Adult Learner Characteristics among Graduate Education Students: Comparison by Academic Discipline.

A study was conducted to identify to what extent graduate students report exhibiting characteristics of adult learning theory and to compare these characteristics based on current work environment. Of the 90 graduate students who participated, 55 were majors in the Educational Leadership Program, a graduate experience that presented the theory and skills necessary for effective administration within the context of elementary and secondary education institutions; 35 were majors in the Higher Education Administration Program, an experience designed for those who work in higher education institutions, adult education agencies, and community colleges. Respondents were asked to rate their level of agreement with 10 items constituting adult learning chal.--..:cristics. Only 2 of the 10 characteristics of adult learning were significantly different according to academic discipline Therefore, student mindsets might be more similar than faculty, administrators, or students initially perceived. A surprising result was the difference between the educational leadership and higher education students regarding their views on active learning. The educational leadership students who perceived a greater need for active learning were K-12 teachers preparing for principalships in public schools. Another difference was the indication that educational leadership students showed a greater need for immediacy. (Contains 16 references.) (YLB) ******************************************************************************** Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document. ********************************************************************************