ACHE 2014

This session will detail the experience in which problem based learning (PBL) was used in an online graduate program to connect global communities, professionals in the field, and students in an adult education program. It will detail the collaborative knowledge sharing and creation that occurred, with evidence to the final products and ongoing partnerships created and sustained (even after the course concluded) which have benefited the communities, learners, and collaborative stakeholders involved. The session will share storytelling from faculty, students, and collaborative partners and will discuss ways in which such adult collaborative learning models could be applied at other institutions.

While research demonstrates the positive and sustainable impact of Project-Based and Problem-Based Learning (PBL) on student retention, student learning outcomes, and student placement and career success following graduation (Weimer, 2009; Pawson, et al., 2006; Wilkerson, L. & Gijselaers, 1996; Major & Palmer, 2001), this model is applied primarily outside the United States and rarely used in the learning environment for which it is strongly suited – adult education. The integration of PBL uses real-world challenges from the field, in which adult education students work with external partners and collaborators, to consult on issues being faced in organizations, companies, and associations. This learning approach is ideal for adult, professional learners as it offers real life learning and the challenge of creating solutions for real organizations. It offers the external partner free consulting from our expert graduate students, and it establishes a connection to potential employers for our students as well. Furthermore, it exposes the university to new organizations, which could lead to new enrollments and potential funding sources and partnerships. The ACHE Home Office, Board of Directors, and Committee on Inclusiveness have directly benefited from past PBL partnerships with Adult Education master’s degree students at Park University.

Credit Programming
Online Programming
Post-traditional Students
Accelerated Programs

Program Directors
Faculty
Deans & Senior Administrators
Advisers
Other