Factors influencing adult learners’ satisfaction and retention

Abstract

RESEARCH QUESTIONS: 1) Do family responsibilities, and satisfaction influence adult learners’ retention in higher education? 2) Does satisfaction of academic student support services influence adult learners’ retention in higher education? 3) Do financial issues, and satisfaction influence adult learners’ retention in higher education? 4) Does satisfaction influence adult learners retention in higher education?

ABSTRACT: Internal and external environmental factors impact adult learners’ satisfaction and how this may influence their desire and ability to remain in higher education. Adult learners’ attrition in higher education impacts both the learner and academic institution. The study investigated the influence of family responsibilities, financial issues, and academic student support services on adult learners’ satisfaction and retention in tertiary education. Prior studies have suggested that each factor can be either a benefit or impediment to adult learners’ retention in higher education. This study explains the reason(s) for adult learners’ satisfaction and withdrawal from higher education and suggests how this phenomenon can be addressed.

Research participants were recruited from adult learners who are currently enrolled in tertiary education to complete a survey/questionnaire. Findings from this study showed that adult learners’ satisfaction and retention can be influenced by internal and external factors. The analysis showed that family responsibilities had a detrimental impact on adult learner’s satisfaction and retention. Whereas, financial issues had a positive influence on adult learners’ satisfaction; however, financial issues had a negative influence on retention. Also, academic student support services had a positive influence on adult learners’ satisfaction. Finally, satisfaction has a positive influence on adult learners’ decision to remain in higher education. However, the findings show that satisfaction is not the sole defining factor, as family responsibilities and financial issues can negatively impact on the ability of adult learners to complete their qualification.