Designing and Implementing a Qualitative Evaluation Protocol for Non-Credit Life Long Learning Programs 1

Authors

Dennis L. McElhoe, Purdue UniversityFollow
George Kamberelis, University of Albany
Jerry L. Peters, Purdue University

Abstract

This study was undertaken to determine whether an evaluation model employing multiple methods of data collection and analysis might yield more useful information for improving lifelong learning courses than existing models. Major findings included: (1) learning satisfaction appears to be dependent on the instructional environment adults may be most comfortable with and; (2) the confidence gained in using computers, rather than skills acquisition, was the greatest benefit students derived from their participation. Findings from this study suggest the value of mixed methods evaluation designs for generating information that is useful for improving lifelong learning courses. Findings also suggest the need for much more research in this domain of inquiry.

Keywords

Non- credit Life Long Learning Programs, Mixed Methods Evaluation, Adult Learners, and Student Satisfaction

Publication Date

3-1-2006

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 4.0 International License.

DOI

10.46743/2160-3715/2006.1687

Recommended APA Citation

McElhoe, D. L., Kamberelis, G., & Peters, J. L. (2006). Designing and Implementing a Qualitative Evaluation Protocol for Non-Credit Life Long Learning Programs 1. The Qualitative Report, 11(1), 113-137. https://doi.org/10.46743/2160-3715/2006.1687