Demystifying Educational Resilience: Barriers of Bahamian Nontraditional Adult Learners in Higher Education

Overview & Synopsis

Within the past 30 years, the number of nontraditional learners who pursue higher education has increased. This gravitation to higher education can be attributed to the changing value of the nontraditional learner regarding higher education as a direct link to improving the quality of employment, family, and financial stability. Despite the desire to obtain higher education, nontraditional learners are faced with a myriad of challenges that can delay or hinder the higher education journey. This qualitative study was conducted on this premise and explored the perceived barriers and possible strategies of 100 nontraditional adult learners in the Bahamas pursuing or attempting to pursue higher education. The study revealed numerous barriers the nontraditional adult learner encounters and provides practical guidance on how to overcome them. The study has implications for prospective and current nontraditional adult learners, adult educators, and higher education program designers and developers.