determine what they need to do to succeed, and whether they will be successful in their educational journey.

Chapter Four provides a more in-depth profile of the nontraditional learners who shared their experiences with me during the writing of this book. Later in this chapter, the presence of an informal support network is established. In addition, the impact of the presence of an informal support network on both the male and female nontraditional learners is discussed. An analysis of the themes and subthemes that were uncovered in my discussion with the nontraditional learners is provided. The chapter closes with an in-depth look at each of the individual themes as they relate to the experiences of each learner.

In Chapter Five, the results of my research, interviews, and personal experiences are compiled to establish the significance of the study. I conclude in Chapter Six by creating recommendations to help the nontraditional learner to be able to develop the characteristics needed to succeed and overcome the challenges that they will face as they pursue their education.

Acknowledgments

The author wishes to acknowledge the people and organizations whose information was invaluable and provided the inspiration to keep writing.

To Dr. John Creswell, for his time and guidance in assisting me to complete the research for this endeavor. To Dr. Gordon Graham, a very special thank you, a student could not ask for a more supportive and motivational mentor than this wonderful man. Drs. Victor Klimoski and David Balch; without whose help, insight, and professional guidance, this would not have been possible. Also, Reverend Michael Jendrek, Father Mike who has been a dear friend and spiritual advisor throughout some wonderful and difficult times.

To the nontraditional learners who dedicated their time and shared their experiences so that others may be successful in their educational endeavors and without whose contributions this manuscript would never have been completed.

To the Association of Nontraditional Students in Higher Education and U.S. Department of Education for providing valuable research and reliable information that helped to support my work.

To all of my instructors throughout my academic journey whom I was able to gain invaluable knowledge and understanding that enabled me to reach this point.

I would also like to thank the external reviewers who gave their time and expertise in providing invaluable feedback in previous drafts. Thank you all and God Bless!

About the Author

Dr. R. Lee Viar IV earned a PhD in Post-Secondary Adult Education and Training, MBA, and is currently pursuing a second PhD in Organization and Management. He is a Certified Postsecondary Instructor and published author with over ten years of university teaching experience at both undergraduate and graduate levels. As an adjunct professor, he instructs approximately sixty-six online courses each year at various universities, including traditional universities that offer