Demographic Trends

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Critical Issues and Trends in Adult Education and Training AET/510 Demographic Trends Paper March 16, 2009 Introduction Today's workplace is one of growing uncertainty for an increasing number of professionals as pressures from technology and globalization influence economic change at an escalating rate (Zepeda, 2004). Working adults are taking advantage opportunities to assess their personal and professional goals, including their career potential, either voluntarily due to job dissatisfaction or instability, or because they're forced to due to job elimination. In fact, a recent survey of more than 6,000 adult professionals conducted by University of Phoenix found that nearly…show more content…
A career change may also be a result of external pressure, such as a lay-off or termination. Whatever the circumstances, thinking about the next career move can be both stressful and energizing. As working adults begin the "re-careering" process, a common first step is higher education. In fact, 71 percent of adults considering a career change believe that education will play a role in their career paths; 84 percent agree that education is important in achieving their future professional goals (Zepeda, 2004). Experienced professionals are returning to the classroom not only to acquire knowledge, but also to seek interaction with other working adults and discuss how theories are applied in the business world. As a result, schools are selecting faculty from local corporations based on their experience, teaching abilities and status as industry leaders (Zepeda, 2004). Higher learning institutions are making note of the re-careering trend and are catering specifically to working adults by providing flexible scheduling (evening, weekend and online classes), embracing new technologies and providing rigorous degree programs centered on professional…show more content…
Organizations that seek to meet that demand will need to develop well-thought out plans to ensure long term growth and stability. They will need to tap into the wealth and expertise of their clientele and help create learning communities in which participants play active roles as both learners and decision makers (Zepeda, 2004). When older adult education becomes a large enough business, it will generate sufficient funds to afford more professionally trained administrative staff and to establish training programs for facilitators of older adult education. Eventually, the concept of lifelong learning will embrace a continuum of learners from youth to old age, and the idea of lifelong education will become an accepted part of American

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