Student Support
Conduct Outreach
Outreach activities should also be carried out in a way that addresses the time constraints and other barriers facing adults. The outreach and recruitment process should not just be about drumming up interest in the education and training program. In addition to being a marketing activity for the program itself, recruitment activities should also convey the overall benefits of education. Orientation sessions with groups of individuals can furthermore be useful opportunities to give a wide range of program information that will help students make thoughtful decisions about their participation and to come into the program with realistic goals. Conveying as much information as possible prior to enrollment will help to minimize any misunderstandings about the extent of the commitment required, which will help with retention later in the process (Wonacott, 2001). Also, understanding their own skill levels (as measured during the assessment process) in the context of what is needed for the program will help individual learners understand their own readiness for learning.
Addressing time constraints may mean taking outreach and enrollment activities (including ad campaigns and information sessions) to the places where adults live and work, rather than expecting adult to come to the program’s location. Offering program and enrollment information online is also an important outreach strategy (Flint & Associates, 1999).