Increased Interest in Adult Learners and Higher Education

Following President Obama’s challenge, postsecondary institutions around the country are focusing on increasing the number of people who hold postsecondary degrees and credentials.  At CAEL these days we’re especially aware of the interest in helping adults achieve their educational goals when we look at the registration numbers for our 2011 annual international conference.   The conference, held from November 9-11 in Chicago, has attracted record numbers of participants – testimony to the importance of adult learners in higher education.   This year about 550 conference attendees can choose from workshops and roundtables that address issues particularly relevant to the adult learner:  attracting and retaining adult learners, prior learning assessment, accelerated learning programs, adults in the workforce, and new directions in adult learning.  Taking home the ideas  and knowledge gained at the conference, participants will be better equipped to help meet the president’s goal for the U.S., postsecondary institutions, and our citizens.