Education Graduates' Post-Degree Learning Needs Study. SIDRU Research Report No. 18, May 1997.

Overview & Synopsis

The Education Graduates' Post-Degree Learning Needs Study, conducted in fall 1996 and winter 1997, examined the post-degree learning needs of faculty/college of education graduates. Research activities included a literature review, a written survey of education graduates, research in two university graduate classes, telephone interviews with education graduates, review of calendars from educational institutions, and interviews with individuals knowledgeable about distance education in Saskatchewan. Thirteen major findings include: (1) education graduates participate in learning activities for many reasons, with becoming more skilled at one's job, and personal growth and satisfaction topping the list; (2) education graduates participate in informal learning activities more frequently than they do in formal structured classes; (3) many individuals participate in learning activities for more than one reason (career and personal motivations are often interwoven); (4) for some individuals, learning is a major theme permeating all life choices; (5) lack of time is a major obstacle to participation in formal structured learning activities for most education graduates; and (6) time off with pay would be the most significant incentive that employers could offer to encourage post-degree learning. Four appendixes contain the survey; a coupon that appeared in the Saskatchewan Teachers' Federation Bulletin; data collection in graduate research classes at the universities; and the telephone interview script. (Contains approximately 105 references.) (SM)