TOPIC AND RESEARCH QUESTIONS
IDENTIFYING LEARNER NEEDS AND
A RESEARCH PROBLEM — D300
PRFA — SZM2
Instructional Problem: An instructional problem that exists within this target audience
is lack of knowledge of resources, support systems, and academic pathways that are
available to them as returning adult learners. The information included within this
module could help adult learner who may be struggling with finding this information
that they need to access if they are considering returning to higher education after an
absence of five years or more.
• current state of knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs): The current state of
knowledge skills and abilities of this learner are the following:
• They have some knowledge of education
• They possess real life learning experiences
• desired state of KSAs: By the end of this module the adult students will be able to
articulate, explain and access the following information: The adult student will have
sufficient knowledge to navigate the many challenges that are often faced by adult
students returning to higher education. The adult student will have the ability to access
the knowledge and resources that are needed to transition back efficiently and
effectively into the world of adult learning. These areas of knowledge include:
1. Why do adults consider returning to higher education?
, 2. What challenges do returning adult learners often face when returning to school?
3. What types of schools/Programs are available to returning adult learners?
4. support that is available for returning adult students?
5. What financial aid resources are available for returning adult students?
• the gap or gaps between the current state and the desired state of KSAs: At the
beginning of this e-learning module, the student is unaware of what resources and
supports are available to
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